The fact that he is unable to read does not bother high-school basketball star Freddie Ellis (Eric D. Wallace). He is confident in the knowledge that his friends will cover for him in the classroom -- and besides, who needs to be literate in the pros? It takes the persistence of teacher Mr. Simpson (Clarence Williams III), and a near-tragedy in his home, to make Freddie realize that "reading is fun-damental." Kareem Abdul-Jabbar makes a cameo appearance in this ABC Afterschool Special. ~ All Movie Guide