Samuel is a 17-year-old from South Sudan who pursues a basketball career in the United States. Standing initially at six-foot-two but growing rapidly, he possesses raw athletic ability and an impressive vertical leap but lacks technical skills. He demonstrates his relentless work ethic and positive attitude by taking an equipment manager job earning minimum wage to help support his family. He dreams of reaching the NBA so he can afford to bring his displaced relatives to America.

Beatrice is Samuel's hardworking and resilient mother who cares for her family in South Sudan. Lacking formal education, she relies on her resourcefulness and warm personality to survive the violent outbreak of civil war. She steps into a leadership role when forced into a Ugandan refugee camp. She procures essential supplies and looks after other displaced women from her village despite having very little herself.

Arnie is a high-profile professional sports agent operating out of an oceanside mansion in Miami. He projects a polished, luxurious lifestyle and pitches himself as a protector who manages his clients' finances to prevent reckless spending. In reality, he views young athletes as lucrative assets and uses the temptations of fame to secure their highly profitable contracts.

Murray is a walk-on basketball player at North Carolina Central University who becomes Samuel's roommate. Initially serving as a contrast to Samuel by sleeping late and spending free time with his girlfriend, Murray eventually improves his focus on the basketball court. He introduces Samuel to his parents and helps him adjust to college life in America.

Ecko is the 40-year-old coach of the under-18 South Sudanese national basketball team. Having fled his home country as a child to grow up in America, he uses his college basketball experience to scout talent in his war-torn home nation. He serves as Samuel's primary advocate, defending the young player's potential when other coaches want to cut him from the team.

Lonnie is the career-driven head coach of the North Carolina Central Eagles men's basketball team. Obsessive about game film and coaching vacancies, he struggles with the unpredictable nature of collegiate sports success. He offers Samuel a scholarship largely as a favor to his old friend Ecko, eventually relying on the young player to save his team's struggling season.

Ida is Murray's mother and the executive of Legal Aid in Durham. As an upper-middle-class professional dedicated to social responsibility, she quickly identifies Samuel as a deeply wounded young man in need of support. She utilizes her legal expertise to help Samuel explore immigration options for his family while maintaining strict expectations for his academic behavior.

Ernie is Murray's father, who runs a local food bank that supplies meals for thousands of people in the county. Much like his wife, he embodies a commitment to social responsibility and community care. He warmly welcomes Samuel into his home, providing him with massive homecooked meals that offer the young immigrant a profound sense of safety and stability.

Reynard is a recruiter and "runner" working for sports agent Arnie Savage. He travels around the country scouting potential clients and making initial contact on his boss's behalf. Driving a Porsche and wearing expensive designer clothes, he actively avoids NCAA rules to impress college players with private jets and the allure of professional wealth.

Ayak is Samuel's father, who teaches at a two-room, open-air school in the rural village of Lotta. He provides a stable, loving foundation for his family before the brutal civil war encroaches on their peaceful community. His absence profoundly changes the trajectory of his eldest son's life.

Chol is Samuel's younger brother. Following a devastating rebel attack on their village, he is forced to flee into the wilderness with his mother, eventually settling in a Ugandan refugee camp. He shares his older brother's height and natural athletic inclinations.

James is Samuel's youngest brother. He experiences severe physical hardships, including a bout of malaria, while trying to survive the harsh conditions of the refugee camp alongside his mother.

Angelina is Samuel's sister. During a horrific night raid by rebel soldiers on the village of Lotta, she is violently separated from her family. This event causes immense desperation for her mother and brother.

Robin is Murray's girlfriend during his early college days. She frequently distracts Murray from basketball and creates awkward tension when she makes unwanted romantic advances toward Samuel while Murray is out of town.

Niollo is a current NBA player originally from South Sudan. He funds the travel for the under-18 South Sudanese team's American showcase and serves as a major inspiration for Samuel and his teammates.

Darrell is a highly touted basketball player for Villanova and a client of sports agent Arnie Savage. His high-profile matchup with Samuel generates massive media excitement during the tournament, and he later attends the same Bahamian music festival.