The movie Coach Carter is based on the real-life story of Ken Carter, a former basketball coach at Richmond High School in California. In 1999, Carter made national headlines when he benched his undefeated basketball team because of their poor academic performance.
The film begins with Carter being hired as the new coach of the Richmond Oilers basketball team. Carter is a no-nonsense kind of coach who puts academics ahead of basketball. He sets strict rules for the team, including mandatory study sessions and a contract that requires players to maintain a 2.3 GPA and attend all their classes.
The team starts off strong, winning their first few games. However, when Carter discovers that many of his players are not attending their classes or doing their schoolwork, he benches the entire team until they can bring their grades up.
The decision is unpopular with the players and their parents, who feel that Carter is prioritizing education over their basketball success. However, Carter stands firm in his belief that education is more important than sports.
As the team works to improve their grades, they struggle both on and off the court. Some players quit the team, and tensions rise between Carter and the community. However, with the help of his friend and assistant coach, Carter manages to inspire his players to work harder and overcome their academic challenges.
In the end, the Richmond Oilers basketball team becomes an example of the transformative power of education and hard work. The film ends with a quote from Carter: "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."