Viewers are in for a treat as Kate Hudson takes on the comedic role of the ambitious president of a renowned professional basketball team in Running Point. However, it’s the chaotic shenanigans of her eccentric family and teammates, both on and off the court, that truly steals the show.
The narrative of Running Point predominantly unfolds within the basketball court, the team’s office, and the high-stakes environments of the NBA. This setting naturally demands that the cast possesses a robust understanding of basketball. In an engaging conversation with The Mary Sue, the lead male actors alongside Hudson shared candid details about their own basketball knowledge. So, does their real-life expertise align with their characters in the series? Let us explore.
Drew Tarver Relates Closely to His Character
Drew Tarver portrays Sandy Gordon, the youngest sibling and CFO of the Los Angeles Waves. According to Netflix, Sandy is often deemed the smartest in the room, but his intelligence is overshadowed by his feelings of exclusion from his sports-centric family due to his lack of athletic prowess.
In the interview, Tarver openly admitted, “I would be the outlier of not knowing much at all.” His foray into basketball ended in ninth grade when his teammates committed to Saturday practices—something he couldn’t manage, preferring to keep his weekends free. Consequently, he switched gears from basketball to golf, seizing weekends to enjoy the sport while avoiding school.
Scott MacArthur’s Full-Circle Journey with Basketball
Taking on the role of Ness Gordon, the determined middle sibling and general manager of the Waves, is Scott MacArthur. Having been a professional player who found himself sidelined after just one season, Ness is dedicated to redirecting his unachieved dreams into his managerial role. His ambition is clear: to redeem his past basketball experience and gain the respect of his brothers.
Scott MacArthur significantly identifies with his role and shared his deep connection to basketball during the glorious Michael Jordan-era in Chicago. However, he became distanced from the sport until his son developed an obsession with basketball, rekindling MacArthur’s passion. When asked about his favorite player, he enthusiastically placed Shaquille O’Neal at the top, calling him “the funniest man on the planet.”
Jay Ellis: A Self-Declared Basketball Aficionado
Jay Ellis plays the esteemed Jay Brown, head coach of the Waves, and a trusted advisor to team president Isla Gordon (Hudson).Although not part of the Gordon family, he brings a wealth of experience, having led the team to numerous championships. With such an impressive background, it comes as no surprise that Ellis is also an ardent basketball enthusiast.
“I’m a basketball fanatic. I probably know more than I should know. I don’t think it’s healthy how much I know and how much I watch [basketball], ” he remarked humorously during the interview, eliciting laughter from his co-stars. Ellis referred to basketball as his “safety blanket” and celebrated the NBA season as his “favorite time of the year.” His profound knowledge and passion undoubtedly align him perfectly with the role of head coach.
Watch the complete interview below:
All ten episodes of Running Point are currently available for streaming exclusively on Netflix.
Related Articles:
Speculation Grows as Leaked Casting Calls for Amazon’s Mass Effect TV Series Hint at Male Shepard Adaptation
19:28
Netflix’s Animated Splinter Cell Series: The Sole Return of Sam Fisher with No Updates on New Game
17:17
October Premiere of Netflix’s The Witcher Season 4 Features New Teaser Showcasing Liam Hemsworth as Geralt
9:07
Leave a Reply