Private Project

Journal of a Hoop Laureate

Journal of a Hoop Laureate is a lyrical short film that follows a young woman's soulful study through the transformative realm of basketball. Blending poetic narration with striking visuals and a rhythmic musical score, the film unfolds as a soulful exploration of loss, renewal, and the art of embracing one’s inner light.

  • Desmond Smith
    Director
  • Asante Benjamin
    Writer
  • Asante Benjamin
    Key Cast
    "Herself"
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 23 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 28, 2025
  • Country of Origin:
    United States, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    Mexico
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16.9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Desmond Smith

Dez Smith, an alumni of the 2024 Sports Business Classroom's Media/Broadcast cohort. He is passionate about blending his love for basketball with his love of storytelling. His time at SBC provided him with invaluable insights into the sports media landscape, igniting a vision to present basketball narratives that transcend the conventional. This vision materialized as The High Post, a pioneering streaming platform dedicated to showcasing unique stories and perspectives from the basketball world, extending beyond the NBA.

As both an artist and broadcaster, Dez finds profound fulfillment in crafting meaningful connections and articulating emotions through his work. He believes that when art and media are approached with genuine interest & passion, the pursuit of profit becomes secondary, allowing authentic storytelling to flourish. The experience laid by the Sports Business Classroom continues to inspire Dez's journey, and he is eager to share this special production from The High Post.

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Director Statement


Journal of a Hoop Laureate is a deeply personal exploration of my wife's journey through loss, rebirth, and transformation, encapsulated within the world of basketball. Witnessing her navigate these profound experiences inspired me to craft a narrative that allows viewers to traverse the spectrum of emotions she encountered over the years, distilled into a ten-minute cinematic experience.

In this film, I sought to portray basketball not as a competitive sport or a commercial enterprise, but as a deeply personal, reflective, and meditative practice.

Through poetic narration, original visuals, and a rhythmic musical score, my aim was to immerse the audience in a contemplative atmosphere that mirrors the introspective nature of this journey. By stripping away the external pressures of competition and profit, the film invites viewers to witness the intimate dance between the individual and the game—a dance of vulnerability, strength, and ultimately, transformation.