Upon taking over as coach, Carter is dismayed to find that many of his players are not only underperforming on the court but also failing their classes. He discovers that some players are even illiterate, and none have passed the California High School Exit Exam. Carter decides to take a stand and sets a new standard for his players: they must attend school regularly, pass their classes, and demonstrate good behavior in order to play.

The film also sparked a renewed interest in the true story of Ken Carter and his remarkable achievements. Carter's approach to coaching and mentoring has been studied and emulated by educators and coaches across the country.

The team's response to Carter's demands is met with resistance and anger. Many players feel that their coach is being too strict and unfair, while others begin to see the value in his approach. As the season progresses, Carter's unorthodox methods lead to a significant improvement in the team's performance, both on and off the court.