Basketball Books

"The Story of the NBA's Rising Young Star Kobe Bryant" great for Lakers' fans. If you like basketball you will like this nonfiction book. Joseph Layden .I thought that the book was very easy to read and young children could read it by themselves. In my mind he is the best player ever. It the best book I ever read. I like the book, because I like to play basketball too.
In the beginning of the book it talks about his father and mother how they met each other. The book talked a bit about his family and also where he attend at school. I like the book, because you can image in your mind what it is talking about, and you can learn a little bit of vocabulary.
The setting of the book is in Philadelphia and also in Los Angeles. The author wrote the book very well, because it gives a lot of important information, it the best book I ever read. I like the book, because I like to play basketball too. I want to read more byJoseph Laden.
I want to recommend to book to people that like the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant and who like to play basketball. The book makes you think that you could be a great basketball player like Kobe, if you keep on practicing. I would recommend this book to grade school and also high school students.

I chose the book, Kobe, because I love basketball, and I was interested in knowing more about the life of Kobe Bryant. I was surprised to learn about Kobe's upbringing and background because it was totally different than what I had expected.

I liked this book because it tells all about Kobe Bryant's love for basketball, and his determination and drive to improve his skills. Kobe's basketball career begins when his family moves back to his hometown in America. The book also contains a lot of really cool pictures.

Learn about how this young star athlete developed into an all star basketball player. Joe Layden does a terrific job in revealing what makes Kobe a superstar. I recommend this book to anyone interested in basketball. It is very inspirational!

I chose the book, Kobe, because I was interested in knowing more about the life of Kobe Bryant. I was surprised to learn about Kobe's upbringing and background because it was totally different than what I had expected.

I liked this book because it tells all about Kobe Bryant's love for basketball, and his determination and drive to improve his skills. Kobe's basketball career begins when his family moves back to his hometown in America. The book also contains a lot of really cool pictures.

Learn about how this young star athlete developed into an all star basketball player. Joe Layden does a terrific job in revealing what makes Kobe a superstar. I recommend this book to anyone interested in basketball. It is very inspirational!

i don't care if you like this review or not, but kobe should realize now what he had w/ shaq: the best player in the game, and now that it's his team they are not even going to make the playoffs- and kobe cares too much what the media says about him- blaming everyone else and telling on shaq and his "hush money" and karl malone "harassing" his wife- shut up kobe and just play your selfish game

The book Kobe is one of my all time favorites. It talks about the life of Kobe Bryant. Kobe is my all time favorite basketball player along with Michael Jordan. I see a lot in Kobe like in mj. This book talks about the life of the young rising star Kobe Bryant and how he got to where he is now. It is a great book.

a perfect book,about a controversial personality who has offered a lot to nba..The drawings at the end of the book of the triangle offence is all the money..

I read "Secred Hoops" and was really blown away. Jackson is a very enlightened writer, and it's fascinating to see how a zen approach to teamwork is really proven by reality and experience. I'm not much of a basketball fan, but now after reading "More Than a Game" I know a whole lot more about it's philosophy and strategy.

This book is basketball junkie paradise. As for me, whenever Charlie or Phil went into detail about the triangle, I had no idea what they were talking about. And hey, dig them squiggly-line charts in the back of the book!

But otherwise the book is a relaxed, informal "conversation" between two old, very good buddies, sharing their beautiful obsession. It was sweet to gradually become aware of and then vicariously revel in the deep bond the two guys have, all from their passionate love of hoops and its people.

Let the technicalities wash over you and enjoy.

More than a Game is one of those books that is entertaining and interesting, but only applies to a certain type of people. Coaches and basketball enthusiasts will enjoy this book, but you should pass if you don't particularly like the sport of basketball. Phil Jackson, former coach of the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls, gives insight into the strategic world of basketball, from the past to the present. Charlie Rosen, a former college player, coauthors the book. However, More than a Game is focused more on Phil Jackson. The book shows the background of two talented, intelligent basketball players from different regions-- Charlie from the city, and Phil from the country. They mesh perfectly as a dynamic duo. This book also gives insight to the formation of the Triangle offense, something that has perplexed the basketball audience for years. This is a great read for anyone who followed the Chicago Bulls and/or Los Angeles Lakers championship years. The glossary and play diagrams at the end of the book are helpful and descriptive. A minor basketball fan could understand the book, but only a coach or basketball intellectual could truly enjoy it. More than a Game is a good book if you enjoy basketball and admire the genius of Phil Jackson, but like I said, it's not for everyone.

I really enjoyed this book,it goes into Phils career as a player, both in college and the NBA, then it talks about his coaching days in the CBA and in the NBA with the Nets, Bulls, and Lakers. The last part of the book is my favorite it talks about his first season with the Lakers, the problems they had learning the triangle, and the conflicts between Kobe & Shaq. Charley also has a nice interview with Tex in one of the chapters. The book goes more into Phils time with the Lakers than the Bulls, but all basketball fans should enjoy this book. You also get a good idea of what kind of person Phil is.

Salt In His Shoes

The book Salt In His Shoes about Michael Jordan is about his pursuit of a dream. His dream was to become a star. And, this book is how he became determined to accomplish his dream.

You should read this book because it tells you to follow your dreams. You can succeed anything if you believe. It shows that even the best had to start from the bottom and work their way up.

Salt In His Shoes is an inspiring book. Whatever shape or size you are, you are capable of full filling your dreams. This book is hard to put down and fun for the whole.

I brought this book into my junior high classroom and had it available for free-reading time. The students had me read it with them, and then would read it with partners during the reading time because it was so popular. I would recommend this for any teacher who is trying to get their students to start really enjoying reading up through the 8th grade. I was able to my students reading even more books and magazines on athletes and sports once they read this book.

Michael blows the game for his brothers one afternoon. When he gets home he is really mad and wants to get taller so his mom uses a family tradition of getting taller, his mom puts salt in his shoes that night. Does the "get tall fast"tradition work?Read Salt in his Shoes to find out.

Michael Jordan has made many leaps and bounds in his career. He's gone from a huge basketball player to a successful baseball player. "Salt in his Shoes" is a great book because it explains how Michael never gave up. The lesson is great and the illustrations are amazing.
In the book, Michael never gave up, and he was determined. This helped him win the game. He also believed in himself. Even though he wasn't that tall, his passion for the game meant more. Michael has also been very successful. He was on a famous basketball and baseball team.
We think this story is wonderful because it teaches a great lesson, to never give up. Also, to believe in yourself. It shows that if you keep trying, you can become anything you want. Also, the pictures are vivid and colorful.

It was about a boy named micheal almost gave up his dream of playing basketball.because he thouth he was to short to play. his mother told him if you put salt in your shoes he would get
taller than he TO PRAY every day. he did not go back to the park for

This book has a great deal of information about John Wooden, UCLA basketball, and many of the people who were involved with Coach Wooden during the "Wooden Era". However, this book is also FULL of typographical errors, grammar problems, and such. While it does not severly impact the content, it is frustrating and irritating for such a product that has so much potential.

Basketball fan or not, this is a good read. Even better if you are. John Wooden's Pyramid is a pattern for successful living with tools that provide the means & inspiration to guide you to a more worthwhile and fulfilling life. Teamwork is the foundation for success in any team effort, on or off the court. This would be a great gift for teenagers invloved in sports. Coach Wooden's teams proved you don't have to be a "glory hound" to gain recognition.

I am a licensed psychotherapist practicing in San Francisco for the past twenty years. I am always looking for books that give people a healthy and motivational structure for living life.
John Wooden's Pyramid of Success is one of those books that I recommend to my clients. This book was recommended to me and although I did not know much about John Wooden, I was very inspired by his life and his work. His ability to educate, and help others build character, gain wisdom and expand their capacity to live a life of integrity, service and love is remarkable.
Most people come into therapy because there is some area of their life that they are dissatisfied with. Therapy is about bringing into consciousness deeper emotional truths that can keep us from achieving a truly satisfying and meaningful life.
The Pyramid clearly defines the actions we are taking and the decisions we are making when we are living life to the fullest. John Wooden is an important role model and teacher for us all. This book is an excellent resource for living on purpose and for reaching the upper limits of what is available to us all in life.

This is by far the most comprehensive book on Wooden yet. About half the book is interviews with former Wooden players, with Wooden's family, his friends, and even his former teachers. These interviews prove Wooden truly walks what he talks. The biography section is as in-depth as anything I've seen on Wooden and the amount of new information revealed is daunting. If you are a Wooden fan, or want to learn more about the former UCLA coach, this is the book for you.

I think Mr. Willingham is reviewing the first edition of this book. I have seen a copy of that and there are many typos in that edition. I should know as I am a professional proofreader. But I have a copy of the second edition, the one that has the cover shown on this page, and I have found very, very few typos, and most of those small grammar things that you might find in any book. Considering this book is well over 400 pages I think it is presented very well. I do agree with Mr. Willingham that this book gives a lot of new information about the people around Coach during the Wooden Era. All in all, I find it an excellent read and a must for any Wooden follower.

This book is a very interesting one. The book describes how a young basketball star goes through his career from 8th grade to senior year in high school. The book shows Lebron's stuggles and accomplishments. It explains major deals with shoe companies. The book gives highlights from his most hyped high school games. The book shows all aspects of how Lebron made everyone believe the hype. Overall it was a good book and it is for anyone who loves reading about sports and athletes accomplishments.

Ryan Jones is a great basketball writer. In King James: The LeBron James Story he does a great job of trying to show the reader how amazingly good LeBron James is at basketball. Coach Bob Gibbons said about LeBron's performance in the Olympic trials, "I don't want to blow too much smoke and distort the kid's thinking, but I saw Kobe Bryant in tenth and eleventh grades, and I think this kid is more advanced than Kobe was." Like LeBron, Kobe Bryant was drafted out of high school and has led the Los Angeles Lakers to multiple NBA Championships.
Ryan Jones is editor-in-chief at SLAM, the monthly basketball magazine that combined the sport with hip hop culture at a time when the genre was becoming increasingly popular. The magazine carries advertising for basketball-related products, street-wear clothing and hip hop music, and it has been credited with helping to market hip hop culture and basketball as one. It is only fitting that Ryan Jones wrote his first national magazine feature on LeBron James. He thoroughly explains LeBron's involvement with SLAM magazine throughout the book. He lives in New York with his wife and son.
Although Jones seems a bit repetitive at times, his knowledge of basketball and great style shines though and creates an easy to read biography. In Chaper Four, he talks about the potential LeBron possessed in football as well as basketball: even though "there wasn't much national buzz on LeBron the football player, area football coaches knew better." Jones even compares him to the New England Patriots Pro-Bowl wideout, Randy Moss. While he mainly focuses on LeBron's basketball ability, his information about LeBron's high school football career is refreshing.
With all the hype about LeBron and his constant coverage on ESPN, this book reveals the truth about LeBron and his journey from moving in with his friend's family to his 90 million dollar sneaker deal with Nike. While the vocabulary can be a bit easy at times, the book a joy to read, especially if you are a total sports nut like myself. A stong strength of Jones is to tell the complete story of every little event in Lebron's life. His very descriptive writing explains aspects of basketball that makes this book a good pick for sports lovers and non sports lovers alike. I give this book an eight out of ten and recommend it highly.

This was quite an enjoyable read. I was fascinated by the rise and rise of this basketball prodigy due to all the hype surrounding him. There is no doubt that Lebron James is one hell of a talent after seeing many of his highlight plays on T.V, and on the net. This book details his performances in school for ST Vincent-ST Mary and other events, the frenzied interest from fans and media wanting to see him perform, sport commentators and coaches raving about him being the best thing in the sport of basketball, hummergate, speculation about his future career plans, and the fight for his feet between Adidas and Nike in which the latter won because the former could not offer huge amounts of money in the bidding war with its major rival. Great stuff.

King James: Believe the Hype, The LeBron James Story by Ryan Jones was a great book
to read it tells you about LeBron James early life and about his high school games and
when he goes into the NBA . He was born in Akron, Ohio on December 30, 1984.
He was mostly raised by his mother, LeBron went to school at St. Vincent-St. Mary
High School . He was the starting point guard . James averaged 18.2 points and 6
rebounds per game.Lebron James was also a star football player in addition to
basketball, LeBron was also First-Team All-Stateas a wide receiver for his high school
team. But, he didn't want to get hurt so he quit football and concentrated on playing
Basketball . In his junior year, he appeared on the cover of SLAM Magazine which
show everybody in the world who he was.In the NBA LeBron join the Cleveland
Cavaliers they made many changes to there lineup , adding Larry Hughes ,
Damon Jones and Donyell Marshall and many more . Now LeBrons James is Standing at
6 feet,8 inches and is 21 years old. That some information about what the book tells you
about. This was a great book and if you love basketball you should get this book.

This was a AWESOME book. It really looks into the real life of LEBRON JAMES and shows you his trip into stardom. This book is great if you like watching basketball careers grow because is probably the most popular young basketball players in the world today and this book did a really good job of showing how LEBRON is always improving his game. I have read a ton of sports autiobiographies and this one was probably the most inspiring because it took an indept look at the personal and also basketball part of LEBRON JAMES life.

Danny Walker returns this time with even more baggage and more adventures. The majority of the book takes place at Josh Cameron's Right Way camp. The usual gang is back with Ty Ross, Will Stoddard, and yes even Tess. A few more characters come into this book as well and you will be excited to read it. This book will have you turning pages through and through until the very exciting end. Any sports loving kid will love this book and you know what those ones who don't like sports will love it too.

As a middle school literacy teacher, I am always looking for books my students will want to read. Mike Lupica's never disappoint. My boys, in particular, love them, and I am impressed with the way Lupica deals with the dilemmas his characters face. This is another great story.

Have you ever been too small for something and had someone not pick you, let you go on a ride, etc. This is what Danny Walker deals with all the time with basketball. This book is called Summer Ball by Mike Lupica.

After being cut from his 8th grade basketball team because he was to small Danny makes his own team, which ends up winning the National Championship. He now is going to a basketball camp called Right Way. This camp is run by Josh Cameron and made up of the best ballers in the U.S.A. There is only one problem Danny is really short for his age. Don't get me wrong he is the best passer and dribbler you have ever seen, but he will be playing guys who are 6 foot 4 inches. When he gets to camp he is accidentally put in the 11 and 12-year-old dorm. But he also meets a kid named Zach who is also very much like Danny in many was. His coach is extra hard on Danny and very strict. This book has a great ending and, is the sequel of Travel Team. This book fits under the fiction genre. I would recommend this book to any middle school student. This book has a great ending, and it is extremely influential.

Hey! I'm a 15 year old guy that loves sports and plays them with passion. This book, Summer Ball, brings back loads of memories from sports camps that I've attended, especially those competitive ones.

In this book, the main character is again Danny Walker just like it was in Mike Lupica's other basketball book, Travel Team. This book highlights many things that a teenage boy would definitely want to do. That includes sneaking out to meet girls, playing sports, and hanging with friends.

This book almost comes to life as the characters seem like real people -- kids that you would want to hang out with. That is how good of a job Mike Lupica did on this book.

In this story, Danny Walker is a 5'3 mini-baller, but Coach Ed Powers from the competitive "Right Way" basketball camp doesn't think he has what it takes to be a top-notch baller. Coach Powers thinks Danny is one of those small, scrawny fast kids that should play soccer. This book incorporates lots of emotions that teens have to deal with when they are put down or put into a position of making a team. Danny's attitude is great in this story, and it helps him to become a key player of his camp Celtics team. It is a great lesson learned and it shows that a teenage boy that is very determined can definitely get the job done.

Therefore, if you like sports and you liked the book Travel Team, and then this Mike Lupica book is for you! When you pick it up, be sure to follow each and every drive to the dish with Danny and friends for a SLAM DUNK of good reading!!!

The beginning made me unsure but once he got to camp (or met Tarik) I knew it would be good. I was worried that Danny would walk over everyone, but between Rasheed (at first) Lamar ( He doesn't deserve to be Named after Lamar Odom) and Coach "My Way" Powers I had plenty of people to hate (Teddy was absent because Richie told the mafia to get him). Powers was tied with Lamar and Teddy for biggest jerk in history, his quotes, (after Danny wins the game by using his own play) "You used your own play didn't you? No more secrets Mr. walker. Are you ever going to learn?" (after Danny asks to be traded to another team) " Mr. Walker let me give you to think about. Soccer. It's full of fast little guys like you." He destroys anyone with creativity and run an run mindedness (If he coached the Phoenix Suns Nash, Barbosa, Marion and Amare would be chewed out nightly and get 5 minutes of play each)

THE AUTHOR OF THIS BOOK HAS NO EXPERIENCE COVERING SPORTS. IN HER FIRST ATTEMPT I THINK SHE DOES A VERY GOOD JOB DESCRIBING THE CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON OF THE 2000 LAKERS. THE DETAILED RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE PLAYERS IS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THIS BOOK. NOT ONLY KOBE AND SHAQ BUT ALL THE OTHER PLAYERS ARE OF INTEREST IN THIS STORY. FROM ROBERY HORRY TO RICK FOX TO PHIL JACKSON, YOU FIND OUT SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT EACH ONE OF THEM. BUT THE MAIN STORY IS THE COMING OF AGE OF KOBE FROM A BALL HOG TO A COMPLETE PLAYMAKER AND PASSER. I RECOMMEND THIS FOR ALL BASKETBALL FANS.

I don't care if anybody rates this review as helpful, because all I want to convey about this book is the lack of understanding the author posesses. I have read Phil Jackson's new book, Shaq's latest, and several others about the lakers, but this book basically says that Shaq is a big baby who needs to grow up, and Kobe doesn't care about the media--he doesn't care about reputation. Wrong, and wayyyyyy wrong. Kobe makes me sick because of all the publicity stunts he does, and all the attempts he makes at getting the fan's love back. Shaq has matured in his 13 seasons, and Elizabeth Kaye seems like she just wants to meet Kobe in some colorado resort. A good read if you want to see how dense an unexperienced author can be.

Ain't No Tomorrow offers a unique perspective on the 2000-2001 World Champion L.A.Lakers in that Ms. Kaye is an outsider with very little - if any - previous basketball experience. She develops close relationships with many of the players, coaches, and members of the travelling media. The best aspect of this book is it's commentary on the individual relationships between the players and coaches. From a basketball standpoint, however, it is found wanting. Kaye's basketball terms and descriptions leave much to be desired as she continually uses improper terms and awkward phrases that detract from the flow of the book. A good read for a die-hard Laker fan - but if you're only going to read one Laker book - I'd pick a different one. Lyle Spencer's perhaps.

this Book takes on the inside on what got the Lakers to there Championship Level.SHAQ&KOBE are Unstoppable Period as a Duo.this Team really is something else because they have done what no other Teams that have had Championship Runs have done&that is Turn it On&Off whenever they feel like it.in the Words of Blake Carrington this is a Dynasty.and Phil Jackson has Spreaded the Zen&Brought this Team together as One.Mad Props to SHAQ You are The Baddest,Kobe 5 Years from now who is gonna stop you? Rick Fox,D-Fish,Brian Shaw Robert (Big Bucket)Horry&the whole Crew. time for Number 3.then another Chapter continues next Year&so On.

This is a good book for part-time Laker fans. They get to learn a lot about locker room stories.
But if you're someone who regularly follow the Lakers'exploits during the season, on the internet or otherwise, you're not getting any wiser by reading this book. The author was just repeating articles form the LA Times, OCR and other sources. Reading passages in the book you get the feeling that you've already read that somewhere else.
This ain't a David Halberstram book.

I had never coached before and was placed in the position of coaching my son's first grade basketball team at a local league. I was nervous not knowing what to do about coaching, not having ever taught or coached 5 or 6 year old boys. The book was extremely helpful in breaking down the fundamentals of basketball and helping with drills and basic concepts of basketball. Although we have only had about 5 practices so far, it's gone very smoothly because of the tips in this book. I highly recommend getting it to help set a basic foundation for new parent coaches who have no clue on what to do.

The only area that may need help is what to teach kids regarding basic offensive strategy. But that will develop with age.

I was asked to coach my son's basketball team and I didn't know much about basketball. This book got me quickly started with the key fundamentals.

Covers basketball fundamentals and team coaching. Many great drills. Best suited for the younger teams - but a wonderful starting place for coaching youth basketball.

It was my first time coaching basketball. I coached 1st graders. I coached because nobody else volunteered to do it. With that in mind this book was perfect. It has all the basics you need to understand the game and it provides planned practices according to players age.
If you are ever in my situation with little knowledge of the game and forced to coach a kids team, I highly recommend this book.

I bought 4 basketball coaching books for my husband when he signed up to coach our son's Kindergarten basketball team. He has never coached basketball before. This is the only book he wanted to keep. He uses it to come up with basic drills and general coaching tips. It's good. If you buy only one, I'd recommend this one.

To many fans of college basketball, the ACC can be defined most seasons by what happens within the confines of the state of North Carolina. With four teams growing up within 50 miles of each other, and each one featuring a host of truly unique and competitive individuals as their coaches, the North Carolina teams have continually dominated the scene in college basketball for the past 50 years.

The book follows the story of Duke, North Carolina, NC State, and Wake Forest from their days in the Southern Conference to the formation of the ACC, right up until today. Each era is defined by the men who coached and played for each of these teams throughout the years. The book provides an excellent history lesson on what has become the center of power in the most competitive conference in college basketball.

I have been a fan of ACC basketball for the last ten years and this book helped me to learn the history of the most storied teams within the league. If you are a fan of NCAA basketball, this is an excellent book and should be highly recommended.

Four Corners is a thorough history of basketball in North Carolina--a very interesting subject for basketball fans everywhere (it is home to more dominant programs than any other state in the country)--but unfortunately Menzer's book is like the four corners defense in that it really slows things down. He is not a particularly good writer and his anecdotes often fall flat because he does a poor job of explaining the story. Another problem is that he relies on very few sources, so his book is terribly biased and its stories are limited. For instance, Menzer relies on Billy Packer to essentially tell Wake Forest's story. While Packer is amusing, he is arrogant and is only one person so Wake's history is not three dimensional at all and really doesn't seem particularly interesting. Despite these flaws, which would prevent me from recommending this book to anyone who doesn't love college basketball and particularly the Carolina schools, this book is a good companion for a fan and will give them some interesting historical context that will allow them to appreciate their team that much more. Also, it will provide some nice trivia for those who like to bring up obscure facts during arguments about who is the best player, team, coach, etc. in the history of these programs.

Borrowed this from the library and brought it back late because I read it twice. I am planning to get it again and read it again. I have grown up with ACC basketball, but I never had the whole historical context laid out for me. This book does that. It is well written (thank you, but I understand "Duke continued their run" just fine) informative, chatty, and obviously written by someone who loves, lives, and breathes his subject matter.

Four Corners by Joe Menzer is an outstanding review of the modern era of college basketball in North Carolina. It is a must-read for the Carolina hoops fan and a good selection for any college basketball aficionado.

The wit and insight of Four Corners puts Menzer on a path trod by the likes of Frank DeFord and other greats of sports journalism. His style is well-structured and clean, without dips into slang and minutia that too often mar sports writing.

Four Corners is definitely Five Stars. Joe Menzer wins this year's "Sixth Man Award" for North Carolina college basketball.

I have started my summer reading and so thoroughly enjoyed Menzer's Four Corners. I played womens's basketball and have always enjoyed the game. I never really understood the ACC rivalry. Thanks to Menzer's book, I do now. I so enjoyed this. A must read!

hang Time is a biography on Michael Jordans life and how he got the place in his life today. The author of the book was Al Green and he got the privalge to meet Michael him self, listen to his stories and write the book on his life.

The book explains Micheal's deepest secrets and his hartship. I enjoyed this book because Micheal Jordan is my favorite basketball player and I can look up to him, plus basketball is my favorite sport and I enjoy reading about it. I would defenetly reccomend this book to my freinds because all of my friends like basketball.

A lot of people have written here attacking MJ...if you don't want to buy the book then don't buy it! This section is for critizing the BOOK, NOT MICHAEL! Besides, MJ, great as he is is also a human being who is not perfect but did his job well. How many players can you find in the NBA who has a lot of potential but never lived up to it because of drugs, women, etc.? Although no one will waste their time writing a book about you, if someone will, whose story and character will the readers' prefer? Yours or Michael's?

I am writing this review in response to "A reader from usa"'s very biased view of Michael Jordan.

The author Bob Greene writes this book in the perspective of a story teller instead of just vague praise of Jordan. You read this book you'll get the whole story of who Jordan is instead of how many points he can score.

"Michael Jordan got all kinds of special treatment while he was in the NBA...bogus calls" To that bias comment, Bob Costas of the NBA on NBC commentator said it best, "when you're a great player, you deserve the benefit of the doubt", he said that in response to Kareem Abdul Jubbar's critical free throw that won the championship when Bill Lambier made just a little bit of contact that doesn't warrant a foul call. The laker then went on to win the series & championship.

"Magic told Larry not to stand too close to Michael or they might call a foul. In front of reporters and television viewer..." That's a lighthearted moment when Bird, Magic & Jordan are taking a picture for the DreamTeam, and Magic Johnson meant for it to be a joke, and I think that you interpreted wrong. I'm sure as a great player, Bird & Magic get away with lots of foul too when Jordan response to Magic's Joke, "when are you ever foul out of a game, how can you talk?".

For all that think that Jordan don't deserve that much free throw, go get the tapes of jordan's game & play it in slow motion. You will see that he's simply unstoppable, most of the time people either get out of the way or have to bear-hugged him in order to stop him from scoring.

As for the Reggie Miller & Michael Jordan fight, because Reggie Miller started the fight, and I think there's a rule in NBA that punish the player instigated a fight with more harsh punishment.

"I am not too impressed that the bulls beat the lakers in the NBA finals... Bill Wennington stopping Kareem? Ha!" Well, like it or not, the Bulls are a great team with Jordan, when you're a winner you are a winner, it doesn't matter your opponents are injure or healthy. Even with all healthy lakers, there just isn't anyway to stop Jordan, the bulls would win anyway. You should compare the teams by overall strength & weakness. Even though the Bulls has so-so center, and the lakers have great center in Kareem, that doesn't mean the lakers can beat the Bulls. Jordan & Pippen's talent alone are far more superior than many of the lakers combined. Michael Jordan never has as much talented teammates as Magic and Bird has. Bird practically has a whole teams of hall of famers, Magic has Worthy, Jubbar, Scott,etc. In a sense, Jordan works much harder for his rings than either of these two great players.

"One of the moments picked was Mike beating the Jazz in the final minutes of his last game... obvious call", like it or not, Mike deserves to win that championship. Tell me who else could have done what he's done in that game, carrying his team throughout 48 minutes in his age, make all the right plays and makes no mistakes when the game's on the line. Before this last shot, whatever the bulls need, he gives, no matter how tired he is, he's the guy that gives his all. At the waning moment, he puts in a quick layup over several Jazz players, then he stole the ball from Karl Malone so he would have a chance to win the game by one point. And he made the shot. Whatever the Referee does, it's Referee's job, not Mike's fault.

I don't think Michael ever said Larry & Magic not good on defense. Personally, I think Magic & Larry is not as good a defensive player as Jordan is. Jordan has been defensive player of the year while leading the league in scoring too. (In the same year, he has very good steal & shot blocking stat). Larry & magic are never as quick as Jordan when he want to steals the ball. As for Shaq, he's no doubt a really dominate player with lots of skills, it's obvious he will never be as good as even Wilt Chamberlain. No other players can be as focus & mentally tough as Michael Jordan.

"Mike's corporate poster boy behavior is laughable...", we all know that superstars make commercials, as way of earning a living. Just like everybody else, that doesn't mean Mike has to be any different. Lately, he has been more selective in what commercial he does. Michael did use his influence to do charity commercial like the Anti-Drug ad & Aids awareness for Magic Johnson. Nike's labor practices are Nike's problem, people should not blame the stars that make the commercial, instead do something more usefull like pressuring Nike to change his practice.

"Players like Mike & Barkley soured me on the NBA..." That's most outrageous comment I read so far in Amazon's generally good review on books. It's player like Mike that allows people to dream, brings basketball to new height & make basketball popular globally. It's sad that we will never have someone as great an athlete ever again. Barkley is a great player that really deserve to wear a ring, he's just unlucky player that never get as great teammates magic & bird has, and he's in the same era that known as the Bulls dynasty, like many other hardworking great players, they just simply can not do anything about Mike & the bulls.

People should find something better to do than attacking Jordan for no apparent reason, when they expects Michael Jordan to be perfect yet he wants to find every little things to attack him however naive & laughable they are.

Wow, this seems like so long ago. Just thinking about where each man (Jordan and Greene) have gone since makes my head spin. This is the story of the greatest player during one of his greatest periods in basketball.
Greene is not a sports writer and perhaps that helps make this book even better. He does appreciate sports. He certainly appreciates Michael Jordan, especially after getting to know him, while working on this book.
Michael is not perfect and this book reveals that, but does not concentrate on that for sensationalism. The book relies on facts (or at least facts as seen by Greene).
Greene is a wonderful writer and Jordan a magnificent player. Their union for this book comes off smoothly. Perhaps each developed enough respect for the skills of the other that something special occurred. Whatever the case, this book is special.
Even 10 plus years later, after everything that has happened to both men, it still comes off as an enjoyable, insightful book.

It took a tragedy for their paths to cross, but once it did, something changed in both men. Bob Greene is an excellent writer, published author, and a syndicated columnist. He covered a tragic story about a young boy in Chicago named Cornelius Abraham. Someone in the Bulls' management read the story, contacted Mr. Greene, and sent a few tickets to an upcoming basketball game. Along with something to make the child's day even more memorable: A personal meeting before the game with Michael Jordan. But what Mr. Greene didn't know was that Michael Jordan would make the day as memorable as his legendary performances on the hardwood.

During the game, young Cornelius sat next to Mr. Jordan on the bench. When the game was over, Bob Greene went into the locker room to personally thank Michael Jordan for his kind gesture. Mr. Jordan appeared surprised that someone would actually thank him. He invited Mr. Greene, who was not a sportswriter, to attend future games. The allure was addicting, and Mr. Greene became a regular in the press area at Chicago Stadium.

This story is compelling, honest, candid, and without any pretenses. It demonstrates an unlikely, but thoroughly understandable, friendship that developed between two men from very different worlds. Bob Greene paints a picture of Michael Jordan that clearly defines the inner man, and not the icon that the public sees during 48 minutes on the basketball court. Or during countless television appearances.

Mr. Greene chronicles two years in the life of Mr. Jordan. He describes the lack of privacy that permeates his life, along with how few of us can properly appreciate or understand what Mr. Jordan does on the court. But this story has more depth than merely describing basketball feats or mega celebrity status. There are many poignant tales in this beautifully written book that will surprise the reader. Michael Jordan is a man of integrity, honor, and vast compassion. It is a shame that it took a chance meeting by a non-sports writing journalist to tell us the true story.

I came away feeling that despite all of his fame, fortune, and incredible athletic prowess, Mr. Jordan never lost sight of his roots in small town North Carolina. Nor did his fame blind him to the plights and struggles of those much less fortunate then he. Whether it was taking a pair of his shoes to a dying young man who would never walk again, inviting a crippled young woman to a celebrity dinner as his personal guest, or meeting four young men in a dangerous Chicago neighborhood after every game, he never advertised these incredibly unselfish random acts of kindness. For me, that demonstrated his true character. Very few people, knowing they have the power to do so much good, ever take the time that Mr. Jordan did to impact so many lives.

For me, one story sums up the whole book and character of the protagonist. Mr. Jordan described in vivid detail how he felt after being cut by his high school basketball coach. It wasn't the detail that impressed me, nor the depth of his feelings about the incident. He never named the coach. Obviously, those who knew the full story could determine the name of the coach. But Mr. Jordan did not humiliate the man, when for most of us, the temptation would have been overwhelming. Especially if you were the best basketball player in the world.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.