If you're trying to learn how to play basketball, wouldn't you just hire a trainer? It seems like the smartest, most logistical choice out of all the options. I guess if you're an actor like Chet Hanks, you could maximize your options a little more. Maybe you can speak with an NBA player and get the best possible advice from a professional. But he decides to go an entirely different route; why not speak to the guy who was in White Men Can't Jump?
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Recently, Tom Hanks' son Chet spoke with Jimmy Fallon on his late night show to promote his latest Netflix show Running Point. There, he admits that he's not very good at basketball. However, he knew Woody Harrelson was given his experience in White Men Can't Jump. Consequently, Hanks hits up Matthew McConaughey to try and secure the connection. One small problem though: "He doesn't have a phone, which I totally respect," Chet explains.
Chet Hanks Contacts Woody Harrelson for Basketball Advice
Admittedly, Hanks understands Woody's position. "I think he said somewhere that he doesn't want to be readily available to anybody at any point because he lives in Hawaii. He's in Hawaii. Why would you wanna have a phone, you know? So I totally respect it," Chet adds.
Eventually, Harrelson responds through 'some obscure email' instead of a formal phone call. Then, Hanks gets some incredibly formal and simple advice in order to get used to working with a basketball. "So there wasn't much he could tell me. He did tell me 'just walk around with the basketball with you, when you're going about your day-to-day,'" Chet says.
So how'd Hanks get the part if he knows absolutely nothing about basketball? He jokes that he got on the same way you would lie on a resume. He looks the part of an athletic guy, why wouldn't he know how to play? "I'm awful. It's actually, like, I'm a pretty athletic guy but that's the one sport... It's honestly pathetic. Like, watching me try to join in and play a pickup game? It's really sad," Chet says.
