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Ashley Puryear • August 29, 2021

Sanaa Lathan Explains Why She Nearly Passed on ‘Love & Basketball’

Sanaa Lathan is known for starring in movies such as The Best Man and Brown Sugar, but she’s perhaps best recognized for her role in Love & Basketball. The film was considered one of the best romantic dramas of 2000 and launched the actor to a new level of success in her career. But it turns out she almost passed on the role.

Love & Basketball gave me the courage to play basketball in high school. Im so happy to that she took on the role and gave hope all the girl that was told that they can't .

‘Love & Basketball’ was Sanaa Lathan’s breakout role

Lathan began acting in the ’90s and made her breakthrough with Love & Basketball. The film told the story of childhood friends Quincy McCall (Omar Epps) and Monica Wright (Lathan) as they worked toward their shared dream of becoming professional basketball players. The two ultimately fell in love but struggled to make their relationship work without comprising their careers.

Love & Basketball came out in April of 2000 to positive reviews, with much praise going to Epps and Lathan for their performances. It was also a success at the box office, collecting over $27 million from its $20 million budget (via Box Office Mojo).

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