Alone and an outsider, Josh tries to rekindle his love of basketball but is too scared to try out for the team, and settles for a job as water boy.

Josh discovers an abandoned old basketball court where he meets Buddy and instantly they become best friends. Josh soon discovers that Buddy can shoot baskets and start playing for the school team. They draw attention of not only the media but also of his former owner, who sees dollar signs dancing in his head and wants Buddy back. Josh rescues Buddy and sets him free.

It's the final game of the season and Josh's team is losing. Injuries have sidelined the best players. Needing replacements, Chaney, now the coach, puts Josh in for the first time. In the critical last moments, Buddy leaps onto the court. Then Buddy and Josh struggle to win.