Basketball Books

Book SynopsisThe wisdom of a king of sport, business and charity.Dedicated to a legend of basketball, this is a pocket-sized compendium of the inspirational thoughts of one of the game's all-time greats. From the earliest years of his life through to the heartfelt tributes that poured in after his untimely death, this is a timely portrait of one of sport's most remarkable, accomplished and influential figures.From his high school years, through his meteoric rise on the court, Bryant always had lots to say. His words on sport, business, charity and life will delight, inspire and amuse the reader. He was almost as famed for his memorable words as for his sporting achievements, so this is a carefully crafted collection of motivational, insightful and amusing quotes from one of basketball's most respected stars.'My brain... it cannot process failure. It will not process failure. Because if I sit there and have to face myself and tell myself, 'You're a failure'... I think that's almost worse than death' (On his winning mentality, as seen on NYPost.com, January 27, 2020, by Hannah Frishberg)Kobe is the only NBA player in history to have two separate numbers retired by one team, as he wore both No. 8 and No. 24 with the Los Angeles Lakers.Table of ContentsHigh School Hero • The Rookie Rises • All-Star Years • Get in the Zone • The Charity Champ • Feel the Love.

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Book SynopsisNBA Scrapbook is packed with rare photographs images and on the page facsimile memorabilia and provides an incredible insight into the history NBA and its legendary players and coaches. Featuring a wide variety of superb on the page rare memorabilia from the archives covering the NBA?s hugely successful history including match tickets match programs cards and promotional material. Spanning the decades and covering all the NBA?s most iconic eras, we uncover the fascinating stories and incredible accomplishments of the greatest basketball players of all time, from the game?s first superstars, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell and Jerry West, to the modern-day greats of the late Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Kevin Garnett.

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Book SynopsisRoll out the Carpet is the story of West Virginia University basketball. This comprehensive history chronicles over one hundred seasons of the game, from the early years of the Tri-State and Eastern Conferences, to the golden era of Hot Rod Hundley, Jerry West, and Rod Thorn, to the Mountaineer’s most recent triumphs under coaches John Beilein and Bob Huggins.For Mountaineers, it’s not just about winning a prize, trophy or title—it’s about work ethic, pride, and loyalty that embodies the spirit of the state. With unparalleled insider access, alumnus and longtime athletic department official John Antonik details the vibrant history of the players, coaches, and fans that created the finest moments of Mountaineer basketball. These pages overflow with accounts of nail-biting tension leading to buzzer-beating shots, thrilling game-saving moments, and rich, intimate details of the superstar players and coaches that built an institution of gold and blue.From the first game in 1904 against rival Pitt to West Virginia’s glorious 2010 return to the 2010 Final Four tournament, Roll out the Carpet celebrates the tradition of Mountaineer basketball. With over five hundred never-before-published photographs and articles of memorabilia from the WVU athletic department, university archives, and personal collections, this book is a must-have for any West Virginia University basketball fan. It’s a great day to be a Mountaineer!

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Book SynopsisFor over 150 years the Lakota have tenaciously defended their culture and land against white miners, settlers, missionaries, and the U.S. Army, and paid the price. Their economy is in shambles and they face serious social issues, but their culture and outlook remain vibrant. Basketball has a role to play in the way that people on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation configure their hopes for a better future, and for pride in their community. In Lakota Hoops, anthropologist Alan Klein trains his experienced eye on the ways that Lakota traditions find a seamless expression in the sport. In a variety of way such as weaving time-honored religious practices into the game or extending the warrior spirit of Crazy Horse to the players on the court, basketball has become a preferred way of finding continuity with the past. But the game is also well suited to the present and has become the largest regular gathering for all Lakota, promoting national pride as well as a venue for the community to creatively and aggressively confront white bigotry when needed. Richly researched and filled with interviews with Pine Ridge residents, including both male and female players, Lakota Hoops offers a compelling look at the highs and lows of a community that has made basketball its own.Trade Review"Basketball is so much more than just a game; it is a cultural resource that allows the Pine Ridge community to express their identity against a social landscape of poverty, racism, and domination. In Lakota Hoops, Klein provides an important statement about sport in Indian Country, sketching out the larger structural landscape in which the actions of some Lakota basketball players unfold. In learning about the individuals, we learn the logic behind their actions and how they interact with the larger context of ongoing US colonization of native lands." -- Jeffery Montez de Oca * author of Discipline and Indulgence *"I've long thought that Alan Klein might be the most important anthropologist of sport in our midst. Lakota Hoops confirms that. Unflinchingly honest, brilliantly argued, and gracefully written, it's a tour de force about sport, Lakota culture, and a reality this nation has yet to fully confront." -- Rob Ruck * Tropic of Football: The Long and Perilous Journey of Samoans to the NFL *Alan Klein interview with Ramon Maclin about Lakota Hoops * Alan Klein interview with Ramon Maclin *Basketball is so much more than just a game; it is a cultural resource that allows the Pine Ridge community to express their identity against a social landscape of poverty, racism, and domination. In Lakota Hoops, Klein provides an important statement about sport in Indian Country, sketching out the larger structural landscape in which the actions of some Lakota basketball players unfold. In learning about the individuals, we learn the logic behind their actions and how they interact with the larger context of ongoing US colonization of native lands. -- Jeffery Montez de Oca * author of Discipline and Indulgence *I've long thought that Alan Klein might be the most important anthropologist of sport in our midst. Lakota Hoops confirms that. Unflinchingly honest, brilliantly argued, and gracefully written, it's a tour de force about sport, Lakota culture, and a reality this nation has yet to fully confront. -- Rob Ruck * Tropic of Football: The Long and Perilous Journey of Samoans to the NFL *Alan Klein interview with Ramon Maclin about Lakota Hoops * Alan Klein interview with Ramon Maclin *Table of ContentsPreface Chapter 1: Landmarks in Lakota LifeTHE GOOD Chapter 2: SWEATING, SMUDGING, AND SUN DANCING: Dusty LeBeau’s Fusion of Basketball and Tradition Chapter 3: THE LAKOTA NATION INVITATIONAL: Bryan Brewer’s Invented Tradition Chapter 4: “MANNING UP:” Jess Heart, Lakota Manhood and Hoops Chapter 5: LAURA BIG CROW: Coming Back, to Pass It ForwardTHE BAD Chapter 6: PINE RIDGE - RED CLOUD RIVALRY: The Tip of a Factional Ice Berg Chapter 7: CRABS IN A BUCKET: Lakota Factionalism and BasketballTHE UGLY Chapter 8: ENGAGING ACRIMONY: Racism and Lakota Basketball in South Dakota Index

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Book SynopsisFor over 150 years the Lakota have tenaciously defended their culture and land against white miners, settlers, missionaries, and the U.S. Army, and paid the price. Their economy is in shambles and they face serious social issues, but their culture and outlook remain vibrant. Basketball has a role to play in the way that people on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation configure their hopes for a better future, and for pride in their community. In Lakota Hoops, anthropologist Alan Klein trains his experienced eye on the ways that Lakota traditions find a seamless expression in the sport. In a variety of way such as weaving time-honored religious practices into the game or extending the warrior spirit of Crazy Horse to the players on the court, basketball has become a preferred way of finding continuity with the past. But the game is also well suited to the present and has become the largest regular gathering for all Lakota, promoting national pride as well as a venue for the community to creatively and aggressively confront white bigotry when needed. Richly researched and filled with interviews with Pine Ridge residents, including both male and female players, Lakota Hoops offers a compelling look at the highs and lows of a community that has made basketball its own.Trade Review"Basketball is so much more than just a game; it is a cultural resource that allows the Pine Ridge community to express their identity against a social landscape of poverty, racism, and domination. In Lakota Hoops, Klein provides an important statement about sport in Indian Country, sketching out the larger structural landscape in which the actions of some Lakota basketball players unfold. In learning about the individuals, we learn the logic behind their actions and how they interact with the larger context of ongoing US colonization of native lands." -- Jeffery Montez de Oca * author of Discipline and Indulgence *"I've long thought that Alan Klein might be the most important anthropologist of sport in our midst. Lakota Hoops confirms that. Unflinchingly honest, brilliantly argued, and gracefully written, it's a tour de force about sport, Lakota culture, and a reality this nation has yet to fully confront." -- Rob Ruck * Tropic of Football: The Long and Perilous Journey of Samoans to the NFL *Alan Klein interview with Ramon Maclin about Lakota Hoops * Alan Klein interview with Ramon Maclin *Basketball is so much more than just a game; it is a cultural resource that allows the Pine Ridge community to express their identity against a social landscape of poverty, racism, and domination. In Lakota Hoops, Klein provides an important statement about sport in Indian Country, sketching out the larger structural landscape in which the actions of some Lakota basketball players unfold. In learning about the individuals, we learn the logic behind their actions and how they interact with the larger context of ongoing US colonization of native lands. -- Jeffery Montez de Oca * author of Discipline and Indulgence *I've long thought that Alan Klein might be the most important anthropologist of sport in our midst. Lakota Hoops confirms that. Unflinchingly honest, brilliantly argued, and gracefully written, it's a tour de force about sport, Lakota culture, and a reality this nation has yet to fully confront. -- Rob Ruck * Tropic of Football: The Long and Perilous Journey of Samoans to the NFL *Alan Klein interview with Ramon Maclin about Lakota Hoops * Alan Klein interview with Ramon Maclin *Table of ContentsPreface Chapter 1: Landmarks in Lakota LifeTHE GOOD Chapter 2: SWEATING, SMUDGING, AND SUN DANCING: Dusty LeBeau’s Fusion of Basketball and Tradition Chapter 3: THE LAKOTA NATION INVITATIONAL: Bryan Brewer’s Invented Tradition Chapter 4: “MANNING UP:” Jess Heart, Lakota Manhood and Hoops Chapter 5: LAURA BIG CROW: Coming Back, to Pass It ForwardTHE BAD Chapter 6: PINE RIDGE - RED CLOUD RIVALRY: The Tip of a Factional Ice Berg Chapter 7: CRABS IN A BUCKET: Lakota Factionalism and BasketballTHE UGLY Chapter 8: ENGAGING ACRIMONY: Racism and Lakota Basketball in South Dakota Index

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Book SynopsisPerfect for fans of Moneyball and The Book of Basketball, this vivid, thoroughly entertaining, and well-researched book explores the NBA’s surge in popularity in the 1970s and 1980s and its transformation into a global cultural institution. Far beyond simply being a sports league, the NBA has become an entertainment and pop culture juggernaut. From all kinds of team logo merchandise to officially branded video games and players crossing over into reality television, film, fashion lines, and more, there is an inseparable line between sports and entertainment. But only four decades ago, this would have been unthinkable. Featuring writing that leaps off the page with energy and wit, journalist and basketball fan Pete Croatto takes us behind the scenes to the meetings that lead to the monumental American Basketball Association–National Basketball Association merger in 1976, revolutionizing the NBA’s image. He pays homage to legendary talents including Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan and reveals how two polar-opposite rookies, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, led game attendance to skyrocket and racial lines to dissolve. Croatto also dives into CBS’s personality-driven coverage of key players, as well as other cable television efforts, which launched NBA players into unprecedented celebrity status. Essential reading whether you’re a casual or longtime fan, From Hang Time to Prime Time is an enthralling and entertaining celebration of basketball history.Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR From Hang Time to Prime Time… “In these days of LeBron and Zion and shoe deals and gazillion-dollar arenas, it's easy to forget that, not so long ago, the NBA was a podunk operation just fighting for a crumb. But thanks to Pete Croatto's brilliant work, the rise of the league (or, these days, The League) is brought forth in full color, with zest and passion and oomph. It’s outstanding.” – Jeff Pearlman, author of Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s. “From Hang Time to Prime Time is deeply reported, smart, fun—and important. All the great players are here—Dr. J, Bird, Magic, Jordan—and so are the shoe deals, the songs, and the TV broadcasts that shaped the modern game. If you want to understand how and why the NBA changed the world, this is a great place to start.”–Jonathan Eig, author of Ali: A Life “Meticulously researched and deeply reported, From Hang Time to Prime Time takes basketball fans on a rollicking journey through the sport they love. Chronicling all the secret backroom deals, Hall of Fame talents, twists of fate, and everything else that paved the way for the modern NBA, Croatto has written a definitive and vital history that will stand the test of time.” —Erik Malinowski, author of Betaball: How Silicon Valley and Science Built One of the Greatest Basketball Teams in History “It’s difficult imagining the NBA as anything but the cultural and financial juggernaut that it is. Of course, the league didn’t start out the way. In From Hang Time to Prime Time, Pete Croatto deftly documents, explores and details the twists and turns, the coincidences and circumstances, and the many, many personalities that contributed to the NBA ‘s evolution into today’s behemoth”—Jonathan Abrams, author of Boys Among Men: How the Pro-to-Prep Generation Redefined the NBA and Sparked a Basketball Revolution “A marvel of intention, focus, and reporting, Pete Croatto's FROM HANG TIME TO PRIME TIME tells the story of the rise and professionalization of basketball culture and business with intimacy, humanity and even comedy. In a sports universe of superstars and sycophants, Croatto's book stands apart as a testimonial of how such worlds truly get built--on successes and failures, shrewd innovation and sheer luck, a host of scrappy and surprising characters from all walks of life hustling to get the deals done. The NBA we know and love hardly emerged fully formed. Croatto generously treats us all to courtside seats for its remarkable evolution.”—Howie Kahn, co-author of Sneakers “I love basketball. You might say it's a lifelong obsession. And I love reading the work of other basketball obsessives. Particularly when they write with as much heart and fire as Pete Croatto does. This book is a Meadowlark Lemon half court hook, sweet on the release, sweeter as it travels in the air, and even sweeter as it swishes cleanly through the hoop.”—Brian Koppelman, co-creator of Billions "The growth of the NBA over the past 45 years is interesting not just because of its remarkable rate of expansion but also for how many segments of U.S. culture the sport intermingled with along the way. As Croatto shows repeatedly in From Hang Time to Prime Time, basketball's growth was fueled by factors such as sneaker sales, the political landscape of the U.S. and the burgeoning hip-hop culture. The book has plently of hoop anecdotes, but what makes it shine is the stuff adjacent to the game. Erstwhile All-Star forward Curtis Rowe doesn't appear; Kurtis Blow does, more than once." — Sports Illustrated "Any fan of the game would do well to pick this up—it's a slam dunk." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “You don’t even have to know a dunk from a dribble to be fascinated by this insightful history of how the NBA not only went mainstream—but became pop culture itself. How did Michael, LeBron, and Kobe become not just rock stars, but modern gods? Pete Croatto tells that tale, through exhaustive research and riveting storytelling.” — Jennifer Keishin Armstrong, New York Times bestselling author of Seinfeldia

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Book SynopsisRob McClanaghan, the NBA’s most sought-after trainer, shares a behind-the-scenes look at how superstars like Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, and Kevin Love work to excel at the game.When Rob McClanaghan failed to make the Syracuse basketball team as a walk-on freshman, he asked the coaches what he needed to do to achieve his goal the following year. They all agreed: get stronger. So that’s what he did. For months, Rob traded fraternity parties and hanging out with buddies for hours in the gym lifting weights and shooting baskets. He was single-minded; the only thing that mattered was defying the odds. He returned to Syracuse for his sophomore year thirty pounds heavier and caught the coach’s eye. In Net Work, McClanaghan—referred to by many as “RobMac”—brings to the page what he brings to each of his training sessions: the same grit and spirit that got him into the college game. He calls it “the grind,” and he knows that without it, even the most talented players will come up short. McClanaghan pushes his clients hard; he does whatever he can to drive his players to the edge and to simulate fourth quarter, at-the-buzzer adrenaline and fatigue. An all-access pass to the practice courts of the NBA, Net Work combines McClanaghan’s hard-earned wisdom—both on and off the court—with rare glimpses into the dues-paying life of professional athletes determined to stay at the top. McClanaghan shares stories of working one-on-one with some of basketball’s greatest names, explaining how each athlete works to shore up his offensive and defensive weaknesses; perfect his nutrition; treat injuries; build mental toughness; and find occasional refuge from the glare of the spotlight. This book is life inside the NBA as you’ve never seen it, where players differentiate themselves by their willingness to put in relentless “net work.”Trade Review“A backstage pass to a part of the NBA that most fans never see….For anyone looking to play at the elite level—or just admire those who do—this book delivers the secrets of how to both arrive and thrive.” —Pete Thamel, Senior Writer at Yahoo Sports“Here’s what separates Rob McClanaghan from almost all of the basketball universe: he gets the biggest stars on the planet to trust him. It isn’t easy. It’s because they know he makes them better, and because they know he cares. In Net Work, Rob pulls back the curtain on the peerless drive and habits of the NBA’s stars. A generation of All-Stars, MVPs and champions were sculpted in hot, sweaty gymnasiums across America and Asia, and Rob Mac knows all about it—because he was in the middle of it.” —Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN Senior NBA Insider and New York Times bestselling author of The Miracle of St. Anthony“My Syracuse roots go way beyond my more than forty years as head coach of the men’s basketball team. I first joined the team as a freshman walk-on, so I’ve always believed in the ability of a walk-on player to surprise. Since Rob McClanaghan played for me so many years ago, he has gone on to surprise a lot of people, showing a knowledge of the game that exceeds that of many of the best NBA players, and thus inspires many at all levels of the game to learn from him. Rob’s training has never been about gimmicks and neither is this book. Rather, it is filled with the elusive truths that can only be gleaned by being a lifelong student of the game.” —Jim Boeheim, Men’s Basketball Coach, Syracuse University“In the basketball world that existed twenty years ago, the position of 24/7 on-call trainer didn’t exist, which makes Rob McClanaghan’s journey—compellingly told here along with that of his superstar clients—all the more remarkable. He wasn’t the first to try working with players in a hyper-focused way, but in doing so he set a new standard. Ultimately, what this book has to say about players applies equally to McClanaghan: only sustained, brutally hard work, and a determination to attack weaknesses, will result in all-world performance.” —Sonny Vaccaro, former sports marketer for Nike, Adidas, and Reebok, and founder of ABCD All-America Camp“We are all fortunate witnesses to the finished product. We marvel at Steph Curry’s deep splashes that betray reality, Russell Westbrook’s explosiveness and Kevin Love’s nimble post footwork. Their grace in front of cameras cloaks the countless hours of work and training behind the scenes. Rob McClanaghan is often the guiding conscience that drives these NBA players to their peak. In Net Work, McClanaghan lifts the veil to provide humanizing portraits of these superstars trying to maximize their potential, and he inspires with his own uplifting backstory.” —Jonathan Abrams, New York Times bestselling author of Boys Among Men: How the Prep-to-Pro Generation Redefined the NBA and Sparked a Basketball Revolution"An enjoyable look at how the best players hone their skills, with valuable insights not just for athletes working to improve their game but, also, true fans. Winners win for a reason. Rob McClanaghan does a great job of explaining why." —Geno Auriemma, coach of the UConn Woman's Basketball Team, and winner of Eleven NCAA Championships“It’s no secret to why Rob has been so continuously successful with such high-level athletes. The trust that he has developed not only on the court, grinding it out with them day in and day out, but off the court with their development as people, speaks for itself. He’s authentic in everything he does and this book is a testament to the reputation that he has established during his career.” —Mike Hopkins, Men’s Basketball Coach, University of Washington “It’s not the game—it’s the game plan. In Net Work, one of the most engaging recent books about what it takes to dominate in the NBA, Rob drives home the point that playing games is hard work and serious business!” —Brandon Steiner, CEO of Steiner Sports"Reading this book gave me a unique perspective on the sport of basketball. Rob's experience, knowledge, and keen understanding of the sport jumps off the pages!" —Robert Iger, Chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Company“I was able to witness first-hand the unique way Rob works with elite athletes while we were on tour in China with Steph Curry. Rob encourages his athletes to push even harder and go beyond what even they thought was possible. I loved reading Rob's stories in Net Work and can testify that not only is Rob a trusted partner, but also a genuine friend to his clients.” —Kevin Plank, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Under Armour

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Book SynopsisFrom the NBA’s most sought-after trainer and skills coach comes a “backstage pass to a part of the NBA that most fans never see” (Pete Thamel, Yahoo Sports)—how superstars like Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, and Kevin Love work to excel at the game.When Rob McClanaghan failed to make the Syracuse basketball team as a walk-on freshman, he asked the coaches what he needed to do to achieve his goal the following year. They all agreed: get stronger. So that’s what he did. For months, Rob traded fraternity parties and hanging out with buddies for hours in the gym lifting weights and shooting baskets. He was single-minded; the only thing that mattered was defying the odds. He returned to Syracuse for his sophomore year thirty pounds heavier and caught the coach’s eye. In Net Work, McClanaghan’s “experience, knowledge, and keen understanding of the sport jumps off the pages” (Bob Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Company) and he delivers what he brings to each of his training sessions: the same grit and spirit that got him into the college game. He calls it “the grind,” and he knows that without it, even the most talented players will come up short. McClanaghan pushes his clients hard; he does whatever he can to drive his players to the edge and to simulate fourth quarter, at-the-buzzer adrenaline and fatigue. An all-access pass to the practice courts of the NBA, Net Work combines McClanaghan’s hard-earned wisdom—both on and off the court—with rare glimpses into the dues-paying life of professional athletes determined to stay at the top. McClanaghan shares stories of working one-on-one with some of basketball’s greatest names, explaining how each athlete works to shore up his offensive and defensive weaknesses; perfect his nutrition; treat injuries; build mental toughness; and find occasional refuge from the glare of the spotlight. This book is life inside the NBA as you’ve never seen it, where players differentiate themselves by their willingness to put in relentless “net work.”Trade Review“McClanaghan has given basketball fans a unique behind-the-scenes look at the game and perhaps some inspiration to budding players with his 'you get out of it what you put in' philosophy.” —Library Journal"A backstage pass to a part of the NBA that most fans never see….For anyone looking to play at the elite level—or just admire those who do—this book delivers the secrets of how to both arrive and thrive.” —Pete Thamel, Senior Writer at Yahoo Sports - “Here’s what separates Rob McClanaghan from almost all of the basketball universe: he gets the biggest stars on the planet to trust him. It isn’t easy. It’s because they know he makes them better, and because they know he cares. In Net Work, Rob pulls back the curtain on the peerless drive and habits of the NBA’s stars. A generation of All-Stars, MVPs and champions were sculpted in hot, sweaty gymnasiums across America and Asia, and Rob Mac knows all about it—because he was in the middle of it.” —Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN Senior NBA Insider and New York Times bestselling author of The Miracle of St. Anthony“My Syracuse roots go way beyond my more than forty years as head coach of the men’s basketball team. I first joined the team as a freshman walk-on, so I’ve always believed in the ability of a walk-on player to surprise. Since Rob McClanaghan played for me so many years ago, he has gone on to surprise a lot of people, showing a knowledge of the game that exceeds that of many of the best NBA players, and thus inspires many at all levels of the game to learn from him. Rob’s training has never been about gimmicks and neither is this book. Rather, it is filled with the elusive truths that can only be gleaned by being a lifelong student of the game.” —Jim Boeheim, Men’s Basketball Coach, Syracuse University“In the basketball world that existed twenty years ago, the position of 24/7 on-call trainer didn’t exist, which makes Rob McClanaghan’s journey—compellingly told here along with that of his superstar clients—all the more remarkable. He wasn’t the first to try working with players in a hyper-focused way, but in doing so he set a new standard. Ultimately, what this book has to say about players applies equally to McClanaghan: only sustained, brutally hard work, and a determination to attack weaknesses, will result in all-world performance.” —Sonny Vaccaro, former sports marketer for Nike, Adidas, and Reebok, and founder of ABCD All-America Camp“We are all fortunate witnesses to the finished product. We marvel at Steph Curry’s deep splashes that betray reality, Russell Westbrook’s explosiveness and Kevin Love’s nimble post footwork. Their grace in front of cameras cloaks the countless hours of work and training behind the scenes. Rob McClanaghan is often the guiding conscience that drives these NBA players to their peak. In Net Work, McClanaghan lifts the veil to provide humanizing portraits of these superstars trying to maximize their potential, and he inspires with his own uplifting backstory.” —Jonathan Abrams, New York Times bestselling author of Boys Among Men: How the Prep-to-Pro Generation Redefined the NBA and Sparked a Basketball Revolution"An enjoyable look at how the best players hone their skills, with valuable insights not just for athletes working to improve their game but, also, true fans. Winners win for a reason. Rob McClanaghan does a great job of explaining why." —Geno Auriemma, coach of the UConn Woman's Basketball Team, and winner of Eleven NCAA Championships“It’s no secret to why Rob has been so continuously successful with such high-level athletes. The trust that he has developed not only on the court, grinding it out with them day in and day out, but off the court with their development as people, speaks for itself. He’s authentic in everything he does and this book is a testament to the reputation that he has established during his career.” —Mike Hopkins, Men’s Basketball Coach, University of Washington “It’s not the game—it’s the game plan. In Net Work, one of the most engaging recent books about what it takes to dominate in the NBA, Rob drives home the point that playing games is hard work and serious business!” —Brandon Steiner, CEO of Steiner Sports"Reading this book gave me a unique perspective on the sport of basketball. Rob's experience, knowledge, and keen understanding of the sport jumps off the pages!" —Robert Iger, Chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Company“I was able to witness first-hand the unique way Rob works with elite athletes while we were on tour in China with Steph Curry. Rob encourages his athletes to push even harder and go beyond what even they thought was possible. I loved reading Rob's stories in Net Work and can testify that not only is Rob a trusted partner, but also a genuine friend to his clients.” —Kevin Plank, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Under Armour

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Book SynopsisINSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A SELECTION ON BARACK OBAMA'S SUMMER READING LIST The definitive history of the 1990s New York Knicks, illustrating how Pat Riley, Patrick Ewing, John Starks, Charles Oakley, and Anthony Mason resurrected the iconic franchise through oppressive physicality and unmatched grit.For nearly an entire generation, the New York Knicks have been a laughingstock franchise. Since 2001, they've spent more money, lost more games, and won fewer playoff series than any other NBA team. But during the preceding era, the Big Apple had a club it was madly in love withone that earned respect not only by winning, but through brute force. The Knicks were always looking for fights, often at the encouragement of Pat Riley. They fought opposing players. They fought each other. Hell, they even occasionally fought their own coaches. The NBA didn't take kindly to their fighting spirit. Within two years, league officials moved to alter several rules to stop New York from turning its basketball games into bloody mudwrestling matches. Nevertheless, as the 1990s progressed, the Knicks endeared themselves to millions of fans; not for how much they won, but for their colorful cast of characters and their hardworking mentality. Now, through his original reporting and interviews with more than two hundred people, author Chris Herring delves into the origin, evolution, and eventual demise of the iconic club. He takes us inside the locker room, executive boardrooms, and onto the court for the key moments that lifted the club to new heights, and the ones that threatened to send everything crashing down in spectacular fashion. Blood in the Garden is a portrait filled with eye-opening details that have never been shared before, revealing the full story of the franchise in the midst of the NBA's golden era. And rest assured, no punches will be pulled. Which is just how those rough-and-tumble Knicks would like it.

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Book SynopsisFrom award-winning Boston Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy, an ';entertaining' (The Wall Street Journal) and nostalgia-filled retelling of the 1980s Boston Celtics' glory years, which featured the sublime play of NBA legend Larry Bird.Today the NBA is a vast global franchisea billion-dollar industry seen by millions of fans in the United States and abroad. But it wasn't always this successful. Before primetime ESPN coverage, lucrative branding deals like Air Jordans, and $40 million annual player salaries, there was the NBA of the 1970s and 1980swhen basketball was still an up-and-coming sport featuring old school beat reporters and players who wore Converse All-Stars. Enter Dan Shaughnessy, then the beat reporter for The Boston Globe who covered the Boston Celtics every day from 1982 to 1986. It was a time when reporters travelled with professional teamsflying the same commercial airlines, riding the same buses, and staying in the same hotels. Shaughnessy knew the athletes as real people, losing free throw bets to Larry Bird, being gifted cheap cigars by the iconic coach Red Auerbach, and having his one-year-old daughter Sarah passed from player to player on a flight from Logan to Detroit Metro. Drawing on unprecedented access and personal experiences that would not be possible for any reporter today, Shaughnessy takes us inside the legendary Larry Bird-led Celtics teams, capturing the camaraderie as they dominated the NBA. Fans can witness the cockiness of Larry Bird (who once walked into an All-Star Weekend locker room, announced that he was going to win the three-point contest, and did); the ageless athleticism of Robert Parish; the shooting skills of Kevin McHale; the fierce, self-sacrificing play of Bill Walton; and the playful humor of players like Danny Ainge, Cedric ';Cornbread' Maxwell, and M.L. Carr. For any fan who longs to returnfor just a few hoursto those magical years when the Boston Garden rocked and the winner's circle was mostly colored Boston Green, Wish It Lasted Forever is a masterful tribute to ';the Celtics from 19821986 [that] is so good even fervent Celtics haters will have trouble putting it down' (New York Post).

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Book SynopsisA unique, unfiltered memoir from the NBA champion and fifteen-time all-star ahead of his induction into the Hall of Fame.Kevin Garnett was one of the most dominant players the game of basketball has ever seen. He was also one of its most outspoken. Over the course of his illustrious twenty-one-year NBA career, he elevated trash talk to an art form and never shied away from sharing his thoughts on controversial subjects. In KG A to Z, published ahead of Garnett’s induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame, he looks back on his life and career with the same raw candor. Garnett describes the adversity he faced growing up in South Carolina before ultimately relocating to Chicago, where he became one of the top prospects in the nation. He details his headline-making decision to skip college and become the first player in two decades to enter the draft directly from high school, starting a trend that would be followed by future superstars like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. He shares stories of playing with and against Bryant, James, Michael Jordan, and other NBA greats, and he chronicles his professional ups and downs, including winning a championship with the Boston Celtics. He also speaks his mind on a range of topics beyond basketball, such as fame, family, racism, spirituality, and music. Garnett’s draft decision wasn’t the only way he’d forever change the game. His ability to play on the perimeter as a big man foreshadowed the winning strategy now universally adopted by the league. He applies this same innovative spirit here, organizing the contents alphabetically as an encyclopedia. If you thought Kevin Garnett was exciting, inspiring, and unfiltered on the court, just wait until you read what he has to say in these pages.Trade Review“Kevin Garnett played basketball with unrivaled intensity and eccentricity…Happily, his new memoir is shot through with these qualities as well. Abjuring a standard chronology, KG A to Z tells the author’s story alphabetically…The glossary format suits his restless mind.”—Josh Swansburg, The New York Times Book Review "[T]his book challenges formal expectations…The narrative of Garnett’s life doesn’t run straight through the book, but it zigzags intuitively, rendered in candid prose…the text captures the peerless intensity that Garnett displayed on the court....A gift for die-hard Garnett fans."—Kirkus Reviews “The athlete autobiography is a well-established though often disappointing genre. It’s rare for one to truly stand out among the many disposable ones that are released each and every year. Garnett’s new book, KG: A to Z, co-written with David Ritz, is one of those very satisfying exceptions. One reason is that KG: A to Z is not presented as a traditional narrative. The book travels alphabetically through dozens of different entries with Garnett giving his thoughts on disparate topics such as video games, Family Guy, Allen Iverson, Uncut Gems, the Book of Job, and many more. In a more standard autobiography, many of the detours taken here would be annoying, a distraction from an overarching story, but here, this format works to Garnett’s advantage…Readers are certain to come away feeling like they just shared a wonderful time with Garnett as he regaled them with his personal opinions and favorite stories. For any NBA fan, such an experience would be a true delight and this book is the closest most of us will ever have to replicate it for ourselves…Garnett’s autobiography captures his large and passionate biography as well as any book ever could, making it one of the rare books by an athlete worth intentionally seeking out.” —Micah Wimmer, Fansided.com

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Book SynopsisNunca el baloncesto había sido tan divertido! Conoce a los Canastones, el equipo de básquet más insólito que puedas imaginar: aunque los Canastones están muy lejos de ser el mejor equipo, su amistad y humor inunda sus novelas.Canastones es una colección sobre baloncesto con mucho humor, protagonizada por un grupo de chicos y chicas de nueve años que van al mismo colegio. No hace falta ser un experto en baloncesto para disfrutar con las disparatadas aventuras de Joel y sus amigos!Todas las páginas tienen ilustraciones en color y se incluyen diálogos en bocadillos de cómic. El ritmo de la lectura es trepidante y lleno de humor. Se recomienda para niños y niñas de 8 a 11 años.En El misterio de los Jóvenes de Oro, Joel y sus amigos se enfrentarán a los Jóvenes de Oro en un campeonato de partido único. Sin embargo, se encuentran con un gran problema: no tienen ni idea de quiénes son los Jóvenes de Oro y, si no ganan el campeonato, los Canastones desaparecerán para siempre. Serán capaces de vencer al misterioso equipo?Los títulos de la colección:1. El torneo de básquet soñado2. El misterio de los Jóvenes de Oro3. La profecía del escorpiónOtras colecciones de humor y aventuras de Editorial el Pirata:? Los líos de Judith y Johan? Los Exploradores del Tiempo

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