It is 1973 and it’s still not easy for an African-American male, even a college-educated one like Jim Ellis (Terrence Howard), to find employment. Struggling to find anything better, Jim, a former competitive swimmer, accepts the job of dismantling an abandoned pool hall at the Philadelphia Department of Recreation. This immediately causes some friction between him and a bitter, protective janitor named Elston (Bernie Mac) who works there. One day, Jim sees a group of troubled black teens who have just been thrown off the basketball court and invites them for a swim. Andre (Kevin Phillips), Hakim (Nate Parker), Reggie (Evan Ross), Puddin’ Head (Brandon Fobbs), and Walt (Alphonso McAuley) prove to be fairly capable swimmers and with a few pointers, could become great swimmers. With some help from Elston, Jim decides to try and save the pool hall by starting the city’s first all African-American swim team. When the team also acquires Willie (Regine Nehy), a girl swimmer more gifted than any of the guys, the prospects of competing against much more experienced rival teams begin to seem more positive. Throughout their struggles, in or out of the pool, Jim embraces and mentors the kids, hoping to help them become successful at swimming and in all aspects of their lives.

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