A screenplay written by former Tennessee basketball standout Jarnell Stokes has moved forward with production.

The film, titled “Rocky Top College,” has already begun casting and is set to film in Louisville, Kentucky this month, according to an exclusive from Variety.

TALK ABOUT IT IN THE ROCKY TOP FORUM

Jamal Hill (“Sins of the Father”) is set to direct.

It is the second screenplay written by Stokes, who is producing the project under the name of his production company, Stoked Bros Media.

The film, which will star Megan Good (“Shazam!”, “Terry McMillan Presents: Forever”), Jabari Banks (“Bel-Air”), and Bailee Madison (“Pretty Little Liars”), shares a connection with the life of Stokes.

A Memphis native, Stokes was the No. 11 overall prospect according to Rivals when he signed with Tennessee in 2011.

He picked the Vols over Kentucky, Memphis, Florida, Arkansas and UConn.

According to Variety, the film is about a highly touted black high school basketball prospect from Memphis named Zion Williamson.

Williamson is suspended his senior year and ends up at a small college to pursue his hopes of reaching the NBA, but a series of “peculiar” and “disturbing” events make him question his decision—and sanity.

“This story is deeply personal, inspired by real-life experiences, and I’m grateful to have such a talented team helping bring it to life,” Stokes told Variety. “Like Zion, I once walked this path. Basketball was my anchor in an unforgiving world, and I want this film to show young people that hope, and healing are always within reach.”

Stokes played three seasons at Tennessee between 2011-2014. He averaged 13.0 points and 9.6 rebounds in 87 games and finished his career ranked fourth all-time in double-doubles (40), eighth in rebounds (836) and 14th in blocks (94).

Stokes was the 35th overall pick in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz, but was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.

He spent seven seasons playing professionally, both in the NBA and internationally before jumping into filmmaking.

Stoked began Stokes Bros Media with his brother, Isaiah in 2022.

Upcoming projects for the production company include “Break the Cycle,” starring Cuba Gooding Jr., and “American Smuggler.”

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“The moment Jarnell shared this story with me, I knew it was something special. ‘Rocky Top College’ is more than a sports film – it’s a gripping journey of resilience, and purpose,” Hill said. “We’re exploring the depths of our young hero’s psyche, blending suspense with a unique twist to create an unforgettable experience.

“I’m excited to bring another production to Kentucky and share this story with the world.”

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