ultimately, jesus decides to sign to play for big state, and gives jake his blessing. however, the governor does not give jake the promised reduction, as jesus did not sign the letter of intent, and jake's work-release is fabricated in the media as an escape from prison before being recaptured. jake ultimately finds freedom by casting away his dreams and burdens to his son, jesus, symbolized by the throwing of his old basketball over the prison wall and magically onto the big state court where jesus is practicing alone. jesus clutches the ball, knowing it is a message of hope from his father.