Best of
Basketball

2015

LeBron James: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Players (Basketball Biography Books)


Clayton Geoffreys - 2015
     This short unauthorized biography of LeBron James highlights his journey so far in the NBA from once-doubted leader to perennial title contender. Few players demand as much excitement from crowds as LeBron James. It does not take a basketball fanatic to recognize and respect the name of LeBron James. Around the world, fans idolize LeBron for his unbelievable athletic prowess and collaborative team-based nature on the court. He has become one of the most respected and professional players in the league today. Read on to learn about LeBron James’ journey into the league, his first trip in Cleveland, his four years in Miami, as well as an outlook on his future since he has returned to Cleveland. LeBron James has had a legendary basketball career playing in the National Basketball Association. It’s no surprise why day in and day out, regardless of who is the latest trendy player, LeBron James remains undoubtedly one of the best, if not the best. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Childhood and High School Years LeBron’s NBA Career – James’ Rise to All-Star, First Playoffs Appearance, First Trip to the Finals, and more The Decision – Villain Debut, Quest for the Championship, Repeat Title The Decision 2.0 – Returning Home LeBron James’ Personal Life King James’ Legacy & Future An excerpt from the book: LeBron James is a basketball player whose talent was home grown in the city of Akron, Ohio. Currently he is the unquestioned leader of the Cleveland Cavaliers and one of the most respected icons of sports history, James has accomplished great feats in a decade as a professional basketball player. A two-time NBA Champion with the Miami Heat, LeBron has received the Finals MVP twice, and assembled a collection of four MVP trophies. A complete cleaner on the stat sheet, James has also lead in the intangible areas of the game, specifically on the defensive end. LeBron has been a member of the All Defensive First Team for five years. People all around the world recognize his legendary persona. His current mission is to bring a title to his championship-deprived city of Cleveland. James is an international icon. In the business world, James has established himself as one of the powerhouse figures in sports marketing through his basketball play. The LeBron James brand is one of the most valuable in terms of sports branding. According to Forbes, James surpassed Tiger Woods in being one of the most valuable sports names in the world. His game, like his physical build, is something the world has never seen before. At an incredible 6’ 9”, James showed the ability to run the floor with a guard-like poise. Prior to the 2004 NBA season, the NBA and its fans never saw a specimen like James. Everything from his biological make-up to his ability to understand the game in a cerebral way seemed to be a manifestation of what was only created by a basketball god may.

Kyrie Irving: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball’s Most Versatile Point Guards (Basketball Biography Books)


Clayton Geoffreys - 2015
    This unauthorized biography of Kyrie Irving highlights his quick ascent into the league as a brilliant passer and scorer. Kyrie Irving, often referred to as Uncle Drew, rivals Golden State Warrior Steph Curry in his incredible ability to control the basketball. Youth basketball players from all across the world view Kyrie Irving highlight reels to learn the ins and outs of passing and dribbling the basketball. Having such extraordinary skills, Kyrie is one of the best point guards in the NBA due to his court vision and ability to pass and score incredibly quickly. His agility is easily among the best in the NBA. Now moving on from his two seasons in Boston, Kyrie will look to continue building on his legacy as a member of the Brooklyn Nets, playing alongside superstar Kevin Durant. Read on to learn about Kyrie Irving’s journey into the league, to his college years at Duke University before ultimately propelling into the NBA. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Childhood and High School Years Training with Pyonin College Years at Duke Kyrie Irving’s NBA Career Getting Drafted and Rookie Season All-Star Appearances and the Return of Lebron Three Finals Appearances, Final Season as a Cavalier The Trade to Boston The Return, Irving’s Criticized Leadership Kyrie’s Personal Life Irving’s Impact on Basketball Kyrie Irving’s Legacy & Future An excerpt from the book: In their early twenties, most people are just graduating college and seeking employment if not already working for a mediocre wage. Long before Kyrie Irving’s golden years were over, he had already become a multi-game NBA All-Star, recipient of the 2012 Rookie of the Year Award, the 2014 NBA All-Star MVP, and NBA Champion with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Kyrie went to the NBA Finals at the tender age of 24 while most NBA players retire without ever having a shot at the championship. However, he would tell you these accolades are par for the course. Irving abides by his father’s advice to “stay hungry and humble,” words driving Irving’s relentless work ethic both on and off the court. In a league dominated by incredibly talented point guards, there is no choice for ambitious athletes but to aspire to greatness. For Kyrie, his impeccable ball handling along with his knack for acrobatic finishes around the rim distinguish him third from his contemporaries. Irving’s game is decisive and crafty but maintains a degree of elegance. He keeps opponents guessing from the top of the key right down to the bucket. His impressive dribbling ability and superb ambidexterity allow him to keep defenses on their heels.

Tuff Juice: My Journey from the Streets to the NBA


Caron Butler - 2015
    He was Big East Co-Player of the Year at UConn, the 10th overall pick of the 2002 NBA Draft and a key player for the Dallas Mavericks in their championship-winning season in 2011. But before Butler had a chance to prove himself on the court, he spent his time trying to prove himself on the streets, as a gang member and drug dealer in his hometown of Racine, Wisconsin. He sawfriends gunned down in the bloody street wars near his home, was arrested nearly 15 times and wound up behind bars and in solitary confinement before his 15th birthday. Tuff Juiceshares Caron Butler s extraordinary journey from hisdelinquentyouth in the streets of Racine to his role as an accomplished pro basketball player, dedicated husband and father, active philanthropist and burgeoning businessman.Along the way, the book explores the incredible impact his single mother s unconditional love and his college coach s unwavering support had on him, and what drives him to be so successful in basketball and in life. LikeThe Blind Side, it s a gripping narrative filled with hubris, dangerous obstacles and heartwarming moments that transcend sports and speak to perseverance, hope and the triumph of the human spirit."

Drazen: The Remarkable Life & Legacy of the Mozart of Basketball


Todd Spehr - 2015
    His influence on European and American basketball, however, remains strong even today. A Croatian national, Petrovic was a legend in his own country, turning professional at fifteen and joining the Yugoslav national team as a teenager. His flashy, provocative style made him beloved by fans and despised by his rivals. He could have had a long and distinguished career in his homeland, but Petrovic wanted more. One of the first Europeans to break into the American National Basketball Association, Petrovic battled against xenophobia and the long-held belief that Europeans could not attain stardom in the world’s best league. After initial difficulty in Portland, his contributions to the New Jersey Nets breathed life into a dormant franchise and made him an NBA star. As Yugoslav forces invaded Croatia, Petrovic’s success was a matter of pride, comfort, and inspiration in his homeland—and a source of conflicted emotions for the young man as his friends and family faced the dangers of war. Written by basketball writer Todd Spehr, Drazen is a tribute to the determination and spirit Petrovic brought to every aspect of his short, brilliant life.

Michael Jordan: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Players (Basketball Biography Books)


Clayton Geoffreys - 2015
    This short unauthorized biography of Michael Jordan highlights his journey so far in the NBA from once being passed until the 3rd overall pick to becoming a six-time NBA champion. Few players have shaped so much of the game of basketball as Michael Jordan. It does not take a basketball fanatic to recognize and respect the name of Michael Jordan. Around the world, fans continue to aspire to become Jordan due to the incredible legacy he left behind on the Bulls organization and the game itself. Read on to learn about Michael Jordan’ journey into the league, his championship campaigns alongside Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and Phil Jackson, as well as much more. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Childhood and Early Life College Years at UNC Michael’s NBA Career Baseball in Birmingham Olympic Gold Standard Michael Jordan’s Legacy & Future An excerpt from the book:When it comes to sports in Chicago, there is a list of athletes whose names are synonymous with their respective sport – Walter Payton of the National Football League’s Bears, “Mr. Cub” Ernie Banks in Major League Baseball, or the “Golden Jet” Bobby Hull for the Blackhawks. However, none of them ever won as many accolades like Michael Jordan has during his 15 years in the National Basketball Association with the Chicago Bulls. Even though he played two years of his career with the Washington Wizards, Jordan will always be remembered for wearing the red and black in Chicago and joining the list of aforementioned Chicago sports legends.Nearly 20 years after his final season with the Bulls, there’s now a bronze sculpture showing Jordan’s infamous “jumpman” pose in front of the United Center – a place that many consider “the house that Jordan built.” But many in Chicago will never forget his name for bringing six championships to the city within the 1990s. There are still fans that wear his iconic number 23 uniform and hold current stars like Derrick Rose to the same expectations as the Bulls continue to return to the glory from 20 years ago.There’s a reason Jordan built up one of the greatest careers that anyone has ever seen, not only the NBA, but throughout professional sports. His name also transcended into clothing, pop culture, movies, music, and other sports like baseball. Still, it all starts with everything he’s accomplished in basketball – with more than 32,000 points, six Most Valuable Player awards, and more several individual distinctions for both offense and defense.Jordan once said that basketball “has been everything. My place of refuge, place I’ve always gone where I needed comfort and peace. It’s been the site of intense pain and the most intense feelings of joy and satisfaction.

Stephen Curry


Jon M. Fishman - 2015
    Most NBA stars come from well-known schools, but not Stephen. He played for Davidson College in North Carolina, where he set the all-time scoring record for his university and his conference. In 2007-2008, he set the all-time college record for most three-point shots made in a season. Stephen was the seventh overall pick in the 2009 draft, chosen by the Golden State Warriors. He has racked up impressive stats ever since and led his team to the best record in the NBA midway through the 2014-2015 season.

Kevin Garnett: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Power Forwards (Basketball Biography Books)


Clayton Geoffreys - 2015
    Since joining the NBA directly from high school, Kevin Garnett has had a highly productive and legendary career in the NBA as a leader and as a basketball player. From leading the Minnesota Timberwolves in the early 2000s to playing an important role as part of the Boston Big 3 alongside Paul Pierce and Ray Allen in their deep playoff runs (including a 2008 NBA Championship), Kevin Garnett is easily one of the greatest power forwards to play the game. It is hard to believe that we have had the unique opportunity of seeing a young teen mature into a man throughout his NBA career. Though Kevin Garnett retired at the beginning of the 2016-2017 season, his legacy on the game of basketball will never be forgotten. After all, anything is possible. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Early Life and Childhood High School Years of Kevin Garnett Kevin Garnett's NBA Career Getting Drafted Rookie Season All-Star Season and Controversial Contract 1998-1999 Lockout Season Superstardom and First Round Exits MVP Season The Slow Breakup The Trade to the Celtics The New Boston Big 3 Becoming an NBA Champion Celtic Run The End of an Era and Trade to Brooklyn Brooklyn Stint Minnesota Homecoming Retirement Garnett's Personal Life Garnett's Legacy and Impact on the Game An excerpt from the book: No single person in the history of the NBA has been as fiery on both ends of the court as Kevin Garnett. Aside from his lone championship, individual accolades, numerous All-Star game appearances, and career milestones, Kevin Garnett (or KG as he is better known) is intensity personified on the basketball court. Whether as a teammate or as a player on the opposing side, KG will always push you to your limit in any manner conceivable and will get into your head both on and off the court. He drives people so hard that he once made his Boston Celtics teammate Glen “Big Baby” Davis cry during a televised game by scolding him on the sidelines after a timeout. Moreover, opposing players tend to get the worst aspects of his intensity because he is a very physical player and is one of the best trash-talkers in the game. He once called opposing forward Charlie Villanueva a “cancer on the team” while defending him. KG has even gone as far as insulting All-Star Carmelo Anthony’s wife during a game. However, it is also KG’s intense persona that contributed to his legendary and accomplished career.

Love at Center Court


Angela Seals - 2015
    Until an unforeseen injury threatens everything. He’s on the verge of depression until in walks Dr. Kaye Smith to assist him in his summer recovery. Brooks is instantly attracted to the beautiful doctor but he refuses to allow another woman to hang off his arm for status. But Kaye isn’t just any woman and she’s awakening feelings inside of him that he’s never dared to feel before. Trying to escape her scandalous past life as a naïve, jilted former wife of a professional NFL player, Dr. Kaye Smith flees to Atlanta. Becoming the Hoosier’s new on-call doctor; her first assignment: help sexy Brooks Blacksteine recover from a basketball injury that threatens to end his career. For one of the best orthopedic doctors in the country, the task seems simple enough. Until the pro ball player begins to make Kaye forget all the reasons why she’s sworn off athletes and given up on love.

Finding a Way to Play: The Pioneering Spirit of Women in Basketball


Joanne Lannin - 2015
    Those who grew up before Title IX may find themselves or loved ones in the stories of women who kept the earliest flame alive".

Hoop Hustle


Jake Maddox - 2015
    is excited to try out for his middle school's basketball team. His hoop dreams are in jeopardy, though, after his dad forces him to volunteer at the local senior center. But Brian really needs to practice -- he's always relied on his height to dominate, but that won't cut it anymore. When Brian discovers that George, a man at the center, used to play basketball, this is his chance to learn some moves. Brian's working hard and even making a new friend, but will his improved skills be enough to impress the coach and make varsity?

Playing with the Big Boys: Basketball, American Imperialism, and Subaltern Discourse in the Philippines


Lou Antolihao - 2015
    From big arenas in Manila to makeshift hoops in small villages, basketball is played by Filipinos of all walks of life and is used to mark everything from summer breaks for students to religious festivals and many other occasions. Playing with the Big Boys traces the social history of basketball in the Philippines from an educational and “civilizing” tool in the early twentieth century to its status as national pastime since the country gained independence after World War II.  While the phrase “playing with the big boys” describes the challenge of playing basketball against outsized opponents, it also describes the struggle for recognition that the Philippines, as a subaltern society, has had to contend with in its larger transnational relationships as a former U.S. colony. Lou Antolihao goes beyond the empire-colony dichotomy by covering Filipino basketball in a wider range of comparisons, such as that involving the growing influence of Asia in its region, particularly China and Japan. In this context, Antolihao shows how Philippines basketball has moved from a vehicle for Americanization to a force for globalization in which the United States, while still a key player, is challenged by other basketball-playing countries.

Dream Again: A Story of Faith, Courage, and the Tenacity to Overcome


Isaiah Austin - 2015
    Faced with adversity at such a young age, Isaiah had to choose—let his disability define him or overcome the challenge and shine.Overcoming that challenge is exactly what Isaiah did as he made a name for himself on Baylor University’s NCAA Division 1 basketball team. Everyone expected Isaiah to have a successful career in the NBA after college, but on June 21, 2014—just five days before the NBA draft—Austin was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue, putting him at risk of rupturing his heart if he continued to play basketball. In seconds, Austin’s hopes for a career in the NBA became impossible.After hearing about Isaiah’s diagnosis, NBA commissioner Adam Silver invited Austin to attend the 2014 draft as his personal guest. The League recognized Isaiah’s courage, resilience, and determination in a bittersweet moment when he was made an Honorary Draft Pick.Rather than letting another challenge destroy his faith, Austin has once again strived to overcome adversity by becoming a spokesperson for The Marfan Foundation, raising awareness and understanding for the disease. Despite the many heartbreaking challenges he has faced, Isaiah’s story is inspirational and full of hope as he encourages everyone to tower in the face of adversity and keep living out your dreams, no matter what life throws your way.*Proceeds from Dream Again will go to the Isaiah Austin Foundation, which provides support for the awareness and research of Marfan syndrome and those affected by it.

Basketball Anatomy


Brian Cole - 2015
    Basketball Anatomy will show you how to improve performance by increasing muscular strength and optimizing the efficiency of every movement. Basketball Anatomy features 88 of the most effective basketball exercises, each with step-by-step descriptions and full-color anatomical illustrations to show the muscles in action. Basketball Anatomy goes beyond the exercises by placing you on the court and into the throes of competition. Illustrations of the muscles involved in pivoting, rebounding, and shooting show you the exercises are fundamentally linked to basketball performance. You’ll also step off the court and into the athletic training room to explore the anatomy of the most common injuries to the ankle, knee, and shoulder as well as exercises for minimizing and recovering from such setbacks. Basketball Anatomy is a must-have for all who appreciate the artistry and athleticism of the game—whether player, coach, trainer, or spectator.

T-Man and the Game


C.J. Boerger - 2015
    Well, nothing except WINNING at basketball. When he's on the court, he doesn't need to worry about being short - he simply uses his quickness. He doesn't need to worry about being quiet - he simply takes care of business himself and gets things done. But sometimes, those worries and fears get in the way of the winning Tommy loves so much. Will Tommy be able to take down his biggest opponent? Will he let down his closest friends? Join Tommy on his amazing adventure of basketball and life and see the lessons he learns.

The Audacity of Hoop: Basketball and the Age of Obama


Alexander Wolff - 2015
    In The Audacity of Hoop, celebrated sportswriter Alexander Wolff examines Barack Obama, the person and president, by the light of basketball. This game helped Obama explore his identity, keep a cool head, impress his future wife, and define himself as a candidate. Wolff chronicles Obama’s love of the game from age 10, on the campaign trail—where it eventually took on talismanic meaning—and throughout his two terms in office. More than 125 photographs illustrate Obama dribbling, shooting free throws, playing pickup games, cooling off with George Clooney, challenging his special assistant Reggie Love for a rebound, and taking basketball to political meetings. There is also an assessment of Obama’s influence on the NBA, including a dawning political consciousness in the league’s locker rooms. Sidebars reveal the evolution of the president’s playing style, “Baracketology”—a not-entirely-scientific art of filling out the commander in chief’s NCAA tournament bracket—and a timeline charts Obama’s personal and professional highlights.Equal parts biographical sketch, political narrative, and cultural history, The Audacity of Hoop shows how the game became a touchstone in Obama’s exercise of the power of the presidency.

Bruce the Moose & Jenny


Tina Rantes - 2015
     Because she was so exceptionally tall, Jenny the giraffe had no friends at all.     ** Review by : Denniger Bolton Jenny, in this rhyming story, is a giraffe who being so very tall can't hear the other shorter animals, except birds except they fly away pretty quickly. So, she doesn't have any friends, until Bruce, the moose drafts her to play basketball on his Moose team. Every year, the Moose play the Monkeys and the Monkeys always win, but this year Jenny, who is the tallest in on the Moose team. Read this book to find out what happened at the big game.