Nithin's Sports Rush

Reclaiming the "Bust" Label with Greg Oden & Richie Kamtchoum


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Greg Oden was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, selected over Kevin Durant. Chronic knee injuries limited him to just 82 career games, a stark contrast to the expectations placed upon him. Despite these setbacks, he made it to the NBA Finals with the Miami Heat and even attempted a G League comeback in 2023, showcasing an enduring passion for the game.

Now, Oden steps into a new role as an executive producer and actor in "Bust!" — a film directed and written by Richie Kamtchoum. This powerful narrative explores a basketball player fighting to stage a comeback, echoing themes from Oden's own life. The film is set to screen at the American Black Film Festival on May 27, 2025, at 5:05 PM at O Cinema in Miami Beach.

Filmmaker Richie Kamtchoum, hailing from the DMV area, brings a unique perspective to the project. After walking on in college and being told he wasn't a Division 1 player, Richie transitioned into film and TV. His journey led him to cold-email Greg Oden about the "Bust!" project, a bold move that paid off when Greg responded within a day, setting the stage for this compelling collaboration.

Inspiring Quotes

"I am a person. I got a family, I am a husband, and I am happy. That is all that really matters in life. Everything else is extra."— Greg Oden

"So many of us deal with the perception of not feeling good enough, or feeling like we have let other people down. I realize it is a thing that transcends beyond sports."— Richie Kamtchoum

What We Covered
  • The origin of the film Bust! and how Greg and Richie connected via cold email
  • Greg's journey from three state championships in high school to the No. 1 NBA Draft pick
  • The recurring knee injuries including multiple microfracture surgeries
  • Playing for the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals
  • Learning from coach Erik Spoelstra and Pat Riley
  • The cast of Bust! including Casey Lawrence (Leaning Cuisine), Bernard Clark (YouFunnyB), Liam Harrington, Brittany Erica, and others
  • The American Black Film Festival screening on May 27
  • NBA playoff discussion including OKC Thunder, Knicks, Timberwolves, Cavaliers
  • Favorite basketball movies including He Got Game, Hoosiers, Coach Carter, Blue Chips, Above the Rim, Space Jam
About the Film: Bust!

The title "Bust" is a term used to describe draft picks who failed to meet expectations — using it as the film title is an intentional, defiant reclamation. "Bust!" is a dramedy that navigates the emotional and psychological toll of high expectations and the journey of an athlete fighting for a comeback. Richie Kamtchoum wrote, directed, and acts in the film, bringing his personal understanding of the sport and storytelling to the screen.

Greg Oden serves as an executive producer and actor, lending his authentic experience to the narrative. The film features a talented cast including Casey Lawrence, Bernard Clark, Liam Harrington, Brittany Erica, Dijanette Horne, and Karen Smith. Key crew members include Sherwin Santos (producer), Danny April (producer), Cindy Kamtchoum (producer/writer/director), and Larry Hall (associate producer).

"Bust!" has been selected for the American Black Film Festival, a prestigious event known for launching the careers of notable filmmakers like Ryan Coogler and Issa Rae, further cementing its place as a significant independent film project.

Where to Watch and Connect

Catch "Bust!" at the American Black Film Festival on May 27, 2025, at 5:05 PM at O Cinema in Miami Beach. Greg Oden and Richie Kamtchoum will host a Q&A session after the screening, offering insights into the film and their experiences.

About the Guests

Greg Oden: The No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite his professional basketball career being limited to 82 games due to chronic knee injuries, he reached the NBA Finals with the Miami Heat and made a G League comeback attempt in 2023. He is now an executive producer and actor in the film "Bust!".

Richie Kamtchoum: A talented filmmaker, writer, director, and actor from the DMV area. Richie transitioned from a collegiate basketball walk-on to a successful career in film and television. He is the visionary creator of "Bust!", a film selected for the esteemed American Black Film Festival.


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Nithin's Sports RushBy Nithin Ramachandra