Alas, the timing didn't work out. When "Hoosiers" was set to be filmed, Nicholson wasn't available. The studio fought to get Burt Reynolds cast in the role, according to Pizzo. Instead, Gene Hackman ...

The film is the uncredited film debut of six-year-old Laura Dern. A sequel, Gator, was released in 1976 and is Burt Reynolds directorial debut.