The Best Basketball Movies: #3 "Blue Chips" (1994)

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Though a flawed film, “Blue Chips” takes a serious look at college sports corruption resulting in the NCAA violations constantly in the news. The film is directed by William Friedkin of “The French Connection” and “The Exorcist” fame and scripted by Ron Shelton who did “White Men Can’t Jump” and “Bull Durham.” Nick Nolte plays the beleaguered coach at a major Los Angeles university and his job is on the line after several losing seasons. He reluctantly gives into an alumni booster’s recruitment of “blue chip” players knowing it is a violation. Bribes are given top prospects played by Shaquille O”Neal and Penny Hardaway. The team wins but guilt gets to the coach especially after one of his players shaves points. NBA legend Bob Cousy plays the school athletic director and famed coaches Bobby Knight. Rick Pitino and Jerry Tarkanian have cameos. Some of “Blue Chips” was filmed at French Lick, Indiana and Nolte has a scene with Larry Bird.