Retired NBA star Steve Nash is teaming up with the CBC to develop a one-hour drama set at an elite basketball academy.
The B.C.-bred athlete says the proposed series would revolve around the teens, parents, coaches and administrators at a Toronto-area school, and the unique trials young athletes face as they seek superstardom.
“It’s a really incredible backdrop to create characters and create storylines that are really relevant, authentic and I think exciting for audiences,” said Nash in a recent call from Los Angeles.
It’s tentatively titled “Hardwood,” with Nash working behind-the-scenes as an executive producer.
The former point guard said he doesn’t expect to appear on camera, but he saw lots of opportunity to invite NBA pals to make cameos.
“I think it’d be great — we have so many Canadian NBA players now that it’d be a lot of fun to have them get involved, so that’ll be something that we definitely would be excited to do.”
Nash said the project is still in a very early stage of development with scripts currently being written.
“Hardwood” is being executive produced by Insight Production’s John Brunton and Barbara Bowlby, the Toronto-based team behind “The Amazing Race Canada” and “Big Brother Canada.”
Nash said he envisions stories could delve into the intense pressures young players face and the “shady” dealmaking that can emerge around them — something he has firsthand knowledge of.
Since leaving the game earlier this year, Nash has indulged his passion for film and television through his company, Meathawk Productions. He said his interest began 20 years ago when he became “a bit of a cinephile.”
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Jason Barrett is the President and Founder of Barrett Media since the company was created in September 2015. Prior to its arrival, JB served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He also spent time programming SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Jason also worked on-air and behind the scenes in local radio at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years on the national stage, producing radio shows for ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT. Among them included the Dan Patrick Show, and GameNight.
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