Basketball Books

Great book about Mr. Winter's childhood, military career, college basketball coaching, and of course NBA career. Not an Xs and Os book about the "triangle" or "triple-post," but full of nuggets such as how he helped Dennis Rodman, and how the wrong drink caused them to lose one game against the Jazz in the NBA Finals!

The Book inspire me a lot how to be a great coach. And inspire me the main concept of Triangle offense which is very important to my coaching career for teaching the youth how to paly basketball in Team Concept with a well designed offense stragety by Tex Winter!

Ann Parr does an excellent narrative on Coach Tex Winter's life. A great read packed full of both vintage and recent photos as well as memorable quotes from family, friends, players and coaches in a superbly designed graphical format that is pleasing to the eyes. As a father and granddad, I highly recommend it as a gift for your kids - who could easily learn a thing or two from Tex's wisdom and philosophy on the importance of honesty, integrity and teamwork...not just in basketball, but in every aspect of one's daily life (a positive example that seems to be often missing in America these days).

Think Phil 'Jax' is THE MAN? Sorry, wrong answer.
All nine of his Championship rings are the res-
ponsibility of Texas E. Winter, former great
NCAA player from Texas (1940's) and Coach.
I am simply amazed that this virtually ageless
man continues to be a top NBA Ast. Coach in
the League in his '80's. Tex Winter for Pres.!
Hey, he can't be worse than Bush/Clinton/Bush, Jr.!

I read magazines and newspapers, not books. I had some free time recently and picked up this Tex Winter book. Although I like to watch basketball, I don't know much about the specific plays and strategies, and I didn't know who Tex Winter was. I flopped the book open -- to a middle page -- and started reading. I kept turning back toward the front of the book to find out what happened before, and then what happened before that, and pretty soon, I couldn't put the thing down. All the interesting quotes and stories by and about famous players and coaches got me hooked. And all the quotes and personal notes by Tex made me read more. It's great, and I'd recommend it for anyone who has any interest in basketball, or sports in general, or just likes inspirational personal stories. It's a "can't put down" book.

Has some good drills..I was looking for more advance ideas. Good for middle school or youth leagues

As a quad A varsity player, this book offers a way to step up your game. At the varsity level, players must have solid fundamental skills. At this level, you can't fake it. And at this level, you must be able to perform your skills with confidence. THE CONFIDENT COACH'S GUIDE TO TEACHING BASKETBALL recommends drills to help you perfect the skills you need to play at the top level. Varsity Starting Point Guard

My dad bought this book for the drills. We work on the drills together. He didn't know what drills to do to help me with some of my weaker skills. This book helped.

As the father of a varsity player, I was able to use many of the drills and techniques to help my son improve his game. As Coach Carroll says, "Perfect practice makes perfect."

At the high school level, players need continuous practice--not just when their coach has it. Not only will this book help those who are coaching the game, but it will help improve every basketball player who wants to move his game to the next level.

When our regular youth league basketball coach quit because of illness the coaching job was passed to me. I'm a big basketball player/fan with limited coaching experience, so you can imagine my relief when I discovered Celtics Coach John Carroll's new book. Coach Carroll's book is fun to read and it's illustrated with lots of pictures and straightforward diagrams. We've been practicing with Coach Carroll's easy to practice drills and our team has dramatically improved on the fundamental basics like passing, shooting and rebounding. There are some really great drills that help the kids understand and play superior offense and defense. I like the book because it makes basketball practice fun for the players and easy for me.

I am a kingergarten teacher, and I learned so much from this book. It was amazing cover to cover. Every teacher should read this book, this man has the teaching motivation and philosphy that all teachers should have! Teach what you love, create excitement and sucess in your students. Also if you want to learn more about project approach, this is it. I love this book.

This is an excellent book about reaching very young children by teaching what one loves.

It is only natural that the Beatle reference and title would draw the attention of many. Including the Beatles in the curriculum is a wonderful way of sharing culture; it is a form of cultural enrichment.

I know someone in the Midwest who teaches preschool students and has included a unit on the Beatles. Some of the Beatle themed projects have been to make a Yellow Submarine bulletin board; point out which pupils have Beatle haircuts; having the children identify each Beatle and learning Beatle songs. As a major Beatle fan, it is only natural that I would love this and delight in seeing Beatles 101 included in the curriculum.

I am a early childhood major so I decided to read this book to come up with new ideas on how to make teaching interesting to young students. Ben Mardell does a great job in writing this book and letting us experience the type of curriculum he, along with his students, discovered. Before reading this book, I was not sure on how to go about teaching young children lessons in life that will stick with them for a long time. I was also afraid seeming boring to them and not getting their attention. Mardell showed me that by incorporating in my curriculum the subjects that I love and the things they love at that age, the school year will benefit them not only at school, but at home. He also has them doing activities that relate to that part of the subject. He not only has them reading and listening, he has them role-playing, singing, dancing, and doing project both in school and on fieldtrips. He seems not only to be their teacher but most importantly, their friend.

I am a early childhood major so I decided to read this book to come up with new ideas on how to make teaching interesting to young students. Ben Mardell does a great job in writing this book and letting us experience the type of curriculum he, along with his students, discovered. Before reading this book, I was not sure on how to go about teaching young children lessons in life that will stick with them for a long time. I was also afraid seeming boring to them and not getting their attention. Mardell showed me that by incorporating in my curriculum the subjects that I love and the things they love at that age, the school year will benefit them not only at school, but at home. He also has them doing activities that relate to that part of the subject. He not only has them reading and listening, he has them role-playing, singing, dancing, and doing project both in school and on fieldtrips. He seems not only to be their teacher but most importantly, their friend.

Though this book is about creating meaningful pre-school curricula, readers should not think its creativity and thoughtfulness is limited to classroom prescriptions. It's a carefully crafted philosophy on how children learn and interact with each other and adults. I often think about the chapter on teaching kids about the Beatles, or about preparing kids for group activity as I interact with my child outside of a daycare setting. I gave copies of this book to my child's daycare center, and will evaluate future early childhood education efforts against the standard set by Mardell.

If you like sports from a spectator or participant viewpoint, chances are you will like this book. You will love the book if you have ever coached, are Irish, play or listen to Celtic music or simply have a great sense of humor. The book is well-written, a quick and delightful journey into an idividual's dream that is lived out in a real-life way. I visited Ireland for the first time shortly after reading the book. The accounts are accurate and added an additional dimension to my visit.

As an aspiring writer and former hoops coach, I was very interested in reading this book after getting re-acquainted with Coach Rus (we first met at Don Haskins' summer camp in 1989) at a local book signing. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. There were many times when I would find myself laughing out loud at his witty observations about the basketball-challenged Irish culture or his players' quirks. Coach Rus' story transcends the sport of basketball, but will entertain the best hoops junkie. His journeys to the Irish pubs and eventual fiddling sessions made me want to book a tour of Ireland. And true to any hero's journey, Coach Rus gets rewarded for his perserverance.

He's not Ernie Hemingway, but if you have a great story to tell, it doesn't matter. And he has a terrific story to tell.

A good read for those who like basketball. Music gets less attention, but the music teachers are interesting.

Rus Bradburd's "Paddy on the Hardwood: A Journey in Irish Hoops" is a highly enjoyable book on many levels. Bradburd's story revolves around his love for basketball and traditional Irish music. In Ireland, not everyone (in fact, almost no one!) shares his passion for basketball; Bradburd's struggle for respect for his team, and his sport, are part of the journey. In contrast, Bradburd's efforts to learn and to master traditional Irish music is a challenge which arises within himself, and the best part of the journey may be his success in dealing with that challenge. This is a book which transcends its subject matter, one which you can (and will) appreciate whether or not you know (or care) anything at all about basketball or Irish fiddles. It's a well-crafted and well-written book, and a great read. Highly recommended!

Remember that? This is a must read/item for those that have lived the history. If you've been part of the ride, then you know the story. But Jerry Reynolds has filled in the blanks with information that you could only get from... well, from Jerry Reynolds: The front office background on the Terry Tyler and Derek Smith trades; Bobby Hurley's potential and toughness; the head coach candidates; actual Bill Russell conversations (apparently he could talk... and laugh). What? We could have "stole" Detlef Schrempf!?!? The book even helped explain my "unique" encounter with Jawann Oldham on the day he was cut loose by the Kings.

Aside from all the great Kings gems that have been unearthed, there is some foreground on Jerry himself as well as documentation of his "rise" up the organization. Like everyone else, I would have liked for the book to be longer--182 pages for 20 years is just not enough. Oh well, Reynolds Remembers is a great and easy read, but to the Kings fan, it's truly great literature--the man did minor in English after all.

The details within "Reynolds Remembers" paint a vivid and entertaining picture of what life was like for a struggling and then reborn NBA franchise. It was filled with anecdotes and humorous observations of true events. I enjoyed it very much.

Although, I wish there had been more than a single page describing Jerry's "the Carly Simon period." Maybe we'll hear more in a sequel.

Jerry Reynolds and Don Drysdale's Reynolds Remembers: 25 Years With The Sacramento Kings is for any interested in the evolution of a shortstring operation which couldn't compete to a model NBA franchise. The Kings are celebrating their 20th season in Sacramento, California - and Jerry Reynolds was part of them before their rise to fame. His memoir celebrates their growth and provides a powerful leader's first-person experiences.

I have been a Kings fan my whole life and I truly enjoyed reliving the past 20 years with Reynolds. It is amazing on how fast we forget the early teams and players and how soon we get used to 50 win seasons. Reynolds uses the same humor and great one-liners in the book that he uses in his telecasts. I just wish the book contained more personal stories and memories and I can only hope that a sequel is in the works. Here's to another great 20 years of Reynolds and to another book.

A riveting read. I could not put this book down. A truly must read for all Sacramento Kings fans. A book any real NBA fan should enjoy. Being able to learn some of the inner thoughts of a real NBA insider is rare.

If only there had been more amusing stories and anecdotes Reynolds is so well known for. These reflecting the personalities of NBA players few of us fans ever see. Maybe this will be in Reynolds next book "Reynolds Remembers More" ?? We can only hope!!

Excellent prose! Witty, thrilling, fast, non-fiction?! I like Patton's style, it's like your at the parties, at the meetings, in the story. A must reading for our current Portland Plunder!

This is the third novel by Patton that I have read and it hits the mark! Patton's blend of professional athletes, media, law, hero worship, and dysfunctional, irresponsible human behavior produce a truely unique and exciting tale. Patton has smoothly transitioned from sportswriter to crime novelist. I can't wait to see what he has up his sleeve for the next one.

-KC

The Shake is a wonderful read. I loved the behind-the-scenes sports stuff. I read it in two sittings last week and I'm still smiling and shaking my head over some of his characters. Some were so despicable, I hope Patton follows them in future books.

It was a good book that I had trouble putting down. I enjoyed the DA trying to wrestle with what was legal and what was right. The ending is not altogether expected. Take the time to read it; it's worth your time.

This book reveals the real world of professional basketball, the seamy side that the NBA's publicists and all the players' agents hope you never find out about. Patton really got under the skin here. Plus, as a crime mystery, this book is a real page-turner.

I couldnt put this book down, even when my girlfriend was on fire. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys beautiful poetry and stories about courage and devotion.

I couldnt put this book down, even when my girlfriend was on fire. I recommmend this book to anyone who enjoys beautiful poetry and a great story about courage and devotion.

I was a close friend of Ronnell's and Mark Craver wrote an excellent book, which chronicles every high, and low that students are faced with. However, Ronnell had some lows that we never could have expected. I praise Mr. Craver for keeping Ronnell's memory alive and allowing us to experience his memories of such a wonderful young man.

As I high school basketball coach and fan in general, I really loved this book. The writer, a high school english teacher, clearly describes how his attachment to his school's team has been one of the greatest joys and loves of his life. I love the line where he says that because of his attachment to the kids and the basketball program, being a high school english teacher has always and will always be enough for him. Highly recommended for anyone, sports fan and non sports fans alike.

My English teacher read this book to our class while we read Homer's Odyssey to contrast the modern epic to the classic epic. I must say that Craver's epic is much more gripping than that of Homer and provides a fantastic story for any sports or literature lover. It managed to capture my attention just after hearing the first few sentences. The cover doesn't do this book justice either, so don't judge the content of the story by it. Also, for me, the story takes place right in the Northern Virginia/Fairfax area so I know exactly the schools that Craver is talking about. Highly recommended.