SPOKANE, Wash. – Hoopfest is getting closer. It’s the perfect time to look back on iconic golden retriever Air Bud’s basketball rivalry with a team from Spokane.
The plot of the original 1997 film “Air Bud” features the titular dog as a great basketball player.
Like any great sports film, it ends with the big game. In this case, the state basketball tournament versus the Spokane Warriors.
Movie villain Larry Willingham moved to Spokane due to the city’s reputation as a great basketball town.
“Larry’s dad moved the whole family to Spokane just so he could play for the warriors,” a player on Air Bud’s team states in the film just before the game starts.
The Lilac City’s status as an impressive spot for basketball talent was evident even in 1997 when a fictional dog showcased his basketball skills.
