The History Book Club discussion

This is the thread to discuss the history of Basketball.

I recently looked at these two books:

John McPhee

Amazon:
First published in 1965, A Sense of Where You Are is the literary equivalent of a harmonic convergence, a remarkable confluence of two talents--John McPhee and Bill Bradley--at the beginning of what would prove to be long and distinguished careers. While McPhee would blossom into one of the best nonfiction writers of the last 35 years, Bradley segued from an all-American basketball player at Princeton, to Rhodes Scholar, to NBA star, to three terms in the U.S. Senate. McPhee noticed greatness in Bradley from the start; the book is an extension of a lengthy magazine profile McPhee wrote early in Bradley's senior year; the title comes from Bradley always knowing his position in relation to the basket. What's so noteworthy about the book is the greatness it promised--both for writer and for subject, a greatness both have delivered through the years again and again.

Bill Bradley

Amazon:
Almost two decades after its original publication and more than fifteen years after its author retired from the New York Knicks to become a United States senator, this account of twenty days in a pro basketball season remains a classic in the literature of sports, unparalleled in its candor and intelligence. Bill Bradley is also the author of Time Present, Time Past, a memoir of his years in the U.S. Senate.

This is scheduled to be released next month:

by Jerry West
It was only logical that when the National Basketball Association needed a silhouette for their logo that they selected the side view of Jerry West. For forty years, West has been an integral part of N.B.A. history, first as a player and then as a coach and general manager. "Mr. Clutch" made the All-Star team every year of his career and created the dynasties that would win eight championships. This extraordinarily candid memoir shows that behind that greatness was a man whose life was punctuated by poverty, physical abuse, the death of a beloved sibling, and an ongoing battle with depression. An extraordinary autobiography of an extraordinary man.

I can't wait for the book to be released. Jerry was born about 20 miles from where I live and played high school ball up on Cabin Creek, hence the name "Zeke from Cabin Creek". Of course he went on to star at WV University and into the NBA. The silhouette logo is recreated as a sculpture outside of the WVU basketball venue in Morgantown, WV. We are proud of our hometown boy who made good against the odds.



by Jerry West

Jill wrote: "I can't wait for the book to be released. Jerry was born about 20 miles from where I live and played high school ball up on Cabin Creek, hence the name "Zeke from Cabin Creek". Of course he went on..."

I watched his interview on ESPN the other day to promote his book. I never knew about his trials. I doubt I'll ever get around to reading the book, but it sounds like it'd be an interesting read

I highly suggest reading by George Dohrmann (no photo). It's a book that every basketball fan or sports parent should read in my opinion

Chrissy, here is a copy of our rules and guidelines and a link of the Mechanics of the Board:

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/2...

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...

And here is our introduction thread:

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/9...

The book above must be cited this way:

by George Dohrmann (no author's photo available)

They Call Me Coach by John Wooden (no book cover or photo)

The Wizard of Westwood, Coach John Wooden......probably one of the greatest coaches in NCAA basketball history....right up there with Adolph Rupp of UK. If you like basketball, you will like this book.

The Whore of Akron: One Man's Search for the Soul of LeBron James by Scott Raab

Book Description:
"If there was an opportunity for me to return to Cleveland and those fans welcomed me back, that'd be a great story."—Lebron James

Scott Raab is a last vestige of Gonzo Journalism in an era when sanitary decorum reigns. Crude but warmhearted, poetic but raving, Raab has chronicled—at GQ and Esquire—everything from nights out with the likes of Tupac and Mickey Rourke to a moral investigation into Holocaust death-camp guard Ivan the Terrible to the rebuilding of the World Trade Center site, but the book you hold in your hands is neither a story nor a job: The Whore of Akron is the product of lifelong suffering, and a mission bound with the meaning of existence.

Raab sat in the lower bowl of Cleveland Stadium on December 27, 1964, when the Browns defeated the Colts for the NFL World Championship—the last sports title the declining city has won. He still carries his ticket stub wherever he goes, safely tucked within a Ziploc bag. The glory of that triumph is an easy thing to forget—each generation born in Cleveland is another generation removed from that victory; an entire fan base "whose daily bread has forever tasted of ash."

LeBron James was supposed to change all that. A native son of Akron, he was already world famous by the age of seventeen, had already graced the cover of Sports Illustrated, was already worth $90 million to Nike. He seemed like a miracle heaven-sent by God to transform Cleveland's losing ways. That the Cavaliers drafted him, the hometown prodigy, with the first pick of the 2003 draft, seemed nothing short of destiny. But after seven years—and still no parade down Euclid Avenue—he left. And he left in a way that seemed designed to twist the knife: announcing his move to South Beach on a nationally televised ESPN production with a sly title ("The Decision") that echoed fifty years of Cleveland sports futility.

Out of James's treachery grew a monster. Raab, a fifty-nine-year-old, 350-pound, Jewish Santa Claus with a Chief Wahoo tattoo, would bear witness to LeBron's every move, and in doing so would act as the eyes and ears of Cleveland itself. (He did not keep this intentions a secret and was promptly banned by the Miami Heat.)

Review:

“With all due respect to Frederick Exley, Scott Raab has just written the smartest, funniest, most passionate, loving, hateful, bathetic, honest, and deeply personal sports jeremiad slash memoir of our time…The Whore of Akron is about a basketball player the way Moby-Dick is about a whale.” (Stefan Fatsis, author of Wordfreak and A Few Seconds of Panic )

“The Whore of Akron is hilarious, heartfelt and wincingly honest. This is the best kind of book, one that surprises.” (Buzz Bissinger, author of Friday Night Lights, and co-author of Shooting Stars [with LeBron James] )

About the Author

Scott Raab, a Writer-at-Large for Esquire since 1997, is a graduate of Cleveland State University and the Iowa Writers' Workshop. His work has been widely anthologized, including in The Best American Sports Writing. Born and bred in Cleveland, he now lives in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. This is his first book.


Personally I just want to add this: Scott Raab is fantastic. You like Sports writing - get this!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMPAcf...

As someone who lived in the Cleveland area, I know many who would be interested in this book.

Bryan wrote: "As someone who lived in the Cleveland area, I know many who would be interested in this book."

I can imagine. Even I, living on another continent, love to read it. Scott's writing is fabulous!

Any other March Madness fans out there? Participating in bracket challenges? NCAA college basketball fans? Does the NCAA tournament light your fire or make your blood run cold with indifference? Some of us are addicted to the sprit and enjoyment and the frenzy and the sportsmanship and the unlikely heros of the NCAA tournament. What do you think?

I am an hysterical fan......jumping up, yelling at the television and at the officials. My brackets are completed and I am not doing badly but of course it is early.I always pick a dark horse to move forward a couple of brackets which I am not going to mention since they lost right off the bat!! Our state school, WVU, got knocked out by the Zags in the first game but it was expected. When WVU was in the Final Four against Duke in 2010, I actually kicked over the coffee table at one point. So am I a fan?.....you betcha'. Plus, our state high school tournaments are also going on right now and I am listening to the AA game which is going down to the final seconds. Basketball has a strong tradition in WV, especially in the southern counties. We had, and I believe the record may still stand, a school which won the most consecutive state championships in history and made the Guiness Book of World Records. The coach was a state icon and the old school (lost to consolidation) which is still standing is like a shrine. I could go on and on....but suffice it to say, I love college and high school basketball.

Here is an article about the WV high school team I mentioned in the preceding post. Nobody probably cares but we are so proud of that little school in one of the most economically depressed area of our state.


Northfork Blue Demons

Northfork High School, located deep within the southern coalfields in McDowell County, West Virginia, attracted national attention when its basketball team won a record-setting eight consecutive state championships. From 1974 through 1981, the Blue Demons marched through 47 Class AA tournament games without a single defeat.

Two events from the summer of 1966 marked the turning point in Northfork’s basketball fortunes: Racial segregation ended in eastern McDowell County when Northfork-Elkhorn High absorbed historically black Elkhorn High, and Jennings Boyd was appointed head basketball coach at the integrated school, which shortened its name to Northfork High. Boyd, who coached Northfork to nine of its 10 state titles, compiled an incredible won-lost record of 90.9 percent in 15 years of tournament play. Boyd attributed Northfork’s success to being ‘‘blessed with talent’’ and having ‘‘total cooperation and support’’ from both racial communities. Northfork High School was absorbed into Mount View High School in 1985.

by Dean E. Smith

The legendary coach of UNC talks about his life as a coach, the players, strategies, great games, and rivalries. If you are a college basketball fan, this book should be added to your collection.

Good one, and sorry I did not see your earlier post. I wonder how many brackets were upset this last weekend by UNC's loss in the elite 8? I admit I had them picked to go to the final with Kentucky, but since I picked Kentucky I am still in it.

So many of these college teams have storied histories. But the great thing about college sports is that a team can come out of nowhere with determination, good coaching, something to prove, and a little bit of luck. Love it.

A couple of years ago I actually picked George Mason to go out to the Elite Eight and they got to the Final Four......but I lost so many other ones that I made not a cent!!!
I have Kentucky as well. But Louisville surprised me so I don't have them. Guess who I had winning it all?......Michigan State. Go figure!!!!
Did you like my post about the WV high school team?....a true legend in this state.

Love the WV story.
We have a little office bracket challenge so it's no high stakes by any stretch, but it sure is fun. I'm sure I am no different from a lot of people: once you make your selections you suddenly are invested in the outcome of every game and it creates excitement and of course, you watch the games! Fun.

The Final Four is upon us and excitement reigns in my household. The link below adds to that excitement as it covers some of the greatest moments in NCAA tournament play. The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. It will get you pumped!!! (The quality of this video is not particularly good but you get the idea.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXr2L5...

We haven't updated this topic for a year and it is that time of year again. As the tournaments start for the final run to the NCAA Championship, this little book is a great supplement to what is now called March Madness.

How March Became Madness

by Eddie Einhorn

Synopsis
Eddie Einhorn, who founded the TVS network which was the predecessor to ESPN, reveals through conversations with the biggest names in college basketball, how television helped turn the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament into the greatest sporting event in the country. The DVD "The Game That Changed College Basketball" accompanies every book.

Yeah, my March Madness bracket picks this year are not going to get me very far. But there is still a lot of hoops left in the tournament. Why is March Madness so addictive?

Another book about the sport, looks interesting ~

Toughness: Developing True Strength On and Off the Court
by Jay Bilas

Synopsis
The popular ESPN basketball analyst and former Duke player looks at the true meaning of toughness.

If anyone knows tough, it’s Jay Bilas. A four-year starter at Duke, he learned an incomparable work ethic under coach Mike Krzyzewski, battling against the greatest college players in the game. After playing professionally overseas for several years, he returned to Duke, where he served as Krzyzewski’s assistant coach for three seasons, during which the Blue Devils won back-to-back titles. A graduate of Duke Law School, he has since become one of basketball’s most recognizable faces through his insightful, intelligent work on ESPN’s SportsCenter and College GameDay.

Through his ups and downs, on and off the court, Jay learned the true meaning of toughness from coaches, teammates, and colleagues. Now, he discusses this misunderstood—yet vital—attribute and how it contributes to winning in sports and in life. Featuring never-before-heard stories and personal philosophies on toughness from top players and coaches including Coach K, Bob Knight, Grant Hill, Mia Hamm, Jon Gruden, Tom Izzo, Bill Self, Curtis Strange, and many others—Bilas redefines what it takes to succeed.

And if anyone picked all four of Harvard, LaSalle, Ole Miss, and Florida Gulf Cost in your bracket selections we want to hear from you because you might be clairvoyant!

Can you believe those games????....although I did have Ole Miss as a dark horse. LaSalle was a play-in team and Harvard probably had a team with the highest GPA. My brackets are totally blown so I was cheering my head off for Florida Gulf Coast even though I had G-town FGCU only had a basketball team for about 6 years.....I hope they get past one more bracket 'cause they look like big time tonight. It is truly March Madness with that many upsets in the first round. You gotta' love it.

Jill wrote: "Can you believe those games????....although I did have Ole Miss as a dark horse. LaSalle was a play-in team and Harvard probably had a team with the highest GPA. My brackets are totally blown so I ..."

And Notre Dame is down by 12 at the half? Can you stand it?! I am crazy for the NCAA tournament. Love it indeed!!

It is my favorite time of the year......and although someone will come after me with a big stick, I like it better than the Super Bowl. The excitement is wonderful and when #15 seeds win over the big guys, I jump around like someone who has lost their reason. My sister (who loves it as much as I do) and I are on the telephone at least three times per game. My husband says, "Y'all are screaming again"!!

LOL that is awesome!! Agree it is way better than the Super Bowl, no comparison on that front. Although I do love college football bowl season. Collegiate sports are so spirited, the champion can come out of nowhere. How cool is that?

Coming from the ACC, I'm happy for Miami, we will see how far they will go.

Better keep your eye on Florida Gulf Coast, Bryan.....that team has blown everyone's minds (and their brackets)!!! They remind me of George Mason University a couple of years ago....they came out of nowhere and made it to the Final Four. You just never know and don't every count any team out of the running. In a year when Kentucky didn't even make it to the tournament, there could be more surprises coming.

Indeed, Jill, so right.

Brave Dragons: A Chinese Basketball Team, an American Coach, and Two Cultures Clashing

by Jim Yardley

Synopsis
The wonderfully original story of a struggling Chinese basketball team and its quixotic, often comical attempt to right its fortunes by copying the American stars of the NBA—a season of cultural misunderstanding that transcends sports and reveals China’s ambivalent relationship with the West.

When the Shanxi Brave Dragons, one of China’s worst professional basketball teams, hired former NBA coach Bob Weiss, the team’s owner, Boss Wang, promised that Weiss would be allowed to Americanize his players by teaching them “advanced basketball culture.” That promise would be broken from the moment Weiss landed in China. Desperate for his team to play like Americans, Wang—a peasant turned steel tycoon—nevertheless refused to allow his players the freedom and individual expression necessary to truly change their games.

Former New York Times Beijing bureau chief Jim Yardley tells the story of the resulting culture clash with sensitivity and a keen comic sensibility. Readers meet the Brave Dragons, a cast of colorful, sometimes heartbreaking oddballs from around the world: the ambitious Chinese assistant coach, Liu Tie, who believes that Chinese players are genetically inferior and can improve only through the repetitious drilling once advocated by ancient kung fu masters; the moody and selfish American import, Bonzi Wells, a former NBA star so unnerved by China that initially he locks himself in his apartment; the Taiwanese point guard, Little Sun, who is demonized by his mainland Chinese coaches; and the other Chinese players, whose lives sometimes seem little different from those of factory workers.

As readers follow the team on a fascinating road trip through modern China—from glamorous Shanghai and bureaucratic Beijing to the booming port city Tianjin and the polluted coal capital of Taiyuan—we see Weiss learn firsthand what so many other foreigners in China have discovered: China changes only when and how it wants to change.

Another #1 goes down as Syracuse shows its stuff over Indiana. Exciting!!!! Tonight, at 9:57 EST, Florida Gulf Coast takes on Florida.....I can't wait!!!

The Punch: One Night, Two Lives, and the Fight That Changed Basketball Forever
by John Feinstein

Synopsis
With unerring insight into the deeper truths of professional sports, John Feinstein explores in riveting detail what happened one night in December 1977 when, as a fistfight broke out on the court between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers, Kermit Washington delivered a punch that nearly killed All-Star Rudy Tomjanovich. The punch-now legendary in the annals of American sports-radically changed the trajectory of both men's lives and reverberates throughout the National Basketball Association to this day. Feinstein's compelling investigation of this single cataclysmic incident and its after-math casts a light on the NBA's darkest secrets, revealing the true price men pay when they choose a career in sports.

Back in the Game
by Wayne Drash

Synopsis
Former NBA star Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway grew up in Binghampton, one of the roughest sections of Memphis. Due in no small part to the self-discipline and strong values his grandmother instilled in him, plus his singular talent, Penny beat the incredible odds and made it to the NBA. He was such a special player that it seemed inevitable that he would win at least one championship and end up in the Hall of Fame. But dogged by injuries, Penny was never able to live up to his full basketball star potential.

After retirement Penny returned to Memphis and struggled with the question most professional athletes face when their bright-lights careers come to an end: What now? The unexpected answer came from Desmond Merriweather, one of Penny’s oldest friends. Desmond had recently been diagnosed with colon cancer and needed someone to replace him as head coach of the Lester Middle School basketball team in the same dangerous neighborhood where Penny grew up. Without hesitating, Penny said, “I’m all in.”

On These Courts is the moving story of Coach Penny helping his young players navigate their way through impossible circumstances: failing grades, incarcerated fathers, gang pressures, and the crime-ridden streets of Memphis. But Penny never shied away. He selflessly provided on-the-court coaching, helped kids with homework, and became a positive role model who is committed to staying involved in their lives. But this is not just a story about Penny; the true stars are the kids on the Lester Lions team—Robert Washington, Reggie Green, Kobe Freeman, and Desmond’s own son Nick Merriweather— who rewarded Penny with his first championship season, winning the state title by one point. A penny.

A story of hope and inspiration, struggle, and triumph, On These Courts reveals the importance and power of taking a stand in a community and learning what it truly means to give back.

Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success

by Phil Jackson (no photo)

Synopsis
During his storied career as head coach of the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, Phil Jackson won more championships than any coach in the history of professional sports. Even more important, he succeeded in never wavering from coaching his way, from a place of deep values. Jackson was tagged as the “Zen master” half in jest by sportswriters, but the nickname speaks to an important truth: this is a coach who inspired, not goaded; who led by awakening and challenging the better angels of his players’ nature, not their egos, fear, or greed.

This is the story of a preacher’s kid from North Dakota who grew up to be one of the most innovative leaders of our time. In his quest to reinvent himself, Jackson explored everything from humanistic psychology and Native American philosophy to Zen meditation. In the process, he developed a new approach to leadership based on freedom, authenticity, and selfless teamwork that turned the hypercompetitive world of professional sports on its head.

In Eleven Rings, Jackson candidly describes how he:
Learned the secrets of mindfulness and team chemistry while playing for the champion New York Knicks in the 1970s Managed Michael Jordan, the greatest player in the world, and got him to embrace selflessness, even if it meant losing a scoring title Forged successful teams out of players of varying abilities by getting them to trust one another and perform in sync Inspired Dennis Rodman and other “uncoachable” personalities to devote themselves to something larger than themselves Transformed Kobe Bryant from a rebellious teenager into a mature leader of a championship team. Eleven times, Jackson led his teams to the ultimate goal: the NBA championship—six times with the Chicago Bulls and five times with the Los Angeles Lakers. We all know the legendary stars on those teams, or think we do. What Eleven Rings shows us, however, is that when it comes to the most important lessons, we don’t know very much at all. This book is full of revelations: about fascinating personalities and their drive to win; about the wellsprings of motivation and competition at the highest levels; and about what it takes to bring out the best in ourselves and others.

by David Halberstam

This is an excellent book especially for basketball fans. Halberstam follows the Portland TrailBlazers for a season and gives the reader an amazing account. This is my favorite sports book and also one of my favorite books in any genre. Not just a basketball book.

Oooh, looks like a good one. Thanks for the addition!
Don't forget the author photo (when available) in addition to the author hyperlink in the citation.

by David Halberstam

Tyler......don't forget the author photo if available which it is in this case.

by David Halberstam

Jill wrote: "Tyler......don't forget the author photo if available which it is in this case.

by David Halberstam"

Sorry about that. Will definitely do this next time.

Thanks, Tyler....I think you are doing quite well. It becomes second nature after a while. :>)

Carolina Basketball: A Century of Excellence

by Adam Lucas (no photo

Synopsis:

This is the must-have book for Tar Heel fans and college basketball lovers everywhere. Boasting six national championships and scores of Hall of Fame coaches and players, Carolina Basketball has come a long way from the first season--when the campus newspaper published a notice asking an unknown culprit to return the team's basketball. These pages are packed with little-known stories from the program's earliest days and new insights into its best-loved moments. All the greats are here, from Jack Cobb and the "Blind Bomber" George Glamack to Lennie Rosenbluth, Phil Ford, James Worthy, Michael Jordan, Antawn Jamison, and Tyler Hansbrough. Lucas reveals the meaning of the "Carolina family" and the origins and evolution of Tar Heel traditions that have made North Carolina one of the premier teams in men's college basketball.

These stories are brought to life with more than 200 color and black-and-white photos; a foreword by Hall of Fame coach Dean Smith and an afterword by fellow Hall of Famer Roy Williams; and an appendix of records and statistics. Some 30 sidebars feature first-person recollections from prominent players including Rosenbluth, Ford, and Jordan; opposing coaches like Lefty Driesell; and national broadcasters like Dick Vitale.

Even if you are not a pro basketball fan, the Boston Celtics still make the heart beat a little faster......this team had so many iconic stars that it is tough to count them all. And the legacy of the Celtics will last forever in sports history.


Ever Green, The Boston Celtics

by Dan Shaughnessy

Synopsis:
Now in paperback, Ever Green captures in words and vintage photos the special mystique of basketball's greatest dynasty and celebrated its forty-five years of existence. Ever Green recounts the complete story of the Celtics, from the troubled early years through their amazing string of championships to the triumphs--and low moments--of the 1970s and 80s.

Dan Shaughnessy records the team's history in the voice of eveyrone from its stars and coaches to the beloved benchwarmers, the Celtic fans, and rival players. Those interview include Bob Cousy, Satch Sanders, Sam Jones, K.C. Jones, Tom Heinsohn, John Havlicek, Dave Cowens, M.L. Carr, Gene Conley, Hank Finkel, Kevin Mchale, Dennis Johnson, Danny Ainge, Larry Bird, and Red Auerbach.

Ossie Schectman, who scored NBA's first bucket, dies at 94



Benjamin “Ossie” Schectman, credited with scoring the first bucket in NBA history as a member of the original Knicks in 1946, died Tuesday at age 94, the team announced.

Schectman played in the first game of the Basketball Association of America, between the New York Knicks and Toronto Huskies. The league would later become the NBA. The game, which was played on Nov. 1, 1946, had 7,090 fans in attendance.

Schectman's first bucket came on a Knicks fastbreak. Played like a drill found in basketball practices today, three players crossed halfcourt and lined up alongside each other, with Schectman in the middle, and passed back and forth until they reached the rim. Schectman made the final catch and scooped a bucket in off the backboard.

Schectman played 54 games with the Knicks and averaged 8.1 points and 2.0 assists, third in the league that year. Before joining the Knicks, Schectman was an All-American at Long Island University and led them to NIT championships in 1939 and 1941. Schectman also played for the Philadelphia Sphas in the American Basketball League.

His career ended long ago but that moment with the Knicks has lived on. Schectman has been honored over the years and named a member of the National Jewish Sports, Long Island University Athletic and New York City Basketball halls of fame.

You either love them or hate them.....there is no in-between! Duke is probably the greatest college basketball dynasty in the history of sports.

100 Seasons of Duke Basketball

by Bill Brill

Synopsis:

No college in America has dominated the basketball scene over the past 20 years like Duke has. The Blue Devils have been to 10 Final Fours under Coach Mike Krzyzewski, winning the national championship three times. They played in five consecutive Final Fours and for four consecutive years finished the season ranked number one in the country. Duke won five consecutive Atlantic Coast Conference championships through 2003, and since 1986, the Blue Devils have had six national players of the year. No other school has had more than one. As Duke enters its 100th season of basketball, it will be the 25th year for Hall of Fame coach Krzyzewski. He has been honored 12 times as national Coach of the Year and is acknowledged as the top man in his profession. Duke has had numerous other famous basketball names, including coaches such as Vic Bubas and Eddie Cameron and All-Americans Dick Groat, Art Heyman, and Jeff Mullins.

The Blue Devils play in Cameron Indoor Stadium, which has become a basketball shrine. The vociferous student body, the Cameron Crazies, camp out before home games in a tent city they call Krzyzewski-ville. From the first game in 1906 through yet another Final Four appearance following the 2003-04 season, 100 Years of Duke Basketball provides fans with an insider's look at Duke basketball and the people who have made it a national legend.

Dr. J's autobiography was a very enjoyable read, especially for fans of basketball from the 70's and 80's.

Dr. J: My Life Above the Rim and Behind Closed Doors by Julius Erving

Synopsis:

With flights of improvisation around the basket, and his towering afro, Julius Erving became one of the most charismatic (and revolutionary) players basketball has ever known. A cool, acrobatic showman, his flamboyant dunks sent him to the Hall of Fame and turned the act of jamming a basketball through a hoop into an art form, winning the admirations of fans, sportscasters, and opponents, including Bill Walton, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Kareem Abdul Jabbar.

But while the public has long revered this cultural and sports icon, few have ever known of the double life of Julius Erving. There is Julius, the bright, inquisitive son of a Long Island domestic worker who wanted to be respected for more than just his athletic ability. And there is Dr. J, the balletic baller who transformed the game and inspired a generation of superstars, including Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James.

Despite the pristine image put forward in his endorsement deals, he was far from perfect. In Dr. J., Erving goes on the record about the personal problems he faced and sometimes created. He speaks frankly about his career and the game; the adulterous affair that produced a daughter, professional tennis player Alexandra Stephenson; his 20-year-old son's tragic death; and the heartbreaking dissolution of his longtime marriage and its aftermath. Poignant and surprising Erving's story traces the inner-lives of the nearly perfect player and the imperfect man-and how he has come to terms with both.

Thanks, David. If you have a book cover, you don't need a title link, and if there is no author photo, don't include it:

by Julius Erving (no photo)

Thanks Bryan, I had posted it incorrectly the first time, then ended up getting both.

You're welcome.

Just finished this book and I highly recommend it. Very inspirational story of former NBA star Penny Hardaway returning home to Memphis to visit a friend stricken with cancer. Penny agreed to assist in coaching his friend's middle school basketball team. What followed was amazing.

by Wayne B. Drash

Former NBA star Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway grew up in Binghampton, one of the roughest sections of Memphis. Due in no small part to the self-discipline and strong values his grandmother instilled in him, plus his singular talent, Penny beat the incredible odds and made it to the NBA. He was such a special player that it seemed inevitable that he would win at least one championship and end up in the Hall of Fame. But dogged by injuries, Penny was never able to live up to his full basketball star potential.

After retirement Penny returned to Memphis and struggled with the question most professional athletes face when their bright-lights careers come to an end: What now? The unexpected answer came from Desmond Merriweather, one of Penny’s oldest friends. Desmond had recently been diagnosed with colon cancer and needed someone to replace him as head coach of the Lester Middle School basketball team in the same dangerous neighborhood where Penny grew up. Without hesitating, Penny
On These Courts is the moving story of Coach Penny helping his young players navigate their way through impossible circumstances: failing grades, incarcerated fathers, gang pressures, and the crime-ridden streets of Memphis. But Penny never shied away. He selflessly provided on-the-court coaching, helped kids with homework, and became a positive role model who is committed to staying involved in their lives. But this is not just a story about Penny; the true stars are the kids on the Lester Lions team—Robert Washington, Reggie Green, Kobe Freeman, and Desmond’s own son Nick Merriweather— who rewarded Penny with his first championship season, winning the state title by one point. A penny.

A story of hope and inspiration, struggle, and triumph, On These Courts reveals the importance and power of taking a stand in a community and learning what it truly means to give back.

A portion of the proceeds from this book will be donated to Penny’s FastBreak Courts, part of Penny Hardaway’s ongoing efforts to help at-risk youth in the Memphis community

Alisa wrote: "Back in the Game
by Wayne Drash

Synopsis
Former NBA star Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway grew up in Binghampton, one of the roughest sections of Me..."

I just read this as well. Extremely good book!

March Madness is upon our household and I have already had three losses in my first round but I would guess that most people did too....Dayton (that makes some sense) Harvard (unbelievable) and Mercer over Duke which is like a bad dream for Duke fans Who is Mercer?.....anyone who picked that team in their brackets should automatically win $500!!!!!! So I am now rooting for Mercer.......I love the underdogs!!!