The Long Game: Bigger Than Basketball | Apple TV+

A powerful docuseries about an NBA hopeful determined to take control of his journey. Makur Maker was a five-star NBA prospect headed to the draft — until an unexpected detour led him to Howard University. This inspiring docuseries follows Makur’s journey and his determination to rewrite his story with the help of his family.

Seth Gordon (“Undefeated,” "The King of Kong,” “For All Mankind") directs and executive produces “The Long Game: Bigger Than Basketball,” which follows Maker, the NBA hopeful who grabbed global headlines with his groundbreaking decision to forgo the NBA and play for Howard University, making him the highest-ranked high school player in the modern recruiting era to commit to a historically Black university (HBCU). The docuseries is an intimate look at Makur's life as a student-athlete with a dream of making it to the NBA, while unexpected physical challenges and a global pandemic threaten his college career. Off the courts, “The Long Game: Bigger Than Basketball” explores how his journey from fleeing war-torn South Sudan as a child and his tight-knit support system led him to go to an HBCU, and in turn, allowed him to make an impactful statement in the wake of America’s cultural response to the Black Lives Matter movement.

In addition to Gordon, executive producers are Nikki Calabrese, Andrew Fried, Dane Lillegard, Sarina Roma, Jordan Wynn, Luis Lopez, Julia Gunn and Sony Pictures Television. “The Long Game: Bigger Than Basketball” is produced for Apple by Exhibit A and Boardwalk Pictures.

Release date

April 22, 2022

Studio

Exhibit A, Boardwalk Pictures, Sony Pictures Television

Director

Seth Gordon

Executive Producers

Seth Gordon, Nikki Calabrese, Andrew Fried, Dane Lillegard, Sarina Roma, Jordan Wynn, Luis Lopez, Julia Gunn

Official Trailer

EPISOD 5

Tipping Point

Hopes are high as Makur participates in the NBA Draft Combine and the Maker Mob welcomes a new member.

Premiere Date: April 22, 2022

EPISOD 4

Longshot

Makur reunites with his guardian, Coach Edward, who must juggle the stress of a family medical matter while preparing Makur for the NBA Draft.

Premiere Date: April 22, 2022

EPISOD 3

Schooled

After only a few games into the season, the Howard Bison make a tough call. And in a surprising turn, Thon heads back to the NBA.

Premiere Date: April 22, 2022

EPISOD 2

Crash Course

Makur and his Howard coach clash, plus an injury and the pandemic threaten to sideline his plans. A Pistons shake-up stuns Thon, Makur’s cousin.

Premiere Date: April 22, 2022

EPISOD 1

Big Shot

When Makur’s path to the NBA is derailed by COVID, he enrolls at Howard University to send a powerful message.

Premiere Date: April 22, 2022