Running Point: A Fusion of Sports and Drama

Jay Ellis and Toby Sandeman Bring Athletic Prowess to Netflix’s Running Point

The world of sports and entertainment collided when Jay Ellis and Toby Sandeman, stars of the upcoming Netflix series Running Point, drew inspiration from their own athletic backgrounds to bring authenticity to their roles. Ellis, a 43-year-old actor, reflected on how his past as a basketball player at Concordia University in Portland, Oregon, and his stint as a public relations intern for the Portland Trail Blazers, deeply influenced his portrayal of Jay Brown, the head coach of the fictional Los Angeles Waves. "It’s crazy that I got to bring this much of my personal life to a role every single day," Ellis shared at the premiere of Running Point in Hollywood, California. "It definitely took me back to that time, which was a lot of fun obviously. It was great."

For Ellis, revisiting his athletic past wasn’t just nostalgic; it was a necessity for the role. He admitted to thinking about his own injuries, selfish moments, and ambitions as a player, which now serve as valuable lessons as he plays a coach guiding younger athletes. "I thought about all of those things and how that relates now that I’m a coach in a show, having to talk to these younger players," Ellis explained. His raw, personal connection to the sport adds depth to his character, making his performance all the more compelling.

Toby Sandeman’s Real-Life Athletic Journey Shapes His Character  

Toby Sandeman, who plays Marcus Winfield, a basketball player on the Los Angeles Waves, also leaned heavily on his athletic past to prepare for the role. A decorated athlete himself, Sandeman won two gold medals at the European Athletics U23 Championships, giving him a unique perspective on the pressures and sacrifices that come with professional sports. "I think some of the insights that I had being an athlete [helped]—certainly knowing the business side of being an athlete and how much that can actually take away from the love," Sandeman revealed. His character, Marcus Winfield, is grappling with this very struggle, and Sandeman’s real-life experiences bring authenticity to the portrayal.

Sandeman’s competitive spirit didn’t fade when the cameras stopped rolling. He admitted that even during filming, the intensity of the basketball scenes sometimes felt all too real. "Even when we were on the court, even though it wasn’t real, sometimes it felt real," he said. This blurred line between fiction and reality adds an extra layer of excitement to his performance. Sandeman even teased a jaw-dropping moment in the series, claiming, "I certainly dunked and pulled down the entire ring. [The] Shaq attack came back."

Running Point: A Comedy Series with Heart and Hoops  

Running Point follows Isla Gordon (played by Kate Hudson), who unexpectedly finds herself at the helm of her family’s professional basketball team. The series, set to premiere on Netflix on February 27, balances humor with heartfelt moments, exploring themes of family, ambition, and the challenges of professional sports. Alongside Ellis, Hudson, and Sandeman, the 10-episode comedy features a talented ensemble cast, including Scott Evans, Brenda Song, Drew Tarver, Scott MacArthur, Chet Hanks, and Max Greenfield. Together, they bring to life a story that’s as much about basketball as it is about the people behind the game.

The Cast’s Chemistry and Commitment Shine Through  

The chemistry among the cast is undeniable, and their collective dedication to their roles ensures that Running Point is both entertaining and relatable. Ellis and Sandeman’s athletic backgrounds not only enhanced their performances but also added a layer of authenticity that resonates with both sports fans and casual viewers. Their shared experiences as athletes allowed them to tap into the emotional highs and lows of their characters, creating a series that feels genuine and engaging.

A Promising Premiere and a Glimpse Into the Future of Sports Dramedies  

As the premiere of Running Point approached, the excitement was palpable. Ellis and Sandeman’s reflections on their roles highlighted the personal and professional growth they experienced during filming. Their stories not only offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of the show but also underscore the power of blending real-life experiences with fictional narratives. With its unique blend of humor, drama, and sports action, Running Point has the potential to captivate audiences and set a new standard for sports-themed comedies. The series premieres on Netflix on February 27, promising to deliver a court-side seat to a story that’s as much about the game as it is about the people who play it.