The incredible true story of the NBA's once future star, Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, who finally fulfills his basketball promise when he takes over coaching the Lester Middle School team in the roughest section of Memphiseventually leading the boys all the way to the state finals and earning him his first-ever championship. Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway was once on track to be the NBA's next big thing, following in the footsteps of such greats as Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. He even had his own Spike Lee-produced Nike campaign. It seemed inevitable that one day he would win at least one championship and end up in the Hall of Fame. But plagued with injuries, Penny never lived up to his full potential. After returning to his hometown of Memphis, Penny struggled with the question most professional athletes face when their whirlwind career comes to an end: what now? The answer came from one of Penny's oldest friend, Desmond Merriweather. Merriweather had recently been diagnosed with colon cancer and needed someone to replace him as coach of the Lester Middle School basketball team. On These Courtsis the moving story of a coach helping his young players navigate their way through impossible circumstances: failing grades, incarcerated fathers, gang pressures, and the crime-ridden streets of Memphis. But Penny never shied away. He selflessly provided on-the-court coaching, support with homework, and a positive role model committed to staying involved in their lives. In turn, the players gave him his first championship season, eventually winning the state title by one point.