The inspiring true story of the remarkable rise, tragic fall, and triumphant rebirth of a basketball team that became the heart and soul of a small Indiana town.
In 1977, the University of Evansville Purple Aces men's basketball team had won five small-college national titles and were moving up to NCAA Division I just before college hoops exploded in national popularity. With charismatic coach Bobby Watson and freshman phenom Mike Duff, the hometown heroes from this small Indiana city were on their way up. Then, on a December night, just four games into the season, the plane carrying the squad crashed after lift-off, killing everyone on board.
The tragedy seemed insurmountable, threatening the heart of the fading factory town's civic identity. But, with the help of surviving family and friends, and boosters and fans, ambitious new coach Dick Walters was determined to save Evansville's legacy. Assembling a ragtag team of misfits, walk-ons, and so-called underachievers, Walters embarked on a quixotic quest to give the town a fresh rallying point of pride and hope. Against all odds, his young men would make history.
A tribute to those who were lost, and to those who carried on, We Will Rise is the rich and emotional never-before-told true story of a championship team, its hard-won redemption, and the spirit and resilience of community.