An inspirational sports drama based on a true story, "Rise" centers on Coach Willie Davis (Sterling K. Brown), a junior high janitor-turned coach who made an impact on the lives of those around them in extraordinary ways.
Davis took on the role as head coach for the school’s lackluster basketball team when it was in danger of being cut because of funding concerns. Coach Davis, from the very beginning, teaches his team of junior high kids these priorities in life, who they need to be, and what they need to do in order to be successful on and off the basketball court. Almost immediately, Coach Willie becomes the role model for many of the kids in the school and surrounding community, as they make an amazing run at the state championship.