Subjects:  1. Basketball - General    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Inspirational    4. Inspirational - General    5. Religious    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Sports - Basketball    9. Sports - General   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (7)

Using basketball as an agent of change!
Oscar Robertson tells it like it was as this book is as much about racism as it is about basketball. I played briefly against Oscar and we were both raised in the hot bed of Indiana basketball. Trying to become an accomplished player was one thing and dealing with discrimination back in the 1950s was quite another. Oscar tries to paint a picture for the reader showing what it was like to muster enough courage to play while being discriminated against. He performed brilliantly despite the bigotry, hatred and prejudice and , perhaps unknowingly to him at the time, used basketball as an instrument of change just as Jackie Robinson used baseball before him.
Starts Good but too much Editorializing
As a younger person who was not alive during the era that Oscar Robertson was alive I thought this would give me a good idea of what things were like back in the 60s and 70s. Although I particularly enjoyed the information of his early years including what it was like growing up and playing at the Dust Bowl and winning the Indiana State Championship, I felt that his continued effort to slam his opinions down your throat got tiresome.
THE BIG O SCORES
THIS BOOK IS A GOOD READ. OSCAR DOES A GOOD JOB DESCRIBING HIS LIFE ON AND OFF THE COURT. HE GOES INTO DETAIL ABOUT FORMER COACHES, TEAMATES, AND OPPONENTS DESCRIBING HIS RELATIONSHIPS AND FEELINGS. I FOUND OSCAR TO BE VERY HONEST BUT SOMETIMES BITTER AND DEPRESSED. STILL I THINK HE IS A PRETTY GOOD GUY AND HAD A LOT OF CLASS. I REMEMBER HIM AS A COMMENTATOR FOR CBS AND JUST LOVING HIM GETTING EXCITED DURING A GAME BY YELLING "OH WHAT MOVE BY KAREEM". THIS IS A REALLY GOOD BOOK FOR ALL FANS OF PRO BASKETBALL. ROLL ON BIG O. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1938-    2. Basketball - Professional    3. Basketball players    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. People of Color    9. Robertson, Oscar,    10. Sports - Basketball    11. Sports - General    12. United States    13. Sports & Recreation / Basketball   

Reviews (1)

A Compelling Hard-Hitting Read
I just finished this book tonight, and it's one of the best sports autobiographies I've read in ages, and I read most of them. Wayne Embry is a pioneer, and a man that overcame a tremendous amount of racism and adversity in his life to become a power player (GM) of 2 NBA ballclubs.
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Subjects:  1. 1937-    2. Basketball - Professional    3. Basketball managers    4. Basketball players    5. Biography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Discrimination & Racism    8. Discrimination in sports    9. Embry, Wayne,    10. General    11. Sports    12. Sports & Recreation    13. Sports - Basketball    14. United States   

Reviews (4)

Book on the Best of the Best in Basketball
If you are an avid professional basketball fan like me who appreciates the history of the game, you should know that there are so many captivating memories surviving to this day. This book focuses on the more prominent players and plays of the NBA's past and present; the buzzerbeaters that have won championships, the slam dunks that defied gravity, the amazing assists that made you wonder if he could see through his head. All these memories come alive again in NBA's Greatest. From James Naismith's invention of basketball to George Mikan, Bill Russell,'Houdini of the Hardwood' Bob Cousy and the early dominance of the Minneapolis Lakers and Boston Celtics, to the era of great swingman such as Dr. J, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird, to the continuity of today's superstars, this book has them all.
Certainly the NBA's Greatest
An awesome basketball book.I just love it.Informs one about the best players ever in the NBA, from guys like Cousy, to Wilt, Jordan, to Ewing, and Duncan to Kidd.Also, shows the best NBA duels from Bird vs. Magic, to Iverson vs. Carter.Don't forget about the best teams ever assembled in the NBA like the 95'-96' Chicago Bulls.Then, read about the best guys to ever lead their team to glory . . . the coaches.Daly, Jackson, Auerbach, Wilekns, Riley . . . you can find them all here.And finally, catch up on the best momenets ever.Remember "Havlicek stole the ball" and the year Oscar Robertson AVERAGED a triple-double.Well, there all here in this book.
very enjoyable Book
I always enjoy reading what other Players have to say about Other Players through out time&also who they personally feel are the Greats of the game&all the details involved.this Book is a Must for any Hoops fan from start to finish it's very detailed.cool Photos&Moments that you will never forget if you follow the game like myself. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Basketball    2. Basketball - General    3. Basketball - Professional    4. Basketball players    5. Biography    6. History    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Sports - Basketball    10. United States    11. Sports & Recreation / Basketball    12. Sports & Adventure   

Reviews (6)

Completely unaffected
It may be that you've got to be at least 50 years old to appreciate this book fully.Why?Because Cousy reflects on a game that doesn't exist anymore.It was a time when people did not take three steps to the basket, when palming the ball was a turnover, and when good sportsmanship was the standard.It was also a time, and this is what is so hard to believe, when a guy like Cousy, who came along just in time to save the financially failing NBA, worried each and every year about making the team.It was a time when a hard nosed Red Auerbach, who didn't even want Cousy because he thought him a showoff, coupled Cousy's playmaking with Russell's defense to make a team, the only team in fact, that dominated its sport as the Yankees did in baseball.Cousy was Auerbach's first big hitter, and despite his success as a player, coach and university president, Cousy remains humble, reflective, and self effacing.Cousy is a we guy, not an I guy.Refreshing.
A GREAT BOOK
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

A solid biography
Reynolds tells a wonderful story about an interesting person.Initially, the story was supposed to be about the pioneering era of basketball, but he decided since Cousy was such a focal point on this era and professional basketball's climb to greatness, that he would write about Cousy himself.Cousy, a private man, agreed through mutual acquaintances to go along and provided information and interviews.
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Subjects:  1. 1928-    2. Basketball players    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Boston Celtics (Basketball team)    8. Cousy, Bob,    9. General    10. History    11. Sports - Basketball    12. United States    13. Sports & Recreation / General   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (6)

Reveals more than I think he intended
This is not a book that will fill you with great amounts of unknown knowledge, nor will it require heavy thinking on your part to understand. What you will get out of it is a great deal of amusement. Here are dozens of short, kind of random thoughts, little stories and anecdotes by Dennis Rodman.In summary it is kind of a way to look at his philosophy of life.
He IS dead.
This clown said all he could say with his first book, back when it mattered, to some people, because winning basketball teams matter, to some people.
Neither here or there :-l
This is a fairly interesting-ish book about one of the best players to have played the sport.However, I wonder why he wrote another book?Surely he doesn't need the money (unless it all went to alcohol).It's interesting to get inside his mind a little and see what he's all about, but it is all jumbled and mismatched and leads nowhere.I like him, but if I had read this first before buying, maybe I wouldn't have bought it.Only for true Rodman fans.Otherwise, skip it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1961-    2. Basketball - General    3. Basketball players    4. Biography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. People of Color    7. Personal Memoirs    8. Rodman, Dennis,    9. Sports    10. Sports & Recreation    11. Sports - Basketball    12. Sports - General    13. United States    14. Biography & Autobiography / Sports    15. Biography & Autobiography/People of Color    16. Biography & Autobiography/Personal Memoirs    17. Ethnic Orientation/African-American    18. Rodman, Dennis   

Reviews (17)

She's got more than game!
Cynthia Cooper could be a role model for anyone. She knows how to play the game of life as well as basketball: when to hold, when to fold, and a whole lot more. A True Example of Determination and Self-improvement
This autobiography is one of the best, if not the best, that I've read. It's amazing how Cynthia Cooper writes her own story to motivate and make readers have more confidence. She's a real example of a true athlete hero, someone that can be a role model to all. Thanks to her and her success in the WNBA, she's given Women's Basketball a new meaning. Her determination and motivation to become successful is admirable. This book is really an inspiration to those who lack self-esteem and self-confidence. I enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it to anyone because is really interesting and inspirational. I'm proud of Cynthia Cooper because she's a real good representative of Women's basketball and a great example of determination and success. She also proved that with God's help, anything is possible.

She Got Heart
Cooper's book has made me relieze that nothing can turninto something. Also Cooper provides a positive role model for anyonewho wants to better themselves and improve their way of life. This is a book that can be enjoyed by all. There was problems growing up, college, overseas (work) love, and death of loved ones. This tells the reader that everyone faces problems at many different stages of life. Also how they could be overcome with the correct outlook.END ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Basketball players    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. People of Color    7. Sports - Basketball    8. Sports - General    9. United States    10. Women    11. Women basketball players    12. Biography & Autobiography / Sports   

Subjects:  1. Attitudes    2. Baseketball players    3. Basketball    4. Biography    5. Christianity    6. Religious life    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Sports - Basketball    10. United States    11. Christian life & practice   

Subjects:  1. Basketball - College    2. Basketball - General    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. General    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Sports - Basketball    8. Sports - General    9. Sports & Outdoor Recreation    10. Sports & Recreation / General   

Reviews (4)

Very Good yet Scary Work
Mr. Delsohn does a great job of telling the story of Bob Knight which undoubtedly was not an easy story to tell. Given the strong feelings either for or against Mr. Knight, the author does a superb job at being balanced yet not pandering to sentationalism. Often when one sees the words Unauthorized Biography, you search to see if it is an anagram for hatchet job.
Highly Recommended
Like the BOOKLIST REVIEWsays this is a book that is hard to put down. I read the intro at the bookstore, bought the book and was almost through it by the next day. The writing style is crisp and gives you a fly on the wall perspective as you tourBob Knight's career to date. It comes across objective, not trying to sugarcoat the persona of Knight nor deride him. The authors tell the story and let you make up your own mind. I laughed out loud a few times and thoroghly enjoyed the book. It is worth the price of a hard cover and could make a nice gift for the college bball fan.

Great Book!!
I got an early copy of the book and absolutely loved it. I've read almost all of the other bios, and this one is really different because it really looks at his entire careeer. The whole thing, good, bad and ugly. It seems like the authors really went out of their way to find new sources too, because there is some new info I had not heard before.
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Subjects:  1. Basketball    2. Basketball - General    3. Basketball coaches    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Collegiate Athletic Programs    9. Knight, Bobby    10. Sports - Basketball    11. Sports - General    12. United States    13. Biography & Autobiography / Sports   

Subjects:  1. Basketball - Professional    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. History    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Sports - Basketball    7. Tennis   

Reviews (4)

It's about basketball!
Women's basketball books occupy a special niche in sportswriting. Page turning, inspirational read for all who love sports
Wayne Coffey not only knows sports but he knows how to write tight, action packed chapters.This story moves.Interpersed with backgrounds on the team members, the history of deaf culture, the story tracks the team through an incredible season. I am not an avid basketball fan nor did I have any particular interest in deaf culture, but this book captured my interest from the first page and held it throughout. Great Book!
Beautifully written that, at turns, is funny, touching, fascinating and absorbing. I read it at a single sitting.Read more

Subjects:  1. Basketball - College    2. Basketball - General    3. Handicapped    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Sports - Basketball    7. Sports & Recreation / Basketball   

Reviews (3)

Deeply disappointing
I was deeply disapointed by this book.I expected an uplifting, inspiring story, but instead it was the story of disfunctional relationships.The worst part was, the author did not seem to realize that his life and his families lives were disfunctional.

Most Wonderful
This book written by Mike Towle shows a very positive and very accurate look into the life of one of, if not, the best personality in college basketball history. We all miss Jimmy V very much and this book makes all the memories of Jimmy V so very special.

Most Wonderful
This book written by Jim' brother, Bob Valvano of ESPN, shows a very positive and very accurate look into the life of one of, if not, the best personality in college basketball history. We all miss Jimmy V very much and this book makes all the memories of Jimmy V so very special. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Basketball - College    2. Basketball coaches    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Friends and associates    8. Sports - Basketball    9. Sports - General    10. United States    11. Valvano, Jim   

Reviews (2)

A Champion Is Born
I read this book after UNC won the 2005 NCAA basketball tournament, and to me the most fascinating part was seeing how the foundation for that championship was established during the 2004 season chronicled here. We see the players begin to "buy in" to Roy Williams' coaching philosophy (some more quickly than others) and forge themselves into a real team, as opposed a collection of highly talented players, each with his own agenda. There are a lot of books celebrating winning seasons and championship runs (including one about the 2005 Tar Heels), but this is a rarity - a book about how a championship team became a championship team. I recommend it for UNC fans, of course, but also for college basketball fans in general. And for young sports fans who'd like to read about what it takes to be a champion.

Molding Individuals into a Team
Straight from the Tar Heel Monthly, the nation's most widely read magazine devoted to University of North Carolina athletics. Adam Lucas, the publisher, has written this book on a remarkable man having a remarkable year.
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Subjects:  1. 1950-    2. Basketball - College    3. Basketball - General    4. Basketball coaches    5. Biography    6. Biography & Autobiography    7. Biography / Autobiography    8. Biography/Autobiography    9. North Carolina Tar Heels (Basketball team)    10. Sports - Basketball    11. Sports - General    12. United States    13. Williams, Roy,    14. Sports & Recreation / Basketball   

Reviews (27)

Good Story but falters at the end
I picked up this book and "Operation Yao Ming" to read while flying to and from China.I started reading this on the flight back and the inital stages of the book were interesting.Lots of background info and insights into Jordan and how he managed the Wizards as an executive as well as a player.
Time and tide wait for no man
Mike Leahy writes this book from the perspective of a journalist who can't be bought by the object of his writing, in this case one of the greatest basketball players of all time.Besides the fact that the story is somewhat repetitive re its day-to-day summations of the games, it never really goes anywhere except to show that Michael Jordan is an over indulged superstar beyond his prime.
Negative informative book
I bought this book to learn more about MJ's last comeback in Washington. And truth to tell the book does give details and information, what I didn't really want to read about was a man griping about his job following a "demigod" in his words. It would have been more credible if you saw both sides of the coin but it was obvious Leahy just wanted to focus on the negatives. You get the feel that he was shooting down a hero to earth because people "worship" him too much, blindly at that too. I got the info but I am almost sorry I bought this book. The author just kept griping sometimes selfishly making the book actually about himself and the work he had to do. Why do it if you don't like it? He makes a very embarrasing account of the Bull's 3rd championship saying Paxon's winning shot came from Mj. It came from Grant, basketball fans know this. This is an auhor who doesn't get it. Heroes are there because we aspire to be like them, they tell us if you put forth the effort, anyone can and is special. Leahy says "why do people worship/ are blinded by heroes when they have as much crap as everyone?". Leahy has manged to cash in on a hero by "exposing" his bad side. That is something I cannot aspire to. If truth was his goal he should have been more neutral. Jordan's not a God, we do not worship him or believe he is above mortals, the fact that he IS LIKE everyone yet pushed himself (and others) to be the best is what we admire him for. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1963-    2. Basketball - General    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. History    5. Jordan, Michael,    6. People of Color    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Sports - Basketball    10. Sports & Recreation / General   

Reviews (1)

My son's favorite
My son love's basketball.He is 18.He had to have this.Great gift for any basketball lovers in your life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Basketball - General    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Sports - Basketball    6. Sports - General    7. Basketball    8. Biography: sport   

Subjects:  1. Basketball    2. Basketball - Professional    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography And Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Sports - Basketball    8. Sports - General   

Reviews (5)

excellent competitor
Michael Jordan Speaks is a very good book because Michael lets you know what he went through as he looks back at it all.As I read it I kept on thinking to myself whoa!. Mike had that God- given talent that comes naturally and he was determined to become a better player. He started to put a lot of work in and had that ability to make it. Micheal said "It's not how you start, it's how you finish." "It's not what's on you, it's what's in you."The stuff that he went through I didn't think that he would be able to conquer it. Mikes words made me think positive and how things in life will work out.His sophomore year he faced a bad thing that he felt like not playing anymore. He got cut from the basketball team. Micheal's coach felt like he wasn't ready, so he worked at it. As time went by money started to come and people were amazed on how this boy turned out to blossom.

Michael Jordan Speaks
Many people know Michael Jordan as a legend, but did you know that even this legend has failed.As a sophomore in high school, Michael was cut from the varsity basketball team.Though he may have had thoughts of giving up, it inspired him to work even harder.Michael Jordan Speaks by Janet Lowey tells the story of Michael's life, and what obstacles he has overcome.Throughout the book, Michael faces many struggles, not just physically but emotionally.This sports superstar had to deal with the murder of his father, his business (Jordan), and entertaining the fans of the Chicago Bulls.No matter how bad the problem looked, he never gave up. muwhahahaaaahaa (just started readin)
I just started reading the book, spenbt about 20 minutes on it, im on page like 60 something .But its aight, gives facts and true stories about his life.Pretty tight, you find out soem interesting stuff, like he NEVER has had a job his entire life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Jordan, Michael    2. Basketball    3. Basketball - General    4. Basketball players    5. Biography    6. Biography & Autobiography    7. Biography / Autobiography    8. Biography/Autobiography    9. Jordan, Michael,    10. People of Color    11. Sports - Basketball    12. Sports - General    13. United States    14. Biography: sport    15. Business & Economics / General   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (7)

Good, but....
Overall, this is a worthwhile book for Celtics fans to buy. The epilog from Larry Bird alone makes it that.
A clock radio in a time capsule
In the early 80's, all my friends had state-of-the-art electronic equipment for their listening pleasure.My friend Ty had a boom-box the size of a suitcase.Scott had the first walkman of our group.Dave had a massive stereo system in his bedroom, much to the dismay of the rest of his neighborhood and, later on in the 80's, Joe's family bought a CD player.
Reminiscences of The Ultimate Boston Celtics Fan!
No one ever cared as much about the Boston Celtics as did Johnny Most, the radio voice of the Celtics for 37 years including their 16 championship seasons.To him, no one in the green and white ever made a mistake.No opposing player failed to be a "bum" who was "mugging" the Celtics.The referees were all suspect . . . especially Jake O'Donnell.His rants anticipated the development of that form of entertainment, and came equipped in four different voices . . . depending on how outraged he was.Humor was always interceding as Johnny was known to get into brawls with fans, light himself on fire while smoking, insult the security guards who tried to get him to stop smoking, and told one revealing personal story after another that would leave us in stitches.But we never laughed at the man . . . but with him . . . because we knew he loved the Celtics.Read more

Subjects:  1. Basketball - General    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Personal Memoirs    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Sports - Basketball    7. Sports - General    8. Biography & Autobiography / Sports    9. Biography & Autobiography/Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (1)

Uncovers much that was Covered Over
This is a book that really gets into the various things that were rumoured and suggested all along.Get the real deal.Here is a great story of a great man. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Basketball    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Sports - Basketball    6. Sports - General    7. Biography    8. Biography & Autobiography / Sports    9. Coaches (Athletics)    10. Kentucky    11. Rupp, Adolph Fred    12. Sports & Outdoor Recreation    13. University of Kentucky