For the scene where Jesus and Jake play for the letter of intent, the original script called for Jesus to win 15-0. However, Spike Lee encouraged the actors to play for real. When the contest between Ray Allen and Denzel Washington began, Denzel scored 4 straight points as the crew whooped and applauded from the sidelines. Allen was furious and proceeded to score 10 points in a row, at which point Spike Lee declared Allen had won and the scene (and game) was finished.
Spike Lee originally wanted Kobe Bryant to play the part of Jesus Shuttlesworth. While Kobe liked the script and the idea of working with Spike, he had just finished his rookie year in the NBA (the 1996-97) and had shot several airballs in a brutal playoff loss by the Lakers to the Utah Jazz, and planned a workout program that would help him maintain his strength through the longer NBA seasons (a major adjustment, as Kobe went straight from high school to the pros). So he told Spike the summer of 1997 was too important to spend time making the film, and Spike promptly sought out Ray Allen, who quickly accepted the lead role.