‘More Than a Game’ premiere showcases pride of Akron

By Sean Gerski // West Side Leader

DOWNTOWN AKRON — It’s only natural that people who walk in to see the documentary “More Than a Game” are going in to see “The LeBron James Movie.” Once in the theater, however, moviegoers will discover a film that is about much more than a single basketball player. The story of five St. Vincent-St. Mary (STVM) High School student athletes and their coach, “More Than a Game” was the focus of a gala premiere at the Akron Civic Theatre Aug. 20.

Among those in attendance were most of the “stars” of the movie — Coach Dru Joyce II and players Dru Joyce III, Sian Cotton, Willie McGee and James — as well as the director, Kristopher Belman, and several notable celebrities, including NBA point guard Chris Paul and TV show host Nick Cannon. The fifth member of the basketball team, Romeo Travis, was unable to attend.

The premiere kicked off with an introduction from Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic, followed by a few words from Bellman.The director, who hails from West Akron and is a graduate of Walsh Jesuit High School, said showing the movie in his hometown was “a dream come true.”“I left Akron eight years ago,” he said. “I had one goal: to bring something home that I was proud of.”

Following the movie, the director and stars stayed for a question-and-answer session.The next morning, Joyce II, Belman, McGee, James and Joyce III took part in a series of roundtable discussions at STVM.Belman said making the movie was significant for him for several reasons.

“It was very important for me to do something for my hometown,” he said. “I sought out to tell a story about five friends and Coach Dru. I’m grateful and proud to have kept it to that original vision. I felt like if I didn’t tell this story, no one would.”

Joyce II said the idea of making an entire movie was not one that had been sought out by anyone on the team. “We allowed him in only because he was a student,” he said. “We didn’t expect him to stay as long as he did, but we are glad he did.” In fact, Belman’s original intention was simply to make a 10-minute student movie, which is what he initially created. He returned to film more footage, though, and a full-length feature was born.

Joyce II said they never specifically invited Belman to attend more practices, but they also didn’t stop him from coming. “Kris was very open and honest. Kris is that kind of guy,” he said. “He had a project he really wanted to do and he was passionate about.” But being part of a movie wasn’t something Joyce II really thought about, even when the cameras were rolling.

“We were just living our lives,” he said.

His son, Joyce III, said he was happy the movie was made. “It was breathtaking to sit through it again,” he said. “I appreciate the journey we went through as kids and are still going through today.” Joyce III said the previous night’s premiere was a special experience for him.

“Last night was awesome,” he said. “I will always remember it.” James said the process of making the documentary was eased by how Belman interacted with the players.

“He was never a burden on us,” he said, adding that Belman being from Akron “helped a lot.” McGee concurred.

“I have tremendous respect for Kris,” he said. “He did a tremendous job.” In fact, James said, the players got so comfortable with the camera being around that “a lot of what’s in the movie is us filming ourselves.”

James said that sitting down and watching the movie was a “humbling” experience. “We persevered through the tough times. We had a leader who made our dreams a reality,” he said. “But it means a lot more than just the game of basketball.” First and foremost, Joyce II said, the movie is about the five friends. “You can see what it means to have a bond among friends. They are still close friends today. It’s fun to be around them because of it,” he said. “This is about family outside of bloodlines. I think sports is a great teacher of life lessons.”

James, McGee and Joyce III were asked whether another movie was in the future for any of them. James, diplomatically, replied, “If the right opportunity comes up, then ...” However, before James could finish the sentence, McGee jumped in and answered the question.

“I’m ready to go right now.” “More Than a Game” is due in theaters Oct. 2.