Characters

Nouba Terrell

• A tall high school student struggling with the expectations that come with his height.

•Intelligent and ambitious, more interested in academics and financial success than basketball.

•Feels pressure from friends, family, and society to pursue basketball, despite his lack of passion for it.

•Has a competitive streak, often wanting to prove people wrong, even in things he doesn’t care about.

•Navigates friendships, self-doubt, and the challenge of defining his own path.

• Nouba’s childhood friend who constantly pushes him toward basketball.

•Charismatic, persuasive, and highly competitive.

•Feels frustrated when Nouba doesn’t take basketball seriously, leading to tension in their friendship.

•Wants to prove himself and believes Nouba’s height is a wasted advantage.

• Supportive, wise, and deeply religious, always encouraging Nouba to follow his path.

•Uses practical lessons (like rewarding good grades with money) to teach discipline and responsibility.

•Believes in Nouba’s potential, whether in academics or basketball, and wants him to explore opportunities.

•Acts as his grounding force, providing guidance when he’s overwhelmed.

• A supportive but persistent family member who believes Nouba should embrace basketball.

•He’s not necessarily training Nouba but constantly encourages him to play and appreciate the sport.

•Feels that Nouba’s height is a gift and worries he’s wasting an opportunity.

•Tries to make basketball seem fun rather than just an obligation, but his constant pushing adds to Nouba’s internal struggle.

•Represents the well-meaning but sometimes overwhelming expectations from family.

The intense, no-nonsense basketball coach at Nouba’s school has a reputation for pushing players beyond their limits.
Though Nouba is reluctant and unsure about basketball, Coach Johnson sees something in him—raw potential—and won’t let him back down from his abilities.
He demands discipline, hard work, and commitment, even when Nouba finds it uncomfortable or frustrating. Coach Johnson’s tough-love approach may seem harsh, but it’s all part of preparing Nouba for more than just the game.

• One of Nouba’s teachers who recognizes his intelligence and leadership qualities.

•Encourages him to stay focused on academics and reminds him of his value beyond basketball.

•Helps ground Nouba when he struggles with frustration or self-doubt.

• A skilled basketball player who initially embarrasses Nouba at tryouts.

•Becomes somewhat of a rival but later acknowledges Nouba’s growth.

•Represents the world of serious athletes that Nouba is unsure he belongs in.