The film follows the story of two brothers, Antoine and Kenny Tyler, played by Kadeem Hardison and Marlon Wayans, respectively, who play basketball for the Washington Huskies college team. Antoine is the star player, while Kenny is his less-talented but fiercely loyal younger brother.
Tragedy strikes when Antoine collapses and dies suddenly during a game due to a heart condition. Devastated by his brother’s death, Kenny struggles to cope with his grief and the pressure of living up to Antoine’s legacy on the basketball court.
However, Antoine’s spirit returns as a ghost and continues to help and guide Kenny both on and off the court. With Antoine’s supernatural assistance, Kenny becomes a skilled basketball player and leads the Huskies to victory, earning them a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
As the team’s “sixth man,” Antoine’s ghost remains invisible to everyone except Kenny, who must keep his brother’s presence a secret while navigating the challenges of college basketball and personal relationships.
In the climax of the film, Kenny’s secret is exposed during the championship game of the NCAA Tournament. Despite facing skepticism and disbelief from his teammates and the audience, Kenny draws strength from Antoine’s spirit and leads the Huskies to a thrilling victory.
In the end, Kenny learns to let go of his grief and accept Antoine’s death, knowing that his brother will always be with him in spirit. The film concludes with Kenny honoring Antoine’s memory and celebrating their bond as brothers, both on and off the basketball court.
“The Sixth Man” is praised for its heartwarming story, comedic performances, and positive messages about family, friendship, and perseverance. While it received mixed reviews from critics, it remains a beloved classic among fans of sports-themed movies.