Popular ABA Documentary special screening at Arlee Theater
[October 17, 2025]
MASON CITY, IL, – An award-winning documentary celebrating
the ABA (American Basketball Association) and its players is coming to
the central Illinois area for its state-wide premiere and an exclusive
screening at the venerable Arlee Theater in Mason City, IL.
The film plays November 1 and November 3 at 7pm. A virtual Q&A with the
filmmaker and former ABA players is planned.
“The Waiting Game,” a powerful documentary that lauds the extraordinary
impact of the ABA to innovate modern pro basketball. From the
three-point shot, to the slam dunk contest, to player fashion, halftime
shows, sneaker culture and more, the ABA led the way on all of it.
Featuring the legendary’ “Dr. J” Julius Erving, 29-time Emmy winning
sportscaster Bob Costas (who got his start in the ABA), Hall of Famers
Dan Issel, Spencer Haywood and more, the film is touring nationally. The
film is directed by Emmy Award winning documentarian Michael Husain.
“We are so excited and honored to be sharing ‘The Waiting Game’ in the
area,” said Director / Producer Michael Husain. “Illinois is a state
with a basketball love affair but many may not know that the modern game
we all love, so much of it came from the ABA – a rival league from
1967-1976 - that spurred incredible change. This film is an ode to the
respect that those ABA players and the entire league deserves to this
day.”
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A film that resonates deeply with audiences, “The Waiting Game” won
the Heartland International Film Festival’s 2024 Audience Choice
Award, Best Documentary at New Jersey’s Garden State Film Festival,
and has rocketed to a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes film review
aggregator.
“Like the ABA itself, this film captures a bit of a David v Goliath
story. It shows not only the ABA almost as the NBA’s origin story,
but also the little-known events of what happened after the league
merged with the NBA. ABA players got left out of the explosive
growth of the game that they innovated and a tiny not-for-profit
that helped get those players more recognition is profiled. We’re
thrilled that ABA players have absolutely loved the film!” said
Husain. |
