‘Black Magic’ looks at SU, HBCU legends of basketball

Click HERE to visit the ESPN Black Magic Web site.

Fans and supports of Southern’s basketball glory have been allowed to relive the moments in March when ESPN televised “Black Magic,” a four-hour documentary of black college basketball.

The production features an extensive look at SU stars like Avery Johnson, Bobby Phills and Bob Love as well as former coach Ben Jobe. There is also a thorough segment on the Jaguars’ upset of Georgia Tech in the 1993 NCAA tournament.

The two-part film chronicles the African-American influence on the game. Or more precisely, according to the film’s director, Dan Klores, “tells the story of the injustice that defined the civil rights movement told through the lives of basketball players and coaches from historical black colleges and universities.”

Klores is particularly impressed with the role of Jobe, Southern’s former head coach, and calls him “the soul of the film.” “One of the single most influential people in the history of basketball as a teacher,” Klores adds.

Narrated by actor Samuel L. Jackson, the film’s story lines revolve around some of the game’s biggest contributors – John McClendon, Clarence “Big House” Gaines, Cleo Hill, Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, former Temple Coach John Chaney, Bob “Butterbean” Love and Earl Lloyd.

The film has been well-received by critics and viewers and is available for download on iTunes.