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Archive for August, 2008
August 31, 2008 at 7:26 pm · Filed under Basketball Books
Internationally acclaimed novelist Jerry Marcus takes the killing of basketball great Jack Molinas to create a murder mystery that combines religion, politics, sports and gambling. According to Marcus, Jack's story epitomizes a hypocrisy seen not only in sports, but throughout society. Some sportswriters and columnists vilified Jack on the same newspaper pages that also carried the point spreads and gambling odds on college and professional games. In BROKEN TRUST, Marcus uses his knowledge of basketball and insights into human behavior, and the tragic and complex figure of Jack Molinas, to illustrate how powerful business interests, religious hypocrites, and attorneys hide behind a facade of morality and justice.
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August 31, 2008 at 10:15 am · Filed under Basketball Books
Learn to coach girls' basketball from one of the most successful U.S. high school coaches. In Coaching Girls' Basketball Successfully, veteran coach Jill Prudden explains the methods she has used to win more than 700 games and send dozens of female players to the collegiate level, including Olympian Jennifer Azzi.
Packed with insights, plays, and drills, this comprehensive book presents the tactics for leading an effective program as it specifically relates to girls' teams. Not only will you find the skills and drills to help your team improve on the court, but you will also discover the foundational issues of developing a philosophy, motivating, evaluating, and communicating with players and staff. Sample forms, charts, and checklists help you organize and manage teams on a daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal basis.
Through Prudden's expert guidance and compelling anecdotes, you will learn to identify and put into play the unique team dynamics of girls' basketball. Coaching Girls' Basketball Successfully will show you how to build a winning program and team, year in and year out.
Customer Review: A decent overall guide
After reading this book, it's very obvious that the author is a very good coach. She has achieved tremendous success through (it seems) hard work and sound basketball principles. Her book is well written and easy to understand. I have purchased many basketball coaching books over the last 3 years, and this is as good or better than many I've read.
I'm now a head coach for a high school varsity girls' basketball team, and I bought this particular book (among others) because it was specific to girls' basketball. However, this book offered nothing to set it apart from any other high school (boys') coaching book. I had just read Morgan Wootten's "Coaching Basketball Successfully" and it felt like I was re-reading a good portion of this book. I am definitely disappointed that I didn't read anything new to me or very specific to girls' basketball. The author (I'm sure) has a greater wealth of knowledge and experiences than I do, I just wish this book would have tapped into that a little more. This is a good complete basketball book, but it isn't very enlightening and does nothing to differentiate itself from the hundreds of other high school coaching books out there.
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August 30, 2008 at 7:07 am · Filed under Basketball Books
On December 12, 1891, 13 rules of a new game were posted in a YMCA gym in Springfield, Massachusetts. At each end of the floor, Dr. James A. Naismith, who had invented the game, had peach baskets nailed below a walkway that happened to be 10-feet high. Within a few days, one of Naismith's students would christen the new game "Basket Ball."
Over a century ago, no one could possibly have envisioned the extraordinary changes that were going to transform Dr. Naismith's game. Who could have imagined a 6-10 George Mikan swatting shots away from the basket? Julius Erving in flight, soaring in from the free throw line for a heart-stopping stuff? Or Bob Cousy throwing a mind-boggling no-look, behind-the-back pass; Jerry West hitting a 60-foot shot with no time left in a crucial playoff game; Larry Bird's three-point prowess and Michael Jordan rising to heights - literally and figuratively - never before seen by any athlete? Who could have foreseen more than 62,000 fans crowded into the Georgia Dome to see a game between the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks? Or the titanic battles between Wilt and Russell? Or the Dream Team? The longevity of Stockton and Malone? Red Auerbach's victory cigars? Phil Jackson's Zen coaching? Or Shaquille O'Neal's powerful dunks? Who could have ever predicted talent like Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley, Walt Frazier, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Grant Hill, Vince Carter, Jason Kidd, Allen Iverson, and Kobe Bryant?
With an Introduction by NBA Commissioner David J. Stern and a Foreword by Michael Jordan, this third edition of The Official NBA Encyclopedia captures it all: The past and the present. The complete stats and the complex personalities. Dynasties, rivalries, coaches, referees, all the pre-NBA leagues, vignettes and features by the top basketball writers in the world. Every NBA season is reviewed and individual statistics are provided for every player who has ever played in the league. An extraordinary 32-page color photo essay that captures the spirit of the game since Naismith conceived it opens this encyclopedia in an unprecedented and spectacular manner.
From the peach basket to the slam dunk championship - it's all here in The Official NBA Encyclopedia, a book that's almost as exciting as a triple overtime seventh game of the NBA Finals.
Customer Review: nothing special
If hockey and baseball can have Total Hockey and Total Baseball what is up with basketball? Not a bad book by any means but needs a bit more punch to it. How about more insightful essays like those "Total" books go for?
Customer Review: New Encyclopedia has absolutely everything!
The Official NBA Encyclopedia is the best book any hoops fan will ever read. Not only does it hold all the info for the current players, but it holds the complete history of basketball. The NBA, all its seasons, the Draft, International players, coaches, referees, expanding, photos, development, Hall of Fame, and tons of other great stuff are found as well as complete reviews of the ABA,NBL,and ABL. The NBA Seasons in Review is one of my favorite sections. The only negative thing about this book is that the seasons for the NBA are listed backwards. This encyclopedia has every stat for every player that ever played. I love reading this awesome history, and the Official NBA Encyclopedia is the perfect gift for any hoops fan. If I could, I'd give it more than 5 stars.
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August 29, 2008 at 3:52 am · Filed under Basketball Books
Charley Rosen, author of New York Times Notable Books of the Year Barney Polan's Game and The House of Moses All-Stars, gives us an engaging look into the rise and fall of a brilliant but corrupt basketball legend. Jack Molinas had everything: good looks, charm, brains, and a talent for basketball that made him an NBA All-Star. He was also a swindler and gambler deeply involved with the Mafia, and he had been fixing games since high school. After he was arrested in 1954 and banned from the NBA, Molinas created a gambling empire that had dozens of college teams rigging games for him. Drawn from numerous firsthand accounts, The Wizard of Odds examines Jack Molinas's life, from a sparkling beginning to his gruesome murder in 1975.
Customer Review: Fact or fiction?
Charley Rosen provides readers with an entertaining book about one of basketball's most talented players, Jack Molinas. Unfortunately, it seems that some of Rosen's information might not be accurate - especially the statements about one of Jack's long-time friends, Shirley Marcus, which are based on innuendoes; and some of Rosen's statements about one of the greatest sportswriters of all times, Milton Gross.
What is particularly disappointing about this otherwise interesting book is how Rosen protects the basketball establishment by putting all the blame on Jack Molinas. The fact is, a real exploration of gambling in sports could lead to a public outcry - followed by reduced advertiser support and cancelled television contracts.
Molinas was no angel, to be sure - and Rosen does a pretty good job of characterizing this complex and talented athlete. But as the title of the book implies, it is the betting odds - the point spreads that appear in most major newspapers - that is more key to the problem than the actions of a single "Wizard" like Jack Molinas, or a lone referee (as David Stern would like us to believe).
Sadly, the current Commissioner, team owners, as well as sportswriters and commentators, would rather sidestep the problem posed by gambling than risk the millions of dollars that are at stake from advertising, television contracts, and sports fans. (Jerry Marcus is the author of the just-published novel, Broken Trust - The Murder Of Basketball Star Jack Molinas)
Customer Review: Excellent story about a guy who just refused to live an honest life, despite his amazing gifts
Born to a great family and blessed with amazing athletic prowess, Jack Molinas just couldn't go straight. Brilliant by all standards of measurement, he seemed to have absolutely no way to determine right from wrong, and would always lie, cheat, or steal if he could get away with it. He developed a love of gambling early in his life, and would do anything to win in his lifetime obession with sports betting. If he couldn't bribe or convince a player to throw a game, he would spike their food to make them too sick to play. He would stop at nothing to get his way. Even an unpleasant prison term didn't stop him, and he died in a hail of bullets at his Hollywood Hills home at the hands of other criminals and sociopaths.
An awesome book full of detail for the sports fan and lover of true crime stories.
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August 27, 2008 at 1:37 pm · Filed under Basketball Books
Facts, team statistics, individual coach and player records, top crowd attendances, the Olympians, and the 100 greatest games in UCLA basketball history -- it's all included inThe Bruin 100. But most importantly, relive the traditions and read the stories that can't be told in the record books.
Customer Review: Must-have book for college basketball fans
I find myself flipping through this book at least three times a month. The author, Scott Howard-Cooper, did a wonderful job. I've seen several of the memorable games he selected. After reading his book, I feel as though I've seen all 100. Bravo, Scott.
Customer Review: Instant classic for any Bruin hoops fan
I got lost in this book, just flipping page by page and remembering stuff I'd forgotten and reading stuff I never knew about Wooden and Bibby, Baron and Goodrich, Harrick and Hazzard... I loved the way the author interspersed the GIANT games that everybody remembers--the 1968 loss to Houston, all of the national title games, Tyus Edney over Missouri--with the little moments that really make you think and wonder. About Wooden's first game as coach, about Rafer Johnson's first start in 1958, about Cal's Pauley Pavilion upset in 1995, about Reggie Miller and Kris Johnson and Pete Blackman, about Gene Bartow and Harrick's firing and Ed O's goodbye... about some incredible things and some sad things and always memorable things. You can read this book from start to finish, or just drop in and out, from game to game, and relish the details. From Kareem's foreword to the great stat package in the back, and all the great, evocative story-telling in between, this is a tremendous book.
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August 26, 2008 at 1:14 pm · Filed under Basketball Books
An acclaimed journalist tells the story of a girls' high school basketball team in Montana that carries the hopes and dreams of a Native American tribe on its shoulders for an entire season.
Customer Review: Look up "hubris" in the dictionary
And you'll find a picture of Larry Colton. I'd think 15 months would be long enough to find out Montantans can READ. At the very least he could have changed the names of minors before discussing their intimate lives.
Customer Review: basketball story about a basketball player
It is written by a male.....lots of the individual basketball player's feelings were not there.....I would of liked to hear about the feelings of the Crow people.....the facts however were very interesting.
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August 26, 2008 at 6:57 am · Filed under Basketball Books
The newest addition to the highly successful Baffled Parent's Guide Series.
Written by a teacher and basketball coach with more than three decades of experience, Great Basketball Drills offers 125 games that will keep practices fresh and kids moving and excited. Here is a fun, engaging alternative to traditional rote drills, with games designed to teach basic skills, sharpen reflexes, and build confidence and decision-making ability. Great Basketball Drills is a sure bet to end practice boredom.
- A fun, original games approach to drilling young players
- 125 simple, skill-building games that keep kids moving
- Quick-access troubleshooting chart lets coaches easily match drills to problem areas
- Endorsed by nationally renowned high school coach Morgan Wooten
Customer Review: Greg
As a curriculum director of summer sports camps for Basketball I highly recommend this book to all coaches. It challenges players to learn proper techniques, but more importantly it challenges players to think about their decision making, and to understand concepts of vision and space. (Difficult for many, so lets help make it easier). The book is ideal for working with youth players, the philosophy behind the book and the drills are fantastic.
Customer Review: Physical Education Teacher...what is H.A.'s profession
Just out of curiosity, I would like to know the back ground on the person who reviewed this book named H.A. It is obvious that he or she did not have a background in education or youth developement. Having worked with over thousands of students I can safely say that H.A. doesn't have a clue on what kids can really understand. If it is over your head then you have no business trying to teach it to the kids. Feel free to reply or email..
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August 25, 2008 at 2:45 am · Filed under Basketball Books
The Connecticut Huskies have made it to the NCAA Basketball Tournament 21 times, but they had never reached the Final Four -- until 1999. Dare to Dream tells the whole thrilling play-by-play story of how the Huskies' iron-willed coach, Jim Calhoun, led his team to the school's first-ever national title -- on UConn's first Final Four try.
In the tradition of Raise the Roof, Dare to Dream takes us right behind the scenes and into the locker room to reveal how one remarkable coach masterminded a heart-stopping triumph over seemingly unbeatable Duke.
Sharing his own fascinating personal story, Coach Jim Calhoun imparts a sparkling philosophy about life, on and off the basketball court. In 13 years at Connecticut, he has elevated the UConn program from a Big East Conference also-ran to a national champion. The building of Connecticut Basketball into one of the nation's elite programs is an uplifting story that will be an inspiration to readers everywhere.
Customer Review: Basketball
Do you dare to dream? The Uconn Huskies basketball team goes on a big dream ride during the 1999 season. Jim Calhoun is the coach of the Huskies. He has worked them hard for their chance into the Final FOur. Most people didn't think Uconn was a big factor in the tournament. So Uconn was out to prove to the world that they could play with the big dogs. They might have never been to the Final Four before, but this year feels like they've been there before. I like this book because I love sports and it gives you an idea of good teamwork. I think this book is good because if you work hard it might pay off. I watched the team come together right before my eyes. I felt like I was helping them along to win or I was in the story. I would recommend this book to people who like sports or who enjoy a good book. I also think that anyone who likes to get lost in a book would love this! The book is exciting and suspenseful. I think people who don't mind getting trapped in the best sports book in the world should read this book!!!!
Customer Review: A Fist-Pumping Journey through UConn Hoops
Calhoun and Montville have crafted a masterpiece! Calhoun writes like he talks, quick and witty (yes, it's funny!). It is an effective, fast-break style that has readers feeling like they are participating in one of Calhoun's practices. It is never boring, always moving. If you love UConn hoops, you will love this book -- guaranteed. Calhoun is never chest-thumping. His tone is honest, warm, and humble. He is even a little self-effacing (hey, not even The Coach is above reproach). Calhoun takes us from his days at Northeastern and prior, through the Dream Season, and into the X's and O's of the Championship Season. You will want read this slowly because you won't want it to end! There are a plethora of tid-bits and stories about the Calhoun era that even the most avid fans will respond with frequent shouts of "Wow!" and pumps of the fist. Thanks Coach, and thanks, Leigh -- two guys who bleed Husky blue just like the rest of us in Husky Nation!
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August 23, 2008 at 5:05 pm · Filed under Basketball Books
It was an era when the game was played for the love of it, and a fledgling NBA struggled for mainstream attention. Bob Cousy was at the heart of basketball's emergence as premier entertainment, a dynamo whose talent and ingenuity dazzled fans and players. The MVP of the 1957 season and veteran of six NBA championships with the Boston Celtics, his trademark behind-the-back dribble and no-look pass gave us basketball as no one had seen it before -- a one-man revolution that set the stage for Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, Bill Russell, and others. Here is the fascinating, in-depth story of Cousy's life -- his tenement childhood, his drives and motivations, his little-known personal life, and his record-breaking career -- set against one of the most exciting generations in sports history.
Customer Review: "Cousy": Lousy
After reading 75% of this book (258 of 342 pages), I am putting it down. Why? It's boring and, inasmuch as I'm reading much of the same "information" three or sometimes four times, now a waste of time.
The best point about the book is that it is very breezy: an average reader can probably finish it within four hours of reading time and will not have to worry about being taxed intellectually in any way (except perhaps trying to figure out what word the author was actually searching for upon encountering one of the many usage problems herein). Well, the cover looks nice, too.
You can read about Auerbach's treatment of players at least four times, this being useful, I guess, in case you've forgotten what was written in the previous chapter.
Much of the time, actually, the book does not have much to do with Cousy or with the NBA or "big-time basketball" per se. The author summarizes what (from the list of sources in the aftermatter) seems to be mostly a bunch of other second- or third-hand hackwork (ghostwritten sports accounts, magazine puff pieces, and the like) from roughly the times Cousy was an active player. If you're younger than 40, this stuff will bore you (as there is given no context in which to place the information); if you're older than 40, this stuff will bore you (because you'll know it already, probably better than the author).
I cannot think of any reason to recommend this book.
Customer Review: Completely unaffected
It may be that you've got to be at least 50 years old to appreciate this book fully. Why? Because Cousy reflects on a game that doesn't exist anymore. It was a time when people did not take three steps to the basket, when palming the ball was a turnover, and when good sportsmanship was the standard. It was also a time, and this is what is so hard to believe, when a guy like Cousy, who came along just in time to save the financially failing NBA, worried each and every year about making the team. It was a time when a hard nosed Red Auerbach, who didn't even want Cousy because he thought him a showoff, coupled Cousy's playmaking with Russell's defense to make a team, the only team in fact, that dominated its sport as the Yankees did in baseball. Cousy was Auerbach's first big hitter, and despite his success as a player, coach and university president, Cousy remains humble, reflective, and self effacing. Cousy is a we guy, not an I guy. Refreshing.
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August 23, 2008 at 7:21 am · Filed under Basketball Books
Playing the Post presents the principles and practice drills that will improve your inside game. Highlights include
• 12 drills for high- and low-post scoring,
• 8 drills for rebounding,
• 7 drills for post passing,
• 24 techniques for defending the post, and
• 10 advanced high- and low-post moves.
Customer Review: Playing the Post : Basketball Skills and Drills
I think first I ought to say something about myself. I live in England, so although I'm 24 and have been playing basketball for twelve years, I don't have the coaching/fundamentals a person my age in many other countries would have. I found the book to be very informative, though it is probably aimed at people younger than myself and/or coaches of younger people. As a player I found that the most useful sections were those devoted to individual offense and defense. Specifically when introducing a new move, the description is accompanied by clear diagrams describing where your feet should be and where they should be moving to. I also enjoy coaching, and it is in this respect that I found the book most useful. Every section is accompanied by suggestions of drills which can be used to focus on particular weaknesses. From a coaches point of view, the section on strong and weak side rebounding, and the percentages with which shots taken from a certain area will fall into was of most use to me. This information I haven't found anywhere else. The book also contains a very basic section on exercise and weight training. The depth in which it discusses this area supports my view that the book is aimed at 11-16 year olds (or even younger!). I would suggest that people older than this should look elsewhere for a more detailed training program This is not a flaw and though I believe that I was rather older than the intended reader, I found the book to be very useful.
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