Elite 2021 Forward Michael Foster Set to Make Acting Debut in Movie Produced by LeBron James
By and large, Hillcrest Prep (Phoenix, Ariz.) forward Michael Foster has earned his reputation as one of the top players in the country because of his versatility.
At 6-foot-9, 220 pounds, Foster has the ability to score on all three levels and dominate in both the paint and from the perimeter, earning him the No. 4 overall spot in the inaugural SI99.
Still, who knew that versatility transcended the hardwood?
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“I’ve been shooting a movie with Adam Sandler, Queen Latifah, Kyle Lowry, Jahleel White and Kenny ‘The Jet’ Smith called Hustle,” Foster told Sports Illustrated. “It’s a decent role. I play a guy who's fighting for the No. 1 pick with an overseas player. It's produced by LeBron James and it comes out in October; we already shot some scenes in Philly. We shoot again in July. I’m trying to do it all!”
Hustle will follow an American basketball scout who was fired after discovering a “once-in-a-lifetime” player outside of the country, prompting him to bring the player to the United States and groom him for the NBA, in efforts to prove naysayers wrong.
Foster said he was initially approached about doing the during a workout at the gym and had to audition through Zoom.
“It just went from there,” Foster said. “Adam is a great guy, he’s really down to earth; they all are. Just getting the chance to pick the brains of all of them was great. They dropped a lot of gems on me.”
Last season, Foster was named to the inaugural SI All-American team, averaging 26 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks a game despite playing alongside multiple elite players. Foster’s production was even more impressive considering Hillcrest’s rigorous schedule against elite teams and players.
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Foster was, arguably, the most dominant big in the country playing a national schedule.
Foster is mulling college offers from Georgia and Florida State and is also strongly considering pro options in China, Germany, Australia and the G League.
When asked which pastime, acting or hoops, offered the greatest challenge, Foster answered matter-of-factly, “Acting.”
“It’s a different challenge for me for sure, but I really liked it right away,” Foster said. “Who knows, maybe one day I’ll write a screenplay or something. Right now, I’m learning all I can about acting and having fun with that.”