{"id":75261,"date":"2016-04-05T13:00:02","date_gmt":"2016-04-05T13:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/0de2709a84.nxcli.net\/0-kjasnb\/2016\/04\/05\/first-look-cassandra-freeman-in-lifetime-the-real-mvp-the-wandapratt-story\/"},"modified":"2018-12-18T03:29:07","modified_gmt":"2018-12-18T03:29:07","slug":"first-look-cassandra-freeman-in-lifetime-the-real-mvp-the-wandapratt-story","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blackfilm.com\/read\/first-look-cassandra-freeman-in-lifetime-the-real-mvp-the-wandapratt-story\/","title":{"rendered":"FIRST LOOK: Cassandra Freeman in Lifetime’s The Real MVP: The Wanda Pratt Story"},"content":{"rendered":"

FIRST LOOK: Cassandra Freeman in Lifetime’s The Real MVP: The Wanda Pratt Story<\/strong>Posted by Wilson Morales<\/p>\n

April 5, 2016<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

Blackfilm.com has been provided with some first look photos of Cassandra Freeman<\/strong>, who has the lead role to Lifetime\u2019s original movie The Real MVP: The Wanda Pratt Story<\/strong>, based on the life of NBA star Kevin Durant<\/strong>\u2019s mom.<\/p>\n

The Real MVP is the inspiring true story of Wanda Pratt and her dedication to raise one of the greatest basketball players in the world. As a single mom of two by the time she was just 21, Wanda tirelessly worked to make ends meet and put a roof over the heads of her young sons. With the support of her mother Barbara and of her best friend, Wanda focused all her energy on keeping her boys out of trouble and on the basketball court, selflessly putting aside her own dreams and desires to make sure their goals could be achieved. Her hard work paid off as Tony earned basketball scholarships while Kevin headed to the NBA. When Kevin was named NBA\u2019s Most Valuable Player, he dedicated his speech to Wanda, naming her \u201cthe real MVP\u201d for all of her sacrifices that allowed him to pursue his dreams.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

Freeman stars as Wanda with Tracie Thoms<\/strong> as her best friend and confidante Demetria, and Pauletta Washington<\/strong> will portray her mother Barbara. The adult Kevin and Tony will be played by newcomers Daniel Bellomy<\/strong> and Nic Few<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The film is directed by Nelson George<\/strong> (Life Support, A Ballerina\u2019s Tale) and written by Yolonda Lawrence<\/strong> (Witches Of East End) and Ligiah Villalobos (Ed).<\/p>\n

A&E Studios is producing the film. Queen Latifah and Shakim Compere<\/strong>\u2019s Flavor Unit are executive producers. Wanda Pratt and Shelby Stone<\/strong> (Bessie) also executive produce the movie, and Gina Ford and Brynee Baylor are co-executive producers.<\/p>\n

Lifetime will air the film on Mother\u2019s Day, Sunday May 8.<\/p>\n

Named 2014\u2019s NBA Most Valuable Player, Kevin captured the hearts of the nation with a speech dedicated to Wanda for all she has done to get him there.<\/strong><\/p>\n