Bio
Arthur "Man" Agee, Jr. (born October 22, 1972) is one of two Chicago-area high school basketball players whose lives were chronicled in the 1994 Kartemquin Films documentary, Hoop Dreams
Agee is the second child and first son of Arthur "Bo" Agee Sr. and Sheila Agee. During his younger years he lived in a north side Chicago area near where the other star of Hoop Dreams, William Gates, lived.
The Movie
By the time the movie began filming, the Agees had moved to the West Garfield Park neighborhood, which would remain Agee's home until his graduation. Upon graduation from grammar school in 1987, he was discovered by part-time, unofficial talent scout Earl Smith. Smith convinced the Agees to send Arthur to St. Joseph's High School, a private, predominantly white suburban school. St. Joseph's is the same school that Arthur's childhood hero, Isiah Thomas, attended. Because the school was an hour and half from his home, Arthur had to wake up at around 5:30 AM daily and take the train and buses to reach his destination.
Challenges
Early on in his high school career, when his parents were unable to keep up with the school's tuition payments, Agee left St. Joseph's and instead attended John Marshall High School, an inner-city school. In his senior year, he helped the Marshall Commandos win the 1991 Public League Championship and finish third for the State Championship. Agee's high school was defeated by Manual High School that was led by future NBA player Howard Nathan.
College
After graduating from Marshall, Agee starred at Mineral Area College and went on to play for two years at Arkansas State on a scholarship. He is a member of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.
After college
He never achieved his dream of playing in the National Basketball Association. In 1996, Agee turned down a contract with the CBA's Connecticut Pride to take a role in the film Passing Glory. Arthur was a professional Slamball player. Arthur played for one season during the second season for the Rumble for Coach Carter.
Agee is the second child and first son of Arthur "Bo" Agee Sr. and Sheila Agee. During his younger years he lived in a north side Chicago area near where the other star of Hoop Dreams, William Gates, lived.
The Movie
By the time the movie began filming, the Agees had moved to the West Garfield Park neighborhood, which would remain Agee's home until his graduation. Upon graduation from grammar school in 1987, he was discovered by part-time, unofficial talent scout Earl Smith. Smith convinced the Agees to send Arthur to St. Joseph's High School, a private, predominantly white suburban school. St. Joseph's is the same school that Arthur's childhood hero, Isiah Thomas, attended. Because the school was an hour and half from his home, Arthur had to wake up at around 5:30 AM daily and take the train and buses to reach his destination.
Challenges
Early on in his high school career, when his parents were unable to keep up with the school's tuition payments, Agee left St. Joseph's and instead attended John Marshall High School, an inner-city school. In his senior year, he helped the Marshall Commandos win the 1991 Public League Championship and finish third for the State Championship. Agee's high school was defeated by Manual High School that was led by future NBA player Howard Nathan.
College
After graduating from Marshall, Agee starred at Mineral Area College and went on to play for two years at Arkansas State on a scholarship. He is a member of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.
After college
He never achieved his dream of playing in the National Basketball Association. In 1996, Agee turned down a contract with the CBA's Connecticut Pride to take a role in the film Passing Glory. Arthur was a professional Slamball player. Arthur played for one season during the second season for the Rumble for Coach Carter.
The filmmakers of this groundbreaking documentary meant for it to be a short movie, but wound up weaving a widely celebrated feature-length film spanning years filled with grace and honesty. Meet Arthur Agee and William Gates, two young boys from equally rough Chicago neighborhoods who make use of their prodigious basketball talents to aim for a life outside the ghetto. But strife and setbacks befall them at every turn. Will they succeed? watch
VIDEO: Hoop Reality
Oct 30, 2009 12:13 PM
Hoop Reality
Paid | Netflix
Length: 01:30:00
Posted: 10/30/2009
William Gates and Arthur Agee's lives are examined once again in this follow-up documentary made 10 years after the success of Hoop Dreams, which chronicled their aspirations to escape Chicago's projects and play in the NBA. Agee, who now makes public appearances, helms a radio show and a life skills foundation, and Gates, who is now a pastor, have new ideas to share in filmmaker Lee Davis's insightful film. watch
VIDEO: Hoop Reality
Oct 30, 2009 12:13 PM
Hoop Reality
Paid | Netflix
Length: 01:30:00
Posted: 10/30/2009
William Gates and Arthur Agee's lives are examined once again in this follow-up documentary made 10 years after the success of Hoop Dreams, which chronicled their aspirations to escape Chicago's projects and play in the NBA. Agee, who now makes public appearances, helms a radio show and a life skills foundation, and Gates, who is now a pastor, have new ideas to share in filmmaker Lee Davis's insightful film. watch
Former President Bill Clinton extending his best wishes for our Foundation’s success. President
Clinton played basketball with Arthur in Arkansas and expressed on national television that Arthur “Is a wonderful inspiration and role model to countless Americans.”..... more...
Arthur Agee played basketball with President Obama and Arnie Duncan ( Sec. Of Education) and both support the mission of the Foundation.....more
Clinton played basketball with Arthur in Arkansas and expressed on national television that Arthur “Is a wonderful inspiration and role model to countless Americans.”..... more...
Arthur Agee played basketball with President Obama and Arnie Duncan ( Sec. Of Education) and both support the mission of the Foundation.....more
Role Model
JR.
Foundation Offers two NEW Life Skill Kits $19.95 each
Renowned Clinical Psychologist
.Dr. Alfred Barrios PhD.
Supports the NEW from the Foundation
Arthur Agee Believe in Yourself Kit
Sport Performance
Autographed Collectors Editions-
Autographed- HOOP DREAM MOVIE or Hoop Reality DVD $24.95 Support the Foundation
.Dr. Alfred Barrios PhD.
Supports the NEW from the Foundation
Arthur Agee Believe in Yourself Kit
Sport Performance
Autographed Collectors Editions-
Autographed- HOOP DREAM MOVIE or Hoop Reality DVD $24.95 Support the Foundation
Today
Agee teaches the "Hoop Dreams" Curriculum, which encourages children to follow their dreams and get their education. He speaks at various public schools throughout the country each year. In addition, he recently launched a 'Hoop Dreams' clothing line (slogan: Control Your Destiny).
Arthur directed, produced, narrated and played on the movie Hoop Reality which came out on DVD in 2009.
Agee teaches the "Hoop Dreams" Curriculum, which encourages children to follow their dreams and get their education. He speaks at various public schools throughout the country each year. In addition, he recently launched a 'Hoop Dreams' clothing line (slogan: Control Your Destiny).
Arthur directed, produced, narrated and played on the movie Hoop Reality which came out on DVD in 2009.