Did You Know? Sanaa Lathan Had Never Played Basketball Before The Movie Love & Basketball

It’s hard to imagine Love & Basketball without Sanaa Lathan’s iconic performance as Monica Wright — a fiercely competitive hooper whose love for the game was just as strong as her love story. But here’s a surprising fact that still shocks fans today: Sanaa Lathan had never played basketball before landing the role.

Released in 2000, Love & Basketball became an instant classic, praised for its authenticity, emotional depth, and realistic portrayal of athletes chasing their dreams. Sanaa’s performance was so convincing that many viewers assumed she had a real basketball background. In reality, she started from scratch.

Once cast, Sanaa went through intense basketball training, working closely with coaches and former players to learn proper fundamentals, footwork, shooting form, and game IQ. She trained daily for months, not only to look believable on the court but to move like someone who had been playing her entire life. The work paid off — her performance felt natural, gritty, and real.

What made her portrayal even more impressive was the physical and mental challenge of matching scenes with Omar Epps, who actually did have basketball experience. Instead of being intimidated, Sanaa rose to the occasion, pushing herself to keep up and fully embody Monica’s competitive spirit.

The dedication showed. Love & Basketball went on to become one of the most beloved sports-romance films of all time, and Monica Wright became a cultural icon — especially for women who finally saw a complex, driven, and unapologetically competitive female athlete represented on screen.

Sanaa Lathan’s journey with the film is a perfect example of how preparation and commitment can blur the line between acting and reality. She didn’t just play a basketball player — she became one.

More than two decades later, Love & Basketball still holds its place in film history, and Sanaa Lathan’s performance remains a reminder that greatness sometimes starts with zero experience — and a whole lot of dedication.