Netflix has just announced the release of its newest sports documentary, “The UnderDog,” chronicling the remarkable life and career of Purdue University men’s basketball icon Joe Barry Carroll. The film is set to premiere on the platform on July 12, 2025.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay, “The UnderDog” explores Carroll’s rise from humble beginnings to becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 1980 NBA Draft. The documentary offers an intimate look into his days at Purdue, his battles with criticism despite elite performance, and his post-basketball life as a philanthropist, author, and social justice advocate.
The project features interviews with basketball legends, former teammates, and family members, alongside never-before-seen footage from Carroll’s college and NBA days. Netflix calls it “a tribute to perseverance, dignity, and quiet greatness.”
Carroll, often overshadowed in the pantheon of basketball greats, hopes the film will inspire young athletes facing adversity. “It’s not just about basketball,” Carroll said. “It’s about believing in your value—even when others don’t.”
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