The image that lingers of Shoni Schimmel is of a confident young lady in a University of Louisville uniform dribbling the basketball down court, throwing a quick no-look or behind-the-back pass to a teammate.

Mom Ceci with Shoni and Jude Schimmel (The Oregonian photo)

Fans will get a broader perspective on Shoni and her journey from the Umatilla Indian reservation to Louisville in “Off The Rez,” which will air Saturday, May 14th on the Learning Channel at 9 p.m. (Eastern time).

The family has to make a controversial decision to leave the reservation for Portland where her mother, Ceci Moses, has been offered a head coaching job of a high school team. Moving the family, which includes seven siblings, including Jude, a recent U of L signee, is against the wishes of elder members of the tribe.

The documentary premiered Tuesday during the Tribeca Film Festival in New York. A synopsis and review of the video are here.

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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.