Basketball Memoir

Diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder, a form of autism, as a toddler, Anthony Ianni wasn't expected to succeed in school or participate in sports, but he had other ideas. As a child, Ianni told anybody who would listen, including head coach Tom Izzo, that he would one day play for the Michigan State Spartans.

Unlike the stories of most visible division I college athletes, Amanda Ottaway’s story has more in common with those of the 80 percent of college athletes who are never seen on TV. The Rebounders follows the college career of an average NCAA Division I women’s basketball player in the 21st century. It begins with the recruiting process when Ottaway is an eager, naive teenager and ending when she’s a more contemplative 20-something alumna.

"A walk in the woods never lies," Dirk Dunbar says upfront in Confessions of a Basketball Junkie, and this autobiography by the pro athlete, humanities professor, musician, and sometime mystic demonstrates the point. In easygoing, familiar language that belies the depth of his knowledge, Dunbar here retraces the many paths of his life as a promising NBA star, a finely tuned philosopher, and a devoted friend and family man.

By 1977 the University of Evansville’s Purple Aces basketball team had won five small-college national championships. With a charismatic young coach and a freshman phenom, this small Indiana city hoped to see its team shine in the national spotlight. Then, on a foggy night, after just four games, the plane carrying the team and its coach crashed after takeoff, killing everyone on board.

In Game Face, King finally opens up about his life on and off the court. In his book, King's basketball IQ is on full display as he breaks down defenses using his own unique system for taking shots from predetermined spots on the floor. King talks about matching up against some of the all-time NBA greats, from Michael Jordan, Julius Erving, and Charles Barkley to Larry Bird, Patrick Ewing, and many others.

Linspired reveals the remarkable journey of the ultimate underdog, Jeremy Lin, superstar of the New York Knicks and the first American-born player of Chinese/Taiwanese descent to play in the NBA.

This audiobook is an uplifting story, based on the life of Worthy Patterson; one of the first black players in the NBA. Real life historical events are weaved into Worthy's upbringing, all the way through his final career position as an executive in the record music industry.

John B. McLendon was the last living protégé of basketball’s inventor Dr. James Naismith and one of the “top ten basketball coaches of the century” in Billy Packer’s opinion. McLendon’s amazing records in college and pro basketball earned him a spot in the Basketball Hall of Fame (the first Black coach to be inducted), and his coaching philosophy has had a huge influence on basketball coaches.

In Max Scherzer: The Inspiring Story of One of Baseball's All-Star Pitchers, you will learn the story of one of baseball's best pitchers, Max Scherzer. Max Scherzer has been one of the best pitchers since entering the pros in 2006. At the time of this writing, Scherzer has been selected as an All-Star eight times, won three Cy Young Awards, pitched two no-hitters, and notably won the World Series with the Washington Nationals in 2019. Scherzer has carved out quite the legacy for himself, and will go down as one of the best pitchers in modern history of the game.

An inspirational journey from a shattered dream to the Cincinnati Bearcats.

Kobe is one of the most well-loved and also most hated players in the game. Everything you need to know about basketball's greatest is in this book! Honor the memory of Kobe Bryant by learning about his amazing life! The tragic death of Kobe Bryant shocked the entire world. He was a household name, known and admired even by people who don't care much about basketball. Now is the perfect time to look back at his life and career. This book aims to provide a complete overview of Kobe Bryant's impressive career and the challenges that he had to overcome.

Porter Moser, one of the most inspiring and driven Division I basketball coaches today, offers a practical, motivating guide to help build character, transform failure into success, find purpose, and live an authentic life through energy and positivity. Porter Moser knows what it’s like to live and work with determination, passion, and grit. He also knows what it’s like to keep front and center the core values of faith, family, honesty, and integrity.

It’s hard enough coming out, but playing basketball for a nationally ranked school and trying to figure out your sexual identity in the closeted and paranoid world of big-time college sports - that’s a challenge. Kate Fagan’s love for basketball and for her religious teammates at the University of Colorado was tested by the gut-wrenching realization that she could no longer ignore the feelings of otherness inside her. In trying to blend in, Kate had created a hilariously incongruous world for herself in Boulder.

In Clyde Drexler: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Guards, you'll learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's greatest guards. Clyde Drexler, also known as "Clyde the Glide", was known for his graceful play on the court and his signature move, "the Glide". He played in the National Basketball Association for 15 years, 12 of which were with the Portland Trail Blazers, before spending the final season of his career with the Houston Rockets.

In The Jump, one of America's great sports writers follows high school phenom Sebastian Telfair on his quest for NBA stardom - and exposes all that big-time sports in America has become, the good and the bad. Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James - all became NBA superstars without playing a day of college ball. In 2004, Coney Island's 5-foot-11 Telfair became the first small player ever to jump straight from high school to the NBA when he signed contracts with the Portland Trail Blazers and Adidas worth $25 million.

In Khris Middleton: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball’s All-Star Shooting Guards, you'll learn the backstory of one of basketball's most underrated shooting guards, Khris Middleton. Khris was drafted by Detroit Pistons in the 2012 NBA draft before being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013. At the time of this writing, Khris is a two-time NBA all-star player and he played a large part in helping the Bucks win their first NBA title in 50 years. Many regarded Khris as the go-to closer in the 2021 NBA Finals.

In Steve Kerr: The Inspiring Life and Leadership Lessons of One of Basketball's Greatest Coaches, you will learn the story of one of basketball's premier coaches, Steve Kerr. Since joining the Warriors organization in the summer of 2014, Steve Kerr has catapulted the Golden State Warriors to become a perennial championship contender. He has demonstrated admirable leadership in his ability to create a sustainable system where players play like family and have fun.

You will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's greatest modern power forwards, Chris Bosh. Chris Bosh played a key role as a member of the Big Three that captured two NBA titles between 2010 and 2014. It was one of the most historic and dominant runs of a team as few could parallel the combined firepower of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. Before joining the Heat, Bosh had an illustrious career as a member of the Toronto Raptors.

In Bill Russell: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Legendary Centers, you will learn the incredible story of one of basketball's greatest players of all time, Bill Russell. In his 13-year career, Bill Russell accomplished what many NBA players today would dream of. He was an 11-time champion, 12-time All-Star, and five-time Most Valuable Player. He won the MVP award so many times that the league renamed the trophy after him in 2009! Listen to find out more.

One of basketball's grittiest point guards, Jeremy Lin had an incredible journey to get to where he is today as a highly-capable starting point guard. Despite his successes, Jeremy Lin remains incredibly humble and a role model for aspiring basketball players around the world. He has become a global icon, and you'll hear the inspirational story of what makes Jeremy so great and why it should be no surprise why he is so successful today.