SPOTLIGHT ON A LEGEND: Rebels Hoops Star John Stroud Featured in New Mississippi Sports Netflix Documentary
The story of John Stroud — Ole Miss basketball icon and Mississippi hardwood legend — is finally getting the cinematic treatment it deserves. Netflix has announced that Stroud will be prominently featured in its upcoming Mississippi Sports documentary series, a gripping new project chronicling the most iconic athletic figures in the state’s rich sports history.
For fans of college basketball and Rebel Nation alike, it’s a long-overdue tribute to one of the most prolific scorers ever to wear the red and blue.
Titled “Born to Ball: The Legends of Mississippi,” the series will dedicate an entire episode to John Stroud’s remarkable journey — from his early days growing up in New Albany, Mississippi, to becoming the all-time leading scorer in Ole Miss men’s basketball history with 2,328 career points, a record that still stands.
Stroud’s name is etched in Rebel lore, not just because of his scoring prowess, but because of the pride, passion, and integrity he brought to the game. From 1976 to 1980, he led the Rebels with a pure shooting touch, a fearless drive, and the kind of leadership that elevated everyone around him. A two-time All-SEC First Team selection and All-American, Stroud’s career helped put Ole Miss basketball on the map.
The Netflix documentary will feature rare game footage, behind-the-scenes interviews with former teammates and coaches, and never-before-seen personal moments that showcase Stroud’s life on and off the court. It will also explore his post-playing days, including his time as a coach and mentor, and how his legacy continues to inspire players across Mississippi and beyond.
“It’s an incredible honor,” Stroud said of the upcoming feature. “To have my story told as part of Mississippi’s sports legacy is humbling. I’m proud of what we built at Ole Miss, and I’m proud to represent the Rebels in this way.”
Fans can expect emotional insights and powerful moments — not only about the highs of basketball stardom but also the challenges of carrying a program on his shoulders during a pivotal era. The episode will highlight how Stroud’s loyalty to his home state and university never wavered, even when NBA stardom came calling.
“John Stroud wasn’t just a scorer — he was a warrior,” said one former SEC coach interviewed in the documentary. “He could light you up from deep, take it to the rim, and still beat you with poise. He was Mississippi’s Larry Bird before most people even knew who Larry Bird was.”
The announcement has ignited excitement across the Rebel community. Social media is already buzzing with anticipation, and Ole Miss has hinted at hosting a campus screening event to celebrate the premiere — complete with a Q&A with Stroud himself.
With the Netflix spotlight shining bright, a new generation is about to discover what long-time Rebel fans already know:
John Stroud is not just a star — he’s a legend.
And now, the world is about to see why.
Coming soon to Netflix: the story of Mississippi’s ultimate sharpshooter.
