3 comments about The Gifts of Jimmy V: A Coach's Legacy.

1. Jim Valvano is best remembered for two things--running around the court after NC State won the 1983 National Championship, and for the emotional ESPY speech he made, where he urged everyone "Don't Give Up--Don't Ever Give Up." This book goes beyond that to tell amusing and often touching stories of Valvano's life through the eyes of those who knew him best, starting with his brother Bob who author's the book. Bob has a radio show on ESPN Radio that is pretty funny (I have heard it late at night while driving mostly), and he tells some funny stories in this book. The book is a biography of Jim Valvano, but VERY liberally spiced with stories all throughout.
   It covers Valvano's firing at NC State, and raises interesting issues about it. Bob adored his brother, and makes no secret about that, but it serves him well here when talking about Jim's very courageous fight with cancer. Those chapters are often very moving.
   It is a very quick read. Includes the entire text from the ESPY speech, and some columns from writers Tony Kornheiser, John Feinstein and Mike Lupica in an appendix.
   I thought it was funny and moving, and really enjoyed it. It is not really a "basketball" book, and not really a biography...it is like Bob Valvano has just decided to chat with you and tell you about his brother. It helps that Jim was a very interesting guy...if you know who he was you'll enjoy it, and if you didn't you will probably get to know him and admire him, as I did!



2. While reading the Gifts of Jimmy V, I found myself laughing out loud while imagining the plots told by his brothers, coaches, and friends. Although I was too young to remember the Championship win at NC State, I do recall his ESPN days. I always thought he was a nut, and thought it was a shame that cancer took him away in such a tragic way. The book was great, and if you are like me and don't have time to read novels, it's a good short book that gives you a different look at life and how you should live it.



3. I literally couldn't put this book down. Upon receiving this book as a Christmas gift from my wife (who has endured my fascination with Jimmy V for years) I read the book within a day of opening the front cover. As a student at NCSU during the last year of his tenure I was touched by his gifts. This book shows the human side of Jimmy and his relationships with his family, players, fellow coaches, sportswriters. You will find yourself laughing outloud and moved at the same time. The book gives an informative look into the truth behind all of the myths surrounding his departure from N.C. State. This is truly a motivational book which provides an insightful look to the life of coach Jimmy V.

5 comments about Who's Afraid of a Large Black Man?.

1. For some strange reason I am a Charles Barkley fan, that is why I recieved the book. I was disappointed, it wasn't what I expected at all! Know what you are buying before ordering this book.



2. Although I'm not a huge basketball fan, I know who Charles Barkley is and was curious to see what type of book he would write. Consequently I was overjoyed while reading the introduction it grabbed me from the start. It's an easy read and the writers puts you at ease by making you feel as if you're listening in on a conversation with friends. I am throughly enjoying being enlightened, informed and educated all at the same time. I only wish I had know about the book when it first came out. Excellent read, I have bought numerous copies as gifts for the young men in my life.



3. Until now, I was not much of a of Charles Barkley fan. I always saw him as a "washed up bully" and ex-basketball superstar, still trying to cash-in on his name recognition and tying to keep it in the "limelight" by saying outlandish and provocative things. I no longer think that after reading this book, which I bought after seeing it, and Barkley "unceremoniously put down" in Larry Elders incredibly ill conceived, confusing and poorly written book called "Stupid Black Men."
   
   My thinking was that if Larry Elders didn't like Charles Barkley, then there must still be something good and redeeming about him that I had not yet discovered. And sure enough, there was: This book, which is a miniature masterpiece. Barkley is no "Stupid Black Man," as Elders has portrayed him to be.
   
   Rather incredibly, this book is the missing dialogue on race that America has never had, and may never have. It is just the opposite of Elders' "Stupid Black Men" and the "Bill Cosby and Alvin Poussaint two-man road show:" "Come on People," in which both take the fashionable "low road of least resistance: "Just attack Black men, and you are safe: America will love you, but nothing will ever be done, and nothing will ever change:
   
   End of the American dialogue on race.
   
   Perhaps for the first time in American history, we get a collection of what fourteen successful and well-known people have to say about race in America -- rather than mindless ideological tripe, oozing out as more "Christianized racism," from the likes of Armstrong Williams and Larry Elders. And what these fourteen people (most of whom are black) have to say will not only surprise Cosby, Pousaint and Elders, but the rest of America as well.
   
   Hear what Tiger Woods, Ice Cube, Barack Obama, George Lopez, Samuel L. Jackson, Morgan Freeman, and many others both black, white and other colors, have to say about the racism that still exists across the American landscape in every industry and in every town.
   
   Rather than steal the book's thunder, I will simply say this: If one wants to know what the racial situation is like in America, they would be wise to interview some successful black people and others who understand and know the consequences of racism rather than listen to the "hired conservative media hit men" who all speak the same language: "Uncle Tom-speak."
   
   Five Stars



4. I love the title, by the way.
   
   The premise is simple. Barkley rightly sees racism as a cancer, and he believes we need to open a dialogue on the topic, so he interviews people who have something to day. I'm sure there's a list of them elsewhere in this Amazon listing.
   
   The execution is pretty much flawless, and the subjects are chosen well. And after that, readers can simply read, enjoy, learn and ponder. A very commendable effort.



5. I grabbed this in a bookstore discount bin because it was cheaper than the magazine I had in hand. I have Charles' other book and enjoyed it, so I thought it would be better time spent.
   
   Unlike his previous book, this isn't about Charles Barkley at all. Rather, it's a series of interviews with prominent Americans with peppered comments from Charles on racism and race relations. It was a little disjointed, and I don't think it really made any points other than racism is a bad thing and someone needs to do something about it. But I will give him points for attempting to use his notoriety to call some attention to the issue, and it was great to hear from many of the people he selected. I wouldn't have expected some of the responses I read.

5 comments about Driven from Within.

1. Learn about Michael Jordan's life and how his inner drive helped him succeed in basketball, business, and life. You'll be inspired and motivated.



2. The product came in a timely fashion and delivery was not a problem. I was a little disappointed in the quality of the book when it came. The inside was nice but the outside jacket looked as if the book had been used. I don't know if it moved around a lot in shipping but it did not have the newest look.



3. I gave this book to my little brother who loves both basketball and Michael Jordan and he loved it!! It was full of stories, pictures and inspirational quotes. The best part about it is that it was written by Jordan himself. I would highly recommend this book.



4. Through captivating vocabulary usage the already stunning story of basketball legend Michael Jordan comes to life in "Driven from Within". This well written hardback includes a multi-perspective look into the life and times of the former Chicago Bull. The majority of the story is told of course by Jordan himself but with most of his recollections comes the outside standpoint of someone who was either close to Michael back then or close to Michael today. This provides the reader with a second opinion, so to speak, on all of his experiences and achievements. It also helps the reader to perceive Michael as a reliable source to "tell it like it is" due to the fact that he has many of his close friends and relatives explaining their own angle on what happened during Michaels seemingly never-ending journey to superstardom.
   
   "Driven from Within" discusses Jordan's work ethic both on and off the court. In the beginning Michael talks about his childhood, growing up in North Carolina. He discusses how he began playing basketball and how hard he worked at it in high school. It then briefly touches upon college before going into the really fascinating portion of his life. The bulk of the book is dedicated to the stories of his Brand Jordan products and how they were imagined, created, and marketed. He frequently talks about how the elements of his "game" influenced his shoes during the design process. It is repeatedly stressed how it was really important to him that each new shoe he put out was better than the last. One of the more intriguing parts of the book is when he tells his people at Nike that high tops are goods for ankle support but too heavy and low tops are light but have no ankle support at all. They came up with the revolutionary mid top basketball shoe now used by most NBA professionals.
   
   With most retired professional athletes turning to others to write about their former experiences Jordan takes it into to his own hand being the primary author of this well-written and greatly entertaining book. Michael Jordan is obviously a sports Icon and "Driven from Within" does him a great justice. It's a great read for any sports fan and anyone who enjoys a book about hard work, dedication, and achievement.
   
   - Written by Greg Tavares



5. This book overall was pretty good, the only pitfall are the pages where they talk about brand Nike. They overembellish the brand/product a bit. Other than this there is some good stuff on the MJ persona in this book. I enjoyed reading some of the stories about him and also his personal views on many things. Good read for any Jordan enthusiast.

5 comments about Playing for Keeps: Michael Jordan and the World He Made.

1. Halberstam does it again. With a keen eye and a knack for pulling the reader in, David Halberstam is one of our great modern writers. Just when you thought you knew Jordan, "Playing for Keeps" shades new light (not all of it flattering) on our greatest modern basketball player.
   
   Well worth it.



2. 
   I'm not a big Halberstam fan, and this book didn't change that opinion.
   
   The subtitular "world that he [Jordan] made" is never really explored in any depth, and this is a surface-skimming bio of Jordan with the addition of some mini-bios on major figures in his life (David Falk, Dean Smith, Phil Jackson, etc.).
   
   The research is limited and insight is scant as Halberstam leans heavily on material already published, pulling entire sections of the book (e.g., his thumbnail bio of Jackson) from the subject's own earlier book. He returns to quote the same two or three sports writers time and again (Sam Smith - Chicago Trib and Jordan biographer - OK, but Bob Ryan - Boston Globe - a dozen quotes???).
   
   "Playing for Keeps" is a fast-reading Jordan sketch, a 400 page magazine article, during which Halberstam defers to Jordan too frequently: no real examination of the gambling, glossed over recount of James Jordan's murder, no meaningful exploration of Jordan the global commercial icon.
   
   For my taste, this book is another disppointment from Halberstam.



3. As someone very familiar with Michael Jordan's career I was startled by all the new bits of information crammed in this book. Its clear Halbertstam did his homework. He employed an exhaustive interview process that yields so many new anecdotes and perspectives of Michael Jordans career. I particulary enjoyed all the stories of Jordan showing flashes of greatness early on while being recruited by North Carolina. The book makes it clear that even at those early stages while no one could predict what was to come, those around Michael had never seen anything like him.
   
   Halbertstam also reveals the background story for many of those surrounding Jordan during his run with the Bulls. Namely Phil Jackson, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Jerry Krause, Jerry Reinsdorf, and others. He delves into their lives, paints a picture of their character, and allows you to understand what motivated all these contrasting personalities along the way.
   
   It must be noted that the writing of David Halbertstam is just incredible. If you're a fan of Michael Jordan or just basketball this book is a must read. The subject could not be approached by a more accomplished author.



4. Nike turned Michael Jordan into a dream. Nike funneled in 1984 all of Nike's advertising resources in one player instead of in several teams. Nike made Michal Jordan a cultural icon and featured him as a star amidst other entertainment stars. And in the beginning Jordan didn't even like Nike sneakers. He preferred Adidas. Ultimately Nike paid Jordan in roughly 1 million dollars a year for five years. In 1984 no one realized that Nike was getting one of the great bargains of the time. Nike was a shoe company in great trouble. Michael Jordan saved Nike by his appeal to the youth. In the mean time basketball benefited from satellite reception that was just opening the world of cable television. Satellite reception facilitated cheap broadcasting. Bill Rasmussen obtained channel space on a communications satellite. His ESPN opened new broadcasting opportunities for basketball. In Playing for Keeps David Halberstam tells the tale of Michael Jordan in the broader cultural context. In this book Halberstam displays his usual journalistic skills. But somehow I missed the emotional involvement of his other books. The Summer of 49 and The Breaks of the Game learned me more about the relevance of sports.
   
   Luuk Oost



5. This book not only offers the most incisive portrait of Jordan, the Bulls championship years, and the NBA of that era, but is also wonderful Halberstam, who tells the story with an epic sweep. Simply a beautiful work from cover to cover.

5 comments about I May Be Wrong but I Doubt It.

1. Charles Barkely is truly one of a kind. Most people eather love Charles, or hate Charles. I can't get enough of the man. He is an honest man, who will not hesitate to speak his mind. I admire that about him.
   
   The book I May Be Wrong but I doubt It i thought was great. Charles covered many topics in this book. Charles grew up in a small, poor Alabama town. Growing up, he did not have the best relationship with his father who lived across the country. Charles had many problems growing up which he overcame. He went on to play 3 years of basketball at Auburn University. He then turned pro and was drafted 5th overall by the Philidelphia 76ers. There Charles got a chance to grow as a player with great veterans on the team. Charles ended up also playing for Pheonix and Houston. He also covers a lot of other different topics in the book. He talks about racism and how wrong it is. He also talks about how America discriminates against poor people. Charles makes some very good points. If you enjoy watching Charles on TV, this is a great book for you.



2. After being born in a poor Atlanta neighborhood, former NBA star, Charles Barkley shows the reader how a little hope can go a long way. Barkley begins his story growing up and playing basketball in Atlanta; his basketball skills got him a scholarship to the University of Auburn. Fortunately, Charles's mother lived near Auburn and tried to go to all of his games. As you can see, the bond between him and his mother was very strong. After years in Auburn, Charles was then drafted to the Phoenix Suns; from then on he became one of the most renowned basketball players ever. He was traded to the Houston Rockets and retired, being known as one of the best in the NBA. TNT offers Charles as a job as a studio analysis. The question on everyone's lips now is "what will Barkley do next?"
   Personally, this is my favorite book. Although, I May Be Wrong but I Doubt It is an adult book, this book is perfect for those who enjoy reading popular sports books and is not easily offended. Barkley hold nothing back but manages to teach the reader some life-long morals about life.



3. You never know what to expect when you tune in to Charles Barkley or begin reading one of his books, but it's safe to assume that it's going to be interesting and most likely controversial. This book lives up to those expectations. In it, Barkley covers a wide range of topics, many dealing with race or race relations in one way or another, and mostly in a sports setting.
   
   I found the book to be interesting and, in many instances, enlightening, but also to be lacking in Barkely's usual charm and humor. And, although I agree with almost all of what Barkley had to say, I was somewhat disappointed in what he didn't say. By that I mean that Barkely seemed to look at the world from only his own perspective. I would like to have seen what he had to say about the other side of the coin. But no one else ever addresses that side of the coin either, so that was probably too much to expect.
   
   My biggest disappointment with the book, however, was that, although its contents most likely reflect Barkely's true beliefs, its language doesn't appear to be his. I loved to watch Barkely perform as a player and have always enjoyed listening to him express his views and opinions. In this book, I had hoped to read what he had to say in his own words rather than in the more grammatically correct language of an editor. Simply throwing in the word s_ _t every now and then just didn't seem to cut it.



4. Charles Barkley says that the goal of his book I MAY BE WRONG is to promote dialogue. If the number of times I have referenced the book since reading it is any indication, he has succeeded. Using examples from professional sports, mass media and his personal life to illustrate American structures of power and image, he makes a convincing case that racism is a structure rather than a belief. He speaks a commonsense language that invites you into his conversation, which may surprise readers who expect arrogant rhetoric. I can't wait to read WHO'S AFRAID OF A LARGE BLACK MAN? and to see how else Mr. Barkley will use his influence to change America.



5. After reading this book and the many "opinions" espoused by Mr. Barkley, I can fully understand while Charles was a basketball superstar and not a scholar. I for one could not recommend this book to anyone. You could likely get more insight at your local pub or barbershop. Charles - - - stick to sports commentary and try thinking before you speak.

5 comments about LeBron James: The Rise of a Star.

1. This book was unbelievable. David Lee Morgan Jr. is a mastermind. He captured every angle of LeBron's young life. The book was a pageturner from the very beginning when LeBron held a basketball for the first time right up until the announcement for the number one pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. Every time you turned the page something new and interesting immediately jumped out at you. The book also includes many color photos of LeBron which follow along with the storyline. If you're looking a book about LeBron James then this is the book for you.



2. I live in Dallas,Tx and when it comes to basketball I hear 2 things: 1- Dallas Mavericks; 2- Lebron James. I was fortunate to find this book in Dallas,Tx and I judge books by how long it takes to read. This book falls under the term used on Lebron - "CAN'T MISS". It was a non stop read that resulted in my wife yelling at me for not doing my chores over the weekend. My wife began an investigation as to what I was doing. She soon discovered that the book was too good not to read after viewing the pictures. I am proud to report that she read her first sports book at the tender age of 34. There is hope? Being a media magnate for years - I've been able to see more media and athletic talent than Terry Pluto & Jim Gray would ever dream of: you simply have Ohio's best sportswriter in David Morgan and Ohio's best basketball player in Lebron James in 1 book. That combination makes it an easy choice to buy the book.



3. I purchased this book to encourage my middle/high school special education students to read. I must admit that when I first added the book to the classroom library all the students did was look at the pictures, but eventually they began reading and became hooked. The best way to get reluctant readers to read is to find a book that interests them. This book really caught on!



4. My Dear Mr. Morgan, I can't thank you enough for writing the definitive book on the phenom that is LeBron. I learned so much about him, his friendships, his ability to overcome so many obstacles, and because of your book, I can't wait to see what the future holds for him. After reading your book, I was fascinated enough to catch the rest of his games, and have learned much about basketball and life from LeBron. My favorite passage is about Sr. Night. I have read this warm, sensitive passage several times, and never fail to cry when I read it. I have found the book to be a great read for all ages, and as a middle-aged woman who knew nothing about basketball before I read this book, I found that through LeBron and this book, I have learned that through basketball, you learn about life. How is that? Read the book and find out. I am eagerly looking forward to your next book, and thanks again, for the trip!



5. David Lee Morgan, Jr. has incorporated a unique view in The Rise of a Star: LeBron James. Morgan has followed LeBron James basketball career from the beginning. Morgan covered James high school career for the local Akron paper, and was given the inside story by LeBrons family, friends, coaches, and teammates. Morgan has gotten to know and love the James family, and was there to watch LeBron grow from his high school youth, into the NBA star he is today. In this novel, Morgan provides a unique view into the rise of LeBron James, shown by no other writers. He gives an inside look on one of the greatest high school basketball players, on the brink of fame and stardom.
   
   But what was the big deal about one high school basketball player from Akron, Ohio?
   
   From the start, the odds were against him. LeBron was born into poverty to a single mother. He had no permanent home for his early years and grew up in a continuously unstable environment, due to financial trouble and constantly moving.. Through these hardships, LeBron excelled in many aspects of his life due to his determination and hard work. He worked hard at home and in school, and especially shined out on the basketball court. LeBron became one of, if not the leading high school basketball players in the country. With this, LeBron handled the criticism, stress, and pressure with composure and dignity. After his success in high school, LeBron became the #1 draft pick of the NBA in 2003. King James was to be born.
   
   This book was a decent read. It was good in that it was not focused on scores and statistics. The novel just tells about how a young, typical teenager rises to basketball stardom. Another plus to this book in the sections of colored photographs which help to further explain LeBrons ascend to fame.
   
   The biography also had some problems. The book seems to make LeBron out to always act in good conduct, excellent behavior, and be a nearly perfect young man. He is apparently not responsible for any of the actions and events he is criticized for, and is loved by practically everyone. LeBron is also made out to have such a difficult childhood and upraising, which seems to be the same for every professional athlete ever! So he had a single mother and moved a lot, suck it up! I mean come on; his childhood couldn't have been too bad if he turned out that well. The novel just makes LeBron out to have such a hard and difficult life, but fight through it to stardom; which is a load of crap. What a typical biography of an athlete.
   LeBron could be compared to many other characters from various novels. One such example is from To Kill a Mockingbird. In TKAM, a lawyer named Atticus Finch must defend a black man in court. This man, named Tom Robinson, is accused of raping a young white woman. Atticus is criticized by the community for standing up for the black man, but Atticus faces the attacks and fights as hard as he can to save the life of the innocent man. In The Rise of a Star: LeBron James, LeBron works hard through school and basketball, battling the intense pressure and criticism along the way. He could have just relaxed and taken the easy route through school, but LeBron works hard to become the success he is today.
   This book holds little social value. This book was merely constructed to show the amazing rise of LeBron James. If there is a small portion of social value in this book, it is to show society that no matter the odds, if you fight and work hard enough, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.
   This book receives three out of five stars. It was an ok read, but some of the content I thought was a lie and a bunch of bologna. I would not recommend this book, but for those who insist on reading it, this book would be most appropriate for kids ages sixteen and younger. Any reader older than this will just find it dull. This book is not for the die hard basketball fans, just for those who are interested in an overview of one young talent and his rise to basketball fame.

5 comments about My Losing Season.

1. Conroy's fiction has always been a biography of sorts (Great Santini in particular) but I think his choice to chronicle his life through his final basketball season at the Citadel was brilliant. It brings together all the elements of his fictional life that we have come to love and respect: His overbearing father, the south in the 1950s and 1960s, and the one character common to all his books: Sports.
   
   I think that Pat Conroy is the kind of person who most would envy the life he's had, it's ups and downs, and this book only solidifies that belief for me.



2. I have a message for Pat Conroy: STOP YOUR WHINING. I read the book on a recommendation from a friend - however, I wish had not wasted my time on it. Mr Conroy did a masterful job of weaving the story of his life into his expereinces at the Citadel. But, personally, I could not take his whining attitude - the tough plebe system at the Citadel, his "Great Santini" father, his demeaning basketball coach, the reaction from Citadel alumnists over his bashing of their school. This book seemed to infer that he was suffering some inhumane, life-long injustice. Give me a break!! I regret that Mr Conroy's reputation as a great writer and the publisher's willingness to support this project allowed the book to be published in the first place. For anyone paying attention to the rest of the world, this book is a crock...one word of advice for Pat Conroy: suck it up!! Alas, I think it's too late for Mr Conroy. One other note: You would never, ever see wrestler write a book like this!!



3. My Losing Season is the story of The Citadel's '66-'67 season. Pat Conroy begins the book with a little background as to how he got into basketball and fell in love with the game, as a child in a military family moving from town to town every year. He takes the reader through his journey up until he arrives at The Citadel for college. While Conroy does give tremendous details about his experience at The Citadel, the majority of the book deals with the '66-'67 basketball season. Conroy takes the reader game for game through the ups and mostly downs of the season - their crazy coach Mel Thompson, the Green Weenies, the loss of confidence of the starting 5, and all the teams they play in the Southern conference.
   
   As a reader you'll get to know these guys - DeBrosse, Cauthen, Kennedy, Zinsky, Tee Hooper, etc - you truly feel for them especially because they're real people and these games really happened! It's a great lesson on what one can learn from losing. Are those lessons more important that having a winning season? My only complaint was that since every chapter was really a different basketball game it got tedious at times. You definitely have to be a sports enthusiast to enjoy this book!



4. Pat Conroy, the brilliant novelist, brings his fantastic writing style to his own memoirs in My Losing Season. Pat describes his life from his early childhood through his college years at The Citadel. His father, a Marine, was both physically and verbally abusive throughout Pat's lifetime. When Conroy Senior wasn't beating Pat's mom, he was taking his aggressions out on any one of the seven Conroy children. They learned to avoid him whenever possible and do what they could to avoid raising his ire. Pat found solace in the game of basketball anywhere he could find it. In school he found structure and guidance, on the street courts he found art and guts. But no matter where Pat played he loved every aspect of the game and the various nuances that he could learn.
   
   Conroy chronicles the difficulties of his home life and then the hardship of being a plebe in a rigorous military college where athletes were practically loathed. In many ways, Conroy's situation did not improve when he escaped his father's daily wrath. But what Conroy explains is that these tribulations were the basis of his personal character building and moments that he now looks back on with feelings of gratitude and appreciation. He writes of his journey to becoming a writer and how he balanced his academic studies with the rigors of college athletics.
   
   Conroy has written a delightful book that reads like his novels but with the added touch of his reality. He does not hesitate to address his own shortcomings as a human, writer, and athlete. This lends credibility to his descriptions of his youth and how that youth shaped his adulthood. My Losing Season contains many references to Conroy's works of fiction and at times discusses the outcome or plots of his novels that may be considered spoilers by those that have not read the novels. However, mostly, it is a unique insight into the author's thought process that will likely lead to a more enjoyable reading of these fictional books. My Losing Season will be enjoyed by those already loyal to Conroy and those that are finding him for the first time.



5. Pat Conroy hasn't written a basketball book in the style of the wonderful "A Season on the Brink". Here, the actual season takes a bleacher seat compared to the main theme of coming of age and dealing with a wide emotional range, from great pleasure to enduring abuse that can make a reader squirm.
   
   The basketball itself is interesting enough, with details pulled together after 30 years thanks to a concerted mining expedition with former teammates, a rather successful lot in middle age. As Conroy says, winners develop bonds with each other that last, with memories they want to keep. Losers, well, they move on and don't need any reminders.
   
   The Citadel team underachieved, losing several close games, with the finger-pointing going to themselves and their mediocre coach Mel Thompson. One might think of Bobby Knight or some other screamer as a coach, but at least Coach Knight knew what he was doing and could usually motivate his boys. On Coach Thompson, we hear plenty of how he brought out the worst or sapped their energy with an ill-timed remark or action. Plus, the average college player didn't have to survive the brutal hazing of freshman year and the other challenges of a military school.
   
   In Conroy's case, life intervenes even more in the presence of his father, well-known to people already aware of Conroy's work. A vision of Robert Duvall as the obnoxious Dad was impossible to avoid, with never a kind word and, in reality, degrading insults even when Pat was at his best. How he could (usually) shrug off the abuse is beyond me, other than it must have come from the same reservoir that make him a tough scrapper on the court.
   
   Other threads include some fine mentors on campus who helped Pat survive and develop his literary interests, a distressed pregnant girl he falls for, the honor system, and a nice summary of high school hoops while on the move. As with many survivor stories, a key individual often makes the difference at a critical time or over a sustained period, and Conroy had his benefactors. There is no doubt that he is a very loyal person who appreciates what others did on his behalf. He even had enough loyalty to Coach Thompson, for some reason, leading to some strange appreciative remarks at the end, and he even had some surprising partial reconciliation with Dear Old Abusive Dad. Conroy is one guy who is all over the map emotionally.

5 comments about Glory Road: My Story of the 1966 NCAA Basketball Championship and How One Team Triumphed Against the Odds.

1. I had great service arrived just in time for fathers day and my father went to UTEP during the duration of the book so it made for a great fathers day present and the service from amazon was awsome thanks alot amazon.



2. In one of those quirky moments in the book and movie industries, the autobiography of coach Don Haskins was already "in the pipeline" before the development of the picture.
   
   The book and movie share the title - Glory Road - which is a name of a street on the UTEP campus to commemorate the championship basketball season.
   
   The book obviously gives a more fuller picture of Haskins and does not solely focus on the monumental victory by Texas Western College (UTEP) over Kentucky in the 1966 NCAA Finals. There will be areas "filled-in" where the movie takes artistic license with some facts/scenes to push the plot along.
   
   The years after the title run are especially interesting, since the basketball program somewhat faded from national view as the sport became a multi-billion-dollar industry.
   
   It is a shame that history - especially when it comes to matters of race - oftentimes become blurry as the years lumber forward. Though Haskins has always downplayed his role in what was a defining moment on the court of race & athletics, he truly deserved the attention from the national platform that propelled the book to national bestseller status.
   
   The lessons learned along that glory road are as important today as they were 40 years ago.



3. I have the honor of being Don Haskins teammate at Oklahoma A & M, now Oklahoma State University and couldn't be prouder and happier for a very good film about a very historic Coach and athletic event. Please be advised that Don's whole 1966 team was just inducted into the new Collegiate Hall of Fame in Kansas City, Missouri. Buy it, you will like it...!



4. Your current published reviews are enthusiastic but in some cases contain factual inaccuracies. The movie and the book are related in title and subject (Don Haskins); but that is about as far as it goes. The movie which focuses on 1966 is moving and concludes with a happy and factual ending - that is, that Texas Western won that game in 1966 --- but the movie not always true to the facts. Understandably I suppose when you try to compress a life story, even if only one year of a life, into a 2 hour or so movie. The book, from someone who played for Coach, reviewed and commented on the galley proof, and has represented Coach Haskins and the '66 team as a lawyer and a friend for 35 plus years, is "spot-on" and should be read by everyone who has ever had an interest in basketball.
   
   As to the fortunes of 1966 team and the gentlemen representing that team so well, then and now, suffice it to say that the past 3 or 4 years have indeed been a trip down Glory Road: The team was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA this past April, only the 6th team to ever be so honored - and the first collegiate team --- with the enshrinement proceedings to be held on September 7 and 8, 2007 at the HOF facility. The team has also been honored with dinner and a movie at the White House with President and Mrs. Bush; the team will be inducted in the Boys Clubs of New York Hall of Fame in October of 2007, and some of the members volunteered to take an Armed Services Entertainment Tour to Germany, the Netherlands and England in February of 2007 to entertain our country's troops and their families. Also, Texas Western's victory on March 19, 1966 in College Park, Maryland over Hall of Fame Coach Adolph Rupp and his great Kentucky Wildcat team, that included Pat Riley, Louie Dampier and Larry Conley, among others, was selected by the National Collegiate Athletic Association ("NCAA") as one of 25 defining moments in the 100 year History of NCAA sports.
   
   I could go on but I think this should at least clear up a few matters and hopefully whet the appetite of prospective readers and reviewers to pause and consider reading this book, viewing the movie. Coach Haskin's story is presented in an interesting manner, containing both Coach Haskin's well known skills as a pick-up riding around story teller and the literary skills of Dan Wetzel who spent hours upon hours riding, listening and recording those stories.
   
   It is well written and factual to a fault; and points out what people can do when they put aside prejudices, rediculous stereoptypes (blacks had no discipline, couldn't be a point guard or quarterback) and circumstances and judge people by character and performance; not color and privilege. Every one of those (then but now not so) young men -- all are still alive except Bobby Joe Hill who passed away of a heart attack in 2002 --- that comprised the Texas Western Team in 1966 had talent and skill; more importantly they had character and heart and respect for each other and their coaches and that combination took them to over the top.
   
   Enjoy this story and share it with others - because of their courage and accomplishments, and those of others in other aspects of the 60's civil rights movement, questions surrounding recruiting, playing, starting and honoring people of color in sports today seem strangely quaint, and beyond the imagination of most people born after the '60s. But it wasn't always so and for this all of society owes a debt of gratitude to Don Haskins, the members of his '66 team, the University of Texas at El Paso (formerly Texas Western College) and the citizens of El Paso for contributing to the environment in which we now find ourselves with respect to race relations in sports.



5. An amazing person as well as basketball player and coach, Don Haskins relates the history of Texas Western/UTEP basketball in a way that the movie "Glory Road" (though very good) simply could not. Even though the title makes it sound like the 1966 season is all that is covered, this book actually tells the history of Haskins' long tenure here at UTEP, from his first years at the school through the historic championship in '66, and beyond. His insights into the players, coaches, and personalities he came into contact with were enthralling, and the wonderful storytelling really makes you feel like you were there through all the good times and bad. I read it cover to cover the same afternoon I bought it, and highly recommend it to any fan of UTEP, Coach Haskins, or basketball in general. Thanks for everything you've done for the city of El Paso, our university, and the game of basketball, Mr. Haskins.

2 comments about Shooting the Pistol: Courtside Photos of Pete Maravich at LSU.

1. This is an excellent recounting of Pete Maravich's playing days at LSU from the perspective of a court side photographer/journalist. Well written with wonderful pictures. A must have for basketball and sports history fans!



2. Students today at LSU call the Pete Maravich Assembly Center the P-MAC. I can't stand to hear that. If they read this book, they might give the building the devotion it deserves. "Shooting the Pistol" is a clever name and the cover of this book and its design are also clever. I was expecting only pictures, but was amazed at the amount of copy that went along with the games corresponding to the photos. Pete is shown in all kinds of situations and the descriptions are amazing. This will make a great Father's Day gift.

5 comments about Maravich.

1. This is the first Maravich biography that I have read, and I was impressed by the thoroughness of research. From the story of Pete's grandparents in Pennsylvania to his untimely death on a church basketball court to the current status of his wife and children, this book tells it all. Though he failed to achieve his ultimate dream--winning a championship--he ended up with something much better during the last five years of his life--inner peace as a gift from God. I witnessed Pete's final freshman game in Knoxville, Tennesse in 1967, and it was the most stunning sports event that I have ever seen. I had not seen such magic on the court before, and was immediately awed by his unforgettable performance. His freshman game-by-game statistics are not given in the book, and neither is the date of that game. I do know that he scored 741 points his freshman year, and those are not included in his college records. This is a wonderful book.



2. I can summarize by saying that MARAVICH is a very
   quick read. Each chapter's end makes you eager to
   start the next. Once you pick it up, it is very hard to put it down.
   
   "True" Pistol Pete fans and readers
   who approach the book with some background
   knowledge and genuine interest in Pete Maravich will
   like this book. In MARAVICH,
   readers get depth, meaty research and relevant
   detail. I've read other accounts of Pete's life and compared to MARAVICH, they only scratch the surface. MARAVICH has all
   the basic ingredients you'd expect....plus a lot more.
   
   The highest compliment I could give MARAVICH (the book) is this....
   I believe that Pete himself would have wholeheartedly endorsed it.
   He would appreciate and be able to relate
   to the extra-effort and attention-to-detail that was
   over-and-above the basic minimum research that all
   good authors must do. That's because Pete approached life
   the same way. If he was committed to something
   (basketball, Press, family, Christianity, fitness,
   diet, etc.) he wasn't satisfied with cutting corners. Instead, Pistol Pete gave it his all,
   dove into every aspect of it, got into the details,
   and went the extra mile.
   
   It only makes sense that an author who is writing about Pete's life would need to do the same. Wayne Federman did.
   
   I give it an A+. Great subject, well-written book and a very smooth read. I highly recommend it.



3. Pete Maravich would have been my age had he lived. It was one of the worst days in my life when he died. The man could do things with a basketball and to his opponents that no other player could do during his time...and he did things that were not even imagined by those with whom he played with or against. Were there better shooters? Yes, but only one...Jerry West. Were there better ball-handlers? No! Was there anyone more fun to watch play this wonderful game of basketball? No! Think about it. He averaged 44 points per game in a 4-quarter college basketball game with no time clock and no 3 point line. This is the only significant sports record that will NEVER be broken...at least not during this century.
   
   It is frankly boring to watch the NBA now since Bird, Jordan and Johnson have left the game. I don't care to see the countless tatoos with gang-related symbols on most every body. Maravich put out 100% every time he played. So did Jordan, West, Bird and Johnson. Now we have the prima-donnas demanding higher and higher salaries and then complain about earning only 14 million per year. The NBA is in trouble and will only make a "come-back" when someone like Maravich comes along again. So what is the new "new" thing that will bring the fans back to the NBA? My guess is that it will be someone who can inspire us again...just like Pete Maravich did. Read the book. If you know anything about basketball, you will thoroughly enjoy it.



4. I bought this book for my dad (at his request). He read it in only a few days. I have never seen my dad read anything that quickly. So, it must have been really good. If you know a basketball fan that was born in the 40s or the 50s - this is a great book for them.



5. My boyfriend bought me this book for Christmas and I loved it! I love my biographies chock full of details, and MARAVICH doesn't disappoint. For serious fans, it even has game stats. I especially loved that Pistol Pete's widow and sons collaborated with the authors, which gives the writing a personal touch. Better yet, the book has personal letters and diary entries from Pete. What more could you want?
   
   The guy had an amazing life and died way too tragically, and I really enjoyed reading everything and more in MARAVICH.