The Shot. The Flu Game. Michael Jordan is responsible for sublime moments so ingrained in sports history that they have their own names. When most people think of him, they think of his beautiful shots with the game on the line, his body totally in sync with the ball -- hitting nothing but net. But for all his greatness, this scion of a complex family from North Carolina's Coastal Plain has a darker side: he's a ruthless competitor and a lover of high stakes. There's never been a biography that encompassed the dual nature of his character and looked so deeply at Jordan on and off the court -- until now.Basketball journalist Roland Lazenby spent almost thirty years covering Michael Jordan's career in college and the pros. He witnessed Jordan's growth from a skinny rookie to the instantly recognizable global ambassador for basketball whose business savvy and success have millions of kids still wanting to be just like Mike. Yet Lazenby also witnessed the Michael Jordan whose drive and appetite are more fearsome and more insatiable than any of his fans could begin to know. Michael Jordan: The Life explores both sides of his personality to reveal the fullest, most compelling story of the man who is Michael Jordan.Lazenby draws on his personal relationships with Jordan's coaches; countless interviews with Jordan's friends, teammates, and family members; and interviews with Jordan himself to provide the first truly definitive study of Michael Jordan: the player, the icon, and the man.

      The Los Angeles Lakers of the 1980s personified the flamboyance and excess of the decade over which they reigned. Beginning with the arrival of Earvin "Magic" Johnson as the number-one overall pick of the 1979 draft, the Lakers played basketball with gusto and pizzazz, unleashing their famed "Showtime" run-and-gun style on a league unprepared for their speed and ferocity—and became the most captivating show in sports and, arguably, in all-around American entertainment. The Lakers’ roster overflowed with exciting all-star-caliber players, including center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and they were led by the incomparable Pat Riley, known for his slicked-back hair, his Armani suits, and his arrogant strut. Hollywood’s biggest celebrities lined the court and gorgeous women flocked to the arena. Best of all, the team was a winner. Between 1980 and 1991, the Lakers played in an unmatched nine NBA championship series, capturing five of them. Bestselling sportswriter Jeff Pearlman draws from almost three hundred interviews to take the first full measure of the Lakers’ epic Showtime era. A dazzling account of one of America’s greatest sports sagas, Showtime is packed with indelible characters, vicious rivalries, and jaw-dropping, behind-the-scenes stories of the players’ decadent Hollywood lifestyles.  From the Showtime era’s remarkable rise to its tragic end—marked by Magic Johnson’s 1991 announcement that he had contracted HIV—Showtime is a gripping narrative of sports, celebrity, and 1980s-style excess.

    His UCLA teams reached unprecedented heights in the 1960s and ’70s capped by a run of ten NCAA championships in twelve seasons and an eighty-eight-game winning streak, records that stand to this day. Wooden also became a renowned motivational speaker and writer, revered for his “Pyramid of Success.”Seth Davis of Sports Illustrated and CBS Sports has written the definitive biography of Wooden, an unflinching portrait that draws on archival research and more than two hundred interviews with players, opponents, coaches, and even Wooden himself. Davis shows how hard Wooden strove for success, from his All-American playing days at Purdue through his early years as a high school and college coach to the glory days at UCLA, only to discover that reaching new heights brought new burdens and frustrations. Davis also reveals how at the pinnacle of his career Wooden found himself on questionable ground with alumni, referees, assistants, and even some of his players. His was a life not only of lessons taught, but also of lessons learned.Woven into the story as well are the players who powered Wooden’s championship teams – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Walton, Walt Hazzard, and others – many of whom speak frankly about their coach. The portrait that emerges from Davis’s remarkable biography is of a man in full, whose life story still resonates today.http://us.macmillan.com/wooden/SethDavis

    From outperforming LeBron James on one of the NBA's biggest stages, to mapping out his iconic slam dunk contest win over Dwight Howard, to being named Washington's high school football and basketball Player of the Year, Heart Over Height brings to life a story that personifies perseverance.Beginning with his improbable selection as the New York Knicks' first-round draft pick after only playing basketball full time for two years, and continuing on to his unprecedented three NBA Slam Dunk Championships, Robinson has defied the odds every step of his career; a careerthat many analysts and pundits felt would never happen because in a sport filled with seven-footers, Robinson stands only 5'9" tall.Having just completed his 9th electrifying year in the NBA, Robinson has proven all doubters wrong. Heart Over Height tells the story of the people, places, teams and fans that helped make his rise to stardom possible.

    Kobe Bryant has been the face of the Lakers dynasty for the past two decades and for good reason. Few players have commanded a basketball court as much as Kobe in historical performances such as his notable 81-point performance in just under 42 minutes of playing time in 2006 against the Toronto Raptors. While the 2015-2016 NBA season will mark the end to Kobe’s storied career, the Black Mamba’s legacy will never be forgotten. Few players can parallel Kobe Bryant in terms of competitive fire and will to win. His polarizing figure defines him and makes even those who do not like him at the very least respect him. Read on to learn about the days of when Kobe played alongside Shaquille O’Neal, Robert Horry, Metta World Peace, Derek Fisher, and Pau Gasol in some of the greatest times of Los Angeles Lakers’ basketball history. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Early Life and Childhood High School Years Kobe Personal Life Kobe’s Impact on Basketball and Beyond The Black Mamba’s Legacy An excerpt from the book: When Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant gave himself the nickname Black Mamba, everyone wondered why he chose to liken himself to a reptile.The Black Mamba is one of the fastest and most deadly snakes in the world. It was also the codename used by Uma Thurman's assassin character in the Quentin Tarantino movie Kill Bill. And yes, Black Mamba was also the boxing nickname given to Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s uncle, Roger Mayweather. For sure, Bryant never wanted a part of the Mayweather’s so it must have been that Tarantino movie that got into him. It turns out that Bryant did in fact watch Kill Bill and was so intrigued by the codename Black Mamba that he said he checked out the snake. Upon reading up on the mamba, Bryant decided that it was the perfect description of how he wanted his game to be. The Black Mamba is said to have a 99% striking accuracy at maximum speed and in rapid succession. Bryant said it's the kind of surgical precision that he wants in his game. Kobe Bryant has always been known as a perfectionist and a player who despite being great wants strives to be the greatest.Bryant also talks about the Black Mamba mentality in which he says one has to "figure it out no matter what comes, whether its hell or high water." This resilient attitude has been at the core of Bryant's game, and it's what has made him bounce back from the many obstacles he has faced on and off the court.Kobe Bryant is one of the most popular basketball players on the planet. He is, without a doubt, one of the greatest scorers in the game and one of the most lethal offensive weapons that has ever graced the NBA's courts. However, Kobe Bryant isn't all about scoring points. He is a winner and he has proved that he can win on his own. Bryant isn’t just about basketball either. He is also a million dollar businessperson and a worldwide icon. More importantly, Bryant is a husband, a father, and a son.

    James Harden has been making a splash playing in the National Basketball Association for the Houston Rockets. In this short book, we will learn about how James became the star shooting guard that he is today. Starting first with a look into his childhood and early life, we'll learn about James Harden prior to entering the NBA, along with his time in the NBA as a sixth man for the Oklahoma City Thunder behind Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant to his time leading the Houston Rockets. James Harden has established himself as one of the top five shooting guards in the game today, alongside legends like Kobe Bryant. Harden has played so exceptionally well that many have considered him as an MVP candidate at times. For a man who once was just another college basketball player for the Arizona State Sun Devils, James Harden has come a long way in his basketball career. James Harden has revitalized and ignited a fire in Houston, leading the Rockets alongside Dwight Howard. The James Harden trade from Oklahoma City may go down as one of the biggest mistakes by the Thunder organization of the recent era. While Harden still has areas to improve upon on the defensive end, his offensive abilities have been lauded around the league. If you've ever been curious as to how basketball stars like James Harden began their basketball careers, pick up a copy today to learn James' incredible story. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Early Life and Childhood High School Years of James Harden College Years at Arizona State James Harden: Draft Bust? Harden's NBA Career Fear the Beard and Unique Fashion Style Impact on Basketball and Beyond James Harden's Legacy An excerpt from the book: On April 4, 2014, the Houston Rockets were in trouble. With the arrival of superstar center Dwight Howard, the Rockets were looking to win a championship for the first time in 20 years. Yet while the 2013-14 NBA season had gone smoothly for the Rockets, a potential catastrophe loomed on the horizon. They had just lost three straight games for the first time all season. Dwight Howard was not playing due to ankle issues. And if that was not bad enough, the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by probable MVP Kevin Durant, were in town. The Thunder had defeated the Rockets in all three of their earlier games, blowing them out by 31 points in the first contest. Houston faced the very real possibility of losing the first-round home court advantage that they fought so hard all season to earn. But James Harden would have none of it. He knew how important it was for the Rockets to break the three game losing streak, and he also knew that Houston would clinch a playoff spot with a win. So he got to work immediately. On the first possession, he passed the ball so Terrence Jones could hit a wide-open jump shot. On the second possession, he drove the ball in for a layup. Whenever Houston needed points, Harden was there hitting 3-point shots, drilling free throws, and charging to the basket.

    Armstrong • Marv Albert • Grant Hill • Jerry Colangelo • Bill Cartwright • Jerry Reinsdorf • Johnny Bach • Rod Thorn • Rick Barry • Kevin Loughery • David Axelrod • President Barack Obama • and many more!Written by Sam Smith—author  of the New York Times bestseller THE JORDAN RULES and recent inductee  into the NBA Hall of Fame—THERE IS NO NEXT assembles a cast of Hall-of-Famers, teammates, opponents, coaches, and others who experienced the ferocious drive and unparalleled greatness that defined Jordan’s career. Packed with previously untold stories and stunning insight into Jordan and his six championships, THERE IS NO NEXT is the last word on why there has never been, and will never be, another Michael Jordan.

    Kevin Durant started his career as the face of the Thunder dynasty upon entering the league in 2007 as the second overall pick. After a nine-year stint with the Thunder, Durant opted to sign with the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 offseason. Reflecting back on Durant's time in OKC, the team came a long way, becoming one of the perennial Western Conference contenders during his tenure. Playing alongside athletic and talented players like Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Serge Ibaka, and Reggie Jackson, Durant had the opportunity to lead the Thunder to several deep playoff runs behind the helm of Coach Scott Brooks. While he did not win a championship with the Thunder, Durant accomplished quite a bit with Russell Westbrook in his nine years in OKC. Time will tell what he will be able to accomplish with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green in Golden State. In this book, you’ll learn about Kevin’s incredible story to the NBA. Kevin Durant has had an incredible basketball career playing in the National Basketball Association. In this short book, we will learn about how Kevin became the star MVP small forward that he is today. Starting first with his childhood and early life, we'll learn about Kevin Durant prior to entering the NBA, his time in the NBA, along with his impact on Oklahoma City as well as his decision to leave for Golden State. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Early Life and Childhood High School Years College Years at the University of Texas Kevin’s NBA Career Kevin Durant’s Personal Life Durant’s Impact on Basketball and Beyond Kevin Durant’s Legacy and Future An excerpt from the book: The game of basketball has many facets a player can excel at. There have been excellent rebounders such as Wilt Chamberlain, Moses Malone, and Dennis Rodman, among others. The NBA has also seen its share of passing wizards in the form of Magic Johnson, John Stockton, Jason Kidd, and Steve Nash. And when all else failed, some defenders stopped at nothing to deprive opposing teams of baskets. Names such as Bill Russell, Joe Dumars, Dikembe Mutombo, and Gary Payton excelled at that aspect of the game. But no matter how many ways a player can affect a game of basketball, scoring was always the name of the game. No other player could do that better than Kevin Durant. Standing over 6’10” and with arms as long as a mile, Kevin Durant had the height and length that was supposed to score baskets inside the paint. However, Durant was also blessed with the athleticism, grace, footwork, and handles that made him an even greater threat with the ball in his hands out on the perimeter. He has the size of a center, but could move like a shooting guard on the floor.

    . . and he still hasn’t walked off. In six decades as a player, assistant coach and the head man on the bench for Syracuse University’s basketball program, Boeheim is synonymous with the blood and thunder of East Coast hoops. In Bleeding Orange, Boeheim recounts for the first time all of the pleasures and perils of a career spent battling “The Beasts of the Big East,” the NCAA and his own fear of failure.The son of a funeral director, Coach Boeheim has always been full of life, and his combative nature helped ignite what was arguably the most fascinating and competitive college basketball conference ever—the Big East of the 1980s. Boeheim’s battles with fellow coaches Big John Thompson of Georgetown, roly-poly Rollie Massimino of Villanova, feisty Jim Calhoun of Connecticut and beloved Louie Carnesecca of St. John’s turned the Big East into the best show in college basketball.Combining a real time, inside-the-program account of the 2013–14 season—Syracuse’s first in the ACC—with a narrative of his most cherished memories of coming-of-age on the Syracuse campus and of coaching two Olympic gold medal–winning teams, Bleeding Orange is a must-read both for Syracuse fans and anyone who calls himself or herself an aficionado of college basketball history.

    Today’s game more closely resembles the game that we played on the playground than the one that we were taught in practices. The 21st Century Basketball Practice is an attempt to modernize the youth and high-school basketball and catch up to the evolution of the game. I have coached at every level over the last 15 years, from u9s to professional teams. I have worked in the United States and Europe (and spent time in Africa and India). I completed a doctorate in Exercise and Sports Science, largely by studying basketball. My experience has provided a unique perspective to comment on practice and coaching. I have a practical perspective influenced by coaching at different levels and in different countries, and a theoretical perspective influenced by the latest research. Tremendous amounts of learning occurred on the playgrounds and during pickup games for people of a certain generation, and players today often miss this learning to attend organized practices or sessions with a skill trainer. The 21st Century Basketball Practice attempts to reincorporate this learning that once occurred in unstructured settings. Random and variable practice, task constraints, and contextual interference are academic words that describe ideas that coaches use daily in their practices. The 21st Century Basketball Practice briefly explains the background of these terms to explain the reasons for changing some fundamental drills and incorporating more small-sided and modified games into practices. This book addresses what to do and what to say at practice and references my experiences with an under-9 AAU team, high-school freshmen, and professional teams. It is not a drill book, although numerous drills are explained and used as examples. Rather than list a number of drills, the purpose is to demonstrate at approach that generates countless drills, and drills that promote better performance in games.

    This unauthorized biography of Klay Thompson highlights his quick ascent into the league as a sharp shooter. Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry form arguably the most dangerous backcourt in the NBA due to their impressive ability to shoot and make three-pointers. It isn’t uncommon to find the Warriors down more than ten points with only a few minutes to go, and yet still win the game behind a three-point shoot out led by the Splash Brothers. With a recent four-year, $70 million contract that he signed in the 2014-2015 NBA season, Klay Thompson still has much to prove, with his prime still to come. It will be incredibly exciting to follow the young career of this sharp shooter. Golden State’s cast of Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green led by Steve Kerr will be an exciting team to watch out for as they seek to replicate their recent success as 2015 NBA Champions and 2016 NBA Finalists. Get your copy today to learn about Klay Thompson’s journey into the league, to his college years at Washington State before ultimately propelling into the NBA. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Childhood and High School Years College Years at Washington State Klay Thompson’s NBA Career The Rise of Klay Thompson First All-Star Appearance, Championship Season Helping the Warriors Break a Record, Failure to go Back-to-Back Welcoming Kevin Durant, Forming the Super Team of the Century Klay’s Personal Life Klay Thompson’s Impact on Basketball Klay Thompson’s Legacy & Future An excerpt from the book: When it comes to the ability to shoot three-pointers, few players have perfected that skill better than Klay Thompson. Klay was born with the pedigree of an NBA player and a shooting stroke that can be compared to that of former NBA players like Reggie Miller, Ray Allen, or Alan Houston. Thompson’s genetic makeup has also helped him in his ability to play multiple sports, such as baseball and football, though basketball has always remained his top game. Klay grew up in Oregon, mainly because his father used to play for, and was drafted by, the Portland Trailblazers. Klay did not have to undergo the dramatic, difficult upbringing that most other rags-to-riches athletes were subject to in their lives. Unlike some other NBA stars, he was not raised in a neighborhood ravaged by crime or gang wars. He always had food on the table, and his family was always there to provide for and support him, sometimes even more than he needed. He lived a comfortable life and had a father who was always present for the family. Just because Klay was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, though, does not mean that his road to the NBA was as easy as you might imagine.

    The rankings appear alongside stunning photography and classic stories from SI's archives. This is the best of the best in the NBA, or, more simply, Basketball's Greatest.

    Touted as a gifted athlete with an unrelenting passion for competing, she was relegated to the bleachers while the boys played on school teams. Though conflicted and confused by cultural limitations, Debbie continued to embrace her love for sports. Playing basketball in college gave her a taste of organized competition, but also exposed glaring inequities between men's and women's athletics. After passage of the federal law (Title IX) in 1972 mandating equality in sports, Debbie redirected her passion into coaching. She faced a monumental and unprecedented challenge when her high school girls' volleyball team was forced to play against boys in a dramatic 1975 state championship final. "Meeting Her Match" takes readers on a heartfelt and entertaining journey as Debbie chronicles her life as an aspiring athlete before Title IX, and as a coach after. Her engaging memoir is a real-life history lesson about the evolution of women's sports, and builds to an exciting climax. Not only will readers find themselves smiling, crying, or cheering with every page, they'll be inspired by the timeless themes of determination, perseverance, and hope.

    Presented in the format of Top 10 lists, this book is a comprehensive yet fun look at the best aspects of the ABA, NBA and WNBA. From the most dominant big men to the quirkiest uniforms, SI Kids ranks a variety of topics from the hardwood. Readers are guaranteed to love the big, exciting action photos from the Sports Illustrated collection and the insider knowledge of SI Kids. Filled with trivia and information, this dynamic book will be the definitive kids book on pro basketball.

    

    It chronicles the wild circumstances that captured the essence of Hoosier hysteria in all its glory. But this is much more than just a sports story. It explores the life and times of the 40s and 50s. The students were born into the Great Depression and grew up in the shadow of World War II. The coaches were veterans of war. A fire destroyed a school, but its team kept on playing. A coal strike threatened everything. There were hard times and fond memories. But in the end, everyone shared one common love: basketball.

    Author Stephen Shea, Ph.D. introduces new measures of a player’s scoring and playmaking efficiency, quantifies the spacing in an offense and the stretch of a defense, and demonstrates several ways in which the NBA game has changed over the years. He also reveals the full methodology behind popular topics from the blog, BasketballAnalyticsBook.com, such as the College Prospect Rating System and the periodic tables of NBA elements. The author presents a modern viewpoint on basketball analytics’ most fundamental principles and demonstrates the power of the industry’s latest statistical breakthroughs. Basketball Analytics is a must-read for any sports analytics enthusiast.

    Produced in partnership with Sports Illustrated KIDS.

    From his blue-collar roots in New Jersey, his first college coaching job at Rutgers, his ultimate dream job with the Pistons (where he got the Ziggy!), to his 35 years at ESPN as a Prime-time Performahhh. This is Vitale as youve never seen himan inside look at Americas favorite basketball fan. Learn the secret of his longevity in the fast-changing world of TV. Dicky V provides the die-hard hoops fan with his outspoken opinions on a range of topics including: the most intriguing coaches, players and owners in the sport and the changing landscape of college sports following conference realignment. From 1939 to 2014, youll get to know 75 years worth of history, facts, and opinions, as well as his thoughts on family, the game of basketball, and his passionate fight against childhood cancer. This book will give you new insights into Dick Vitaleboth the sportscaster and the humanitarian.

    We just don't have to lie on a couch to get it.For one group of men in Cincinnati, Ohio, therapy comes every Thursday night in the form of late night basketball under the lights. For thirty years, this game has provided a release -- a "fix" as one player calls it -- that only physical exertion and the bonds of community can provide. Thursday Night Therapy: Thirty Years of Basketball and Camaraderie chronicles the thirty-year history of this game, the players involved, and the profound impact that basketball has had on those who play this beautiful game. Freelance writer, author, and former award-winning sports editor Aaron M. Smith takes the reader on a reflective and sometimes humorous journey that identifies and explains the significance of this weekly gathering. Not only is Smith the son-in-law of the founder and host of this game, he has been playing in this regular game for nearly a decade. From humble beginnings to a sort of therapeutic ritual, Thursday Night Hoops has become a necessity for all involved.

    

    The key component to our game changing program is focusing in on your Type II B fibers, as these fast twitch fibers are known to contract DAMN fast and will lead to explosive jumps. With our efficient and safe techniques, you will be able to cut down on training time while exponentially increasing your vertical jump.

    Not to mention great full-color and historic action photographs. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. SportsZone is an imprint of Abdo Publishing Company.