The Bishop of Brixton – Justin Robinson details relationship with Jimmy Rogers in new short doc

A short documentary has been released chronicling two-time BBL MVP Justin Robinson’s relationship with his former coach Jimmy Rogers at the Brixton Topcats.

‘The Bishop of Brixton’ was produced as a final year project by Norwich University of the Arts student Tom Smith and goes into the impact Rogers and the Topcats had on Justin’s life, preventing him from going down the wrong path and molding him for a successful career in the pros.

“I knew I wanted to combine my love of the game with film,” Smith told Hoopsfix.

“I first read about the team a year or so prior to making it and I instantly knew it was a great story, how Jimmy similarly preached discipline into all of the players there and how many of them had gone on to have successful careers in various different industries aside from basketball. The work ethic and life lessons that he instilled in the players I knew would transcend the game to wider audiences.

The documentary began being filmed over two days in February before it was curtailed due to the COVID-19 lockdown, resulting in the production team needing to use more archive footage and less interviewees, becoming a much more personal story of Justin’s journey with Jimmy.

“I think looking back it’s been a blessing in disguise because I feel like the film is much more personal now, it’s like you’re relieving his journey with him as he tells it and being able to find and gain access to footage from different time periods in Justin’s career has really helped illustrate that.

“I hope this shines a light on the amazing work that is being done by the Topcats in developing young talent in the community and giving kids an opportunity to gain skills that will stay with them through all walks of life.”

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