Featuring thrilling action and memorable personalities, the Illinois basketball team’s record-setting season would make for an absorbing movie, especially if the Illini make it to April without a loss. In the spirit of Sunday’s Academy Awards show, the Tribune’s Marlen Garcia plays casting director for the film version of the 2004-05 season:
Larenz Tate as Dee Brown
Tate, who recently co-starred with Jamie Foxx in “Ray,” grew up on the West Side, like Brown, before moving to California. Brown’s mother, Cathy Brown-Blocker, met Tate a few years ago and is a big fan.
Will Smith as Luther Head
Smith earned an Oscar nomination in 2002 for his portrayal of boxing champ Muhammad Ali. He usually is cast in larger-than-life roles. Can he play an understated part to illustrate Head’s softspoken, easygoing nature?
Shemar Moore as Deron Williams
Moore played baseball at Santa Clara, and his athleticism would be a plus. He might not have Williams’ flair for passing, but few do. Moore of “The Young and the Restless” stars in the new film “Diary of a Mad Black Woman.”
Ethan Hawke as James Augustine
OK, Hawke isn’t nearly as tall as Augustine, but not many Hollywood actors are 6 feet 10 inches. Hawke could mimic Augustine’s wit but would need a lot of work on his explosiveness under the basket.
Randy Quaid as Bruce Weber
Quaid could reach high notes to imitate Weber’s piercing scream and could easily portray Weber’s “aw, shucks” approach without coming off too corny. No matter who plays the part, he’ll need a hairpiece. Weber’s hair is almost completely silver, but there’s plenty of it.
Jamie Foxx as Roger Powell
Powell resembles Michael Jordan, and Powell’s mother, Cherry, suggested Blair Underwood, but Jamie Foxx is the best fit for Powell, a licensed minister who preaches often in the Champaign community. Foxx is a comic actor who received rave reviews and an Oscar nomination for a stupendous performance in “Ray.” He’ll need to spend a lot of time in the weight room for this role.
Samuel L. Jackson as Richard McBride
His teammates have referred to McBride as Samuel L. Jackson because “Rich looks old,” Dee Brown said. This might not be a good match because the actor may be quicker on his feet than McBride. Coach Bruce Weber teases McBride because “he runs like an old man.”
Will Ferrell as Jack Ingram
This could be a complex role for Ferrell, a comic actor who usually stars in spoofs. He would need to become a bit more cerebral to be believable. After all, Ingram is an electrical engineering major who missed practice Friday for a job interview. Ingram has his act together. Can Ferrell keep his funny side in check?
Ryan Stiles as Nick Smith
An off-the-wall choice for an off-the-wall guy. The lanky improv star from “The Drew Carey Show” and “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” would be adept at delivering Smith’s patented one-liners to throw off coaches and teammates.
