“Bigger than Basketball” documentary series focuses on a mission to share the successes and challenges of a team that perseveres and holds true to the values within their faith.
Dre Jackson, a cinema media arts (CMA) alumnus class of 2024, is the director and producer of the documentary series who started this project as his senior thesis. Jackson wants people to understand why the series is called “Bigger than Basketball.”
“What I want people to get from episode two is to see the lives of the athletes outside of basketball,” Jackson said.
With episode one out this past year, February 15, 2024, there was much excitement and anticipation surrounding the release of episode two, especially considering the growth from last season.
PASSION PROJECT
Balancing school, social life and a project like this one can be challenging, but that did not stop this team from pulling it all together.
Aiden Sullivan, a senior CMA major, is the cinematographer and editor of the series. Sullivan testifies to the dedication that everyone has put into this work when it comes to marketing, editing, shooting and composing.
“Finding the time to work on it amidst the business of school, jobs and life in general was definitely the most challenging part, but extremely rewarding to see the story come to life over time,” Sullivan said.
They find passion in this work because they want to display the passion of the team. The parallel from last season to this season is evident in what is going into this project.
“It’s like seeing the seeds planted last season now starting to bear fruit, and it deepens the story we’ve been telling, making it feel even more connected to the present,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan talks about getting to know these players on a deeper level than just a stat sheet. Displaying their lives and personal challenges that have blossomed into blessings, shows who these guys are, united in faith.
“I hope people can take away or relate to the struggles of an athlete and also the importance of keeping God first,” Jackson said.
This is a big part of what makes Biola Basketball different from other programs. The intentionality of putting the Lord before everything else comes out in their lives and in their playing on the court.
Jordyn Harris, a junior CMA major, is the assistant director of the documentary series. Harris speaks to the meaning of this project and how personal it is for the crew.
“It is one thing to make a documentary, but to make a documentary centered around your peers and the school you call home has been so exciting! It really shows that everyone has a story worth being told,” Harris said.
Harris is thoughtful to consider that this documentary not only impacts their lives and careers, but also the lives of the team, coaches and everyone involved. This is a project they have all carefully taken care of and saw to it being done well and with intention.
“Episode two explores some heavier topics such as mental health, physical health and faith. I am so grateful that we get to showcase the value of our faith here on campus and how that translates into the lives of these athletes,” Harris said.
All three from the crew, highlight players like Jonah Alvarez’s journey through an ACL tear, Case Cappo’s personal relationship with the Lord, the coach’s relationship with his son and the overall team’s faith through Bible study and brotherhood.
“We hope to inspire athletes and Christians, not only at Biola but around the world with this documentary,” Harris said.
Episode two of Bigger Than Basketball was released this past week, on February 5th. Check it out and support this crew and our Men’s Basketball team as you watch their journey unfold.
