Watch An Off-Court Story: The Life of Kresmir Cosic

An Off-Court Story: The Life of Kresmir Cosic is a one-hour documentary that tells the story of one of the most legendary basketball players of all time, not only in Europe but also in the United States. Kresmir Cosic was a Croatian basketball star who quickly rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s for his incredible skills on the court, but also for his engaging and dynamic personality and his outspoken views on the sport and politics.

The documentary is produced by BYUtv, the television service of Brigham Young University, and takes a straightforward, chronological approach to Cosic's life, starting from his childhood in Zadar, Croatia, and ending with his untimely death from cancer in 1995. Through a mix of archival footage, interviews with family members, friends, teammates, coaches, and basketball experts, and reenactments featuring actors playing Cosic at different stages of his life, the documentary paints a vivid picture of a complex and charismatic individual who left a lasting impact both on and off the court.

The documentary starts by introducing the audience to the young Kresmir Cosic, who grew up in a small village near Zadar and fell in love with basketball at an early age. We see how he honed his skills playing with friends and training rigorously, often against older and bigger players, and how his natural talent and competitive spirit soon caught the attention of local coaches and scouts. The documentary then follows Cosic's journey as he joins the Yugoslav national team in the early 1970s and leads them to several European championships and a silver medal at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. We see his exuberant playing style, his versatility on the court, and his ability to inspire his teammates and fans alike.

The documentary then shifts focus to Cosic's college career in the United States, where he became a trailblazer and a cultural ambassador for his home country. We see how he was recruited by the legendary coach Bill Fitch to play for Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, and how he initially struggled to adapt to the language and the culture. However, we also see how he gradually found his footing and became a beloved figure on campus, both for his basketball skills and his magnetic personality. We hear testimonies from former teammates and coaches who describe Cosic as a leader, a mentor, and a friend, and who credit him with paving the way for other foreign players in the NCAA.

The documentary also highlights Cosic's role as a cultural ambassador, as he used his platform as a basketball star to bring attention to his home country and to advocate for peace and understanding. We see how he organized basketball clinics and camps for children in Croatia, and how he participated in numerous exchange programs and cultural events in the U.S. We also hear his candid and insightful views on the political and social issues of his time, such as the tensions between Yugoslavia and the Soviet bloc, the rise of nationalism, and the challenges of integrating into a new society.

The documentary does not shy away from the more difficult aspects of Cosic's life, such as his struggles with injuries, his clashes with coaches and administrators, and his eventual diagnosis with cancer. We see how he faced these challenges with courage and humor, and how he continued to inspire and uplift others even in his darkest moments. We also see how his legacy lives on, both in Croatia and in the United States, where he remains a beloved and influential figure in the world of basketball and beyond.

Overall, An Off-Court Story: The Life of Kresmir Cosic is a moving and insightful tribute to a remarkable athlete and human being. Whether you are a basketball fan or not, this documentary offers a window into a fascinating life and a compelling journey of personal and cultural discovery.