Rebound (2005 film)

Rebound (also known as Rebound: The Legend of Earl "The Goat" Manigault) is a 2005 American sports drama film directed by Eriq La Salle. The film stars Don Cheadle as Earl "The Goat" Manigault, a legendary street basketball player struggling with heroin addiction and attempting to redeem himself by coaching a high school basketball team.

The film chronicles Manigault's rise to fame on the New York City basketball courts, his struggles with drug abuse which derailed his professional basketball aspirations, and his eventual efforts to mentor young players and steer them away from the pitfalls he experienced. The narrative follows Manigault as he volunteers to coach the Frederick Douglass Junior High School basketball team, transforming them from a losing squad into a competitive force while simultaneously battling his personal demons.

The cast also includes Loretta Devine, Michael Beach, Forest Whitaker, and James Earl Jones. The film highlights themes of redemption, second chances, and the positive influence of mentorship. Although based on a real person, the film takes some liberties with the facts for dramatic effect. The film received mixed reviews, with critics praising Cheadle's performance but finding the storyline somewhat predictable.