BORN TO LEAD: JIM CALHOUN provides a unique inside look into one of the most successful and enigmatic coaches in the history of college basketball. During his 40 year career he won 873 games and three National Championships with underdog determination, a will to win and a relentless quest for perfection. He could be profane, combative and polarizing but also charitable and compassionate.
Having lost his father at 15, the burden of being the man of the house taught him to work hard and sacrifice, expecting the same from his players. His tough love, uncompromising style wasn’t for everybody but those who survived the gauntlet reaped the benefits.
More than 30 interviews were done for the film including the first interview with his wife, Pat Calhoun, in 40 years, Mike Krzyzewski and Jim Boeheim, the two winningest coaches in NCAA Division I history, current head coach Kevin Ollie, former players and current NBA stars, Ray Allen and Richard Hamilton, assistant coaches, Hartford Courant writers, Jeff Jacobs and Don Amore, and Patty Thompson, the sister of inspirational UCONN team manager Joe McGinn who died in 1999.
The film culminates with UCONN winning the National Championship in 2014, many of the key players recruited by Calhoun playing major roles and Kevin Ollie, the coach he so passionately fought for to succeed him, holding the NCAA trophy. Jim Calhoun’s legacy lives on.