Description
Book SynopsisThis book tells the story of the Eastern Professional Basketball League. Formed in the 1940s, it was a pro basketball institution for over 30 years, featuring top players who just couldn't make the NBAbecause of scandals, because they weren't quite good enough, or because of unofficial quotas on black players.
Trade ReviewSyl and Jay brought me back to my brief playing days in the Eastern League! The small towns, the tiny gyms, the rabid fans, the colorful owners, and most of all the seriously good players who played with an edge because they fell one step short of the NBA. All the characters, the stories, and the brutally tough competition – it’s all here. About time the Eastern League got some love!
-- Charley Rosen, author, basketball commentator, and former Eastern League player and CBA coach
The authors recognize men who gave their all to a game that gave little back. Men of character and intellect whose stories may never have been told, some of whom failed themselves but lifted themselves up to honor and play a game they loved. Meticulously researched, this book will impact their families forever.
-- Ray Scott, former NBA and ABA player and coach and former Eastern Leaguer
This book brought back some great memories of my six years playing in the Eastern League. The Eastern League really meant the world to me. It provided me with the opportunity to continue playing basketball after I had graduated from Syracuse. The competition in the Eastern League was fierce and the play was high quality. Believe it or not, I even have some fond memories of the drives through heavy snowfall from Syracuse to Scranton to play!
-- Jim Boeheim, Coach at Syracuse University and former Eastern Leaguer
Boxed Out of the NBA is an outstanding story on an unheralded era of professional basketball. Kudos to Syl Sobel and Jay Rosenstein for shining a light on the Eastern League and its many talented players.
-- John Chaney, Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2001
