Byron Stewart aka 'Booker T'
Here's a little trivia for everyone. I know of this movie because it was the role that got Byron Stewart the role of Warren Coolidge of "The White Shadow". Ken Howard wanted a actor he would have to look up at to talk to, which wasn't easy to find as I believe Ken was 6'6".
Ken Howard was watching "Fire Sale" on tv. He called up Paltrow and before Ken could say anything he told Ken "I know, I'm watching it too". They knew Byron would be perfect for the role. As evident from "Fire Sale", already had the basketball part down and was a natural behind a camera.