Watch Manchild: The Schea Cotton Story

Manchild: The Schea Cotton Story is a captivating documentary that tells the story of Schea Cotton, a high school basketball prodigy who was heavily recruited by major colleges in the early 1990s. The film is directed by Eric "Ptah" Herbert and produced by Shea Serrano, both of whom have an extensive background in basketball. The movie takes us through Schea's life, beginning with his childhood in Long Beach, California. Born in 1978, Schea was a natural athlete who excelled in many sports, but his love for basketball was always the strongest. He honed his skills at a young age, playing in local leagues and tournaments, and quickly gained a reputation as one of the best young players in the area.

The documentary features interviews with Schea's family, friends, coaches, and teammates, who all reminisce about his incredible talent and work ethic. It's clear that Schea was not only gifted on the court but also intensely driven to succeed. He spent countless hours practicing and honing his skills, pushing himself to be the best player he could be.

As Schea entered high school, he became a local legend, leading his team to multiple championships and earning widespread recognition for his abilities. He was widely hailed as the best high school basketball player in the country, and his name was on the lips of every college coach in America.

It's at this point in the film that we learn about the darker side of Schea's story. Despite his talent and success, he was not immune to the pressures and scrutiny that come with being a top-tier athlete. His every move was scrutinized by the media, college recruiters, and fans, and he was constantly hounded by people who wanted a piece of him.

As Schea navigated the intense world of high school basketball, he faced numerous challenges, both on and off the court. He struggled with injuries, battled personal demons, and faced a legal battle that threatened to derail his career.

The documentary does an excellent job of highlighting the immense pressure that high school athletes like Schea face. As one coach observes, "Everyone wanted a piece of Schea," and it's clear that the expectations were almost too much for him to handle.

Despite the challenges he faced, Schea never lost his love for the game of basketball. He continued to play at a high level, eventually earning a scholarship to play at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. However, his college career was short-lived, as he decided to forego his remaining eligibility and turn professional.

The documentary concludes with Schea reflecting on his life and career. He speaks candidly about the ups and downs he faced, and the toll that the pressure took on him. He also discusses the lessons he learned, and the role that basketball has played in shaping who he is today.

Overall, Manchild: The Schea Cotton Story is a must-watch for anyone who loves basketball or is interested in the challenges faced by high school athletes. The film is a powerful reminder of the immense pressure that young athletes face, and the toll it can take on them both mentally and physically. It's also a celebration of Schea's remarkable talent, and a testament to the power of hard work and determination.

Manchild: The Schea Cotton Story is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.