Hoopsters go on 'Open Road'

Gartner to helm true story of college coach Haskins

By CATHY DUNKLEY

Disney-based Jerry Bruckheimer Films is searching the streets of Los Angeles and New York for African-American male basketball players to be cast in the upcoming feature film "Glory Road," which starts shooting this summer.

"Glory Road," to be directed by commercials helmer James Gartner, tells the true story of college basketball coach Don Haskins, who changed history for the NCAA when his all-black lineup of players won the championship in 1966.

Ben Affleck will play Haskins, whose integrated Texas Western team (now UTEP) in 1966 beat an all-white team from the U. of Kentucky. Haskins' team was among the first college teams to abandon slow-tempo offenses in favor of the high-speed style that dominates the game today.

Haskins won the NCAA title four years after taking over the team and helped further open the college game to African-Americans.

Chris Cleveland penned the script. Bruckheimer produces, with Chad Oman and Mike Stenson serving as executive producers.

Production is looking for African American males ages 20-25, 6' 4" or taller, who are able to play basketball. No acting experience is necessary for the audition, but applicants must be prepared to shoot some hoops on the spot.

Open casting call auditions will be held Wednesday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood; and in New York on July 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at City Stage, 435 W. 19th St.