Sports Biographies Basketball

Highlighted by the ESPN basketball documentary Black Magic, Ben Jobe's life and philosophy are captured in Staying Ahead of the Posse. This is history in the flesh, the history of basketball and the Civil Rights Movement, of desegregation and economic exploitation, of African independence and the modern-day plantation that is the American sports industry in general and the NCAA in particular. Ben's 40-plus years of coaching, teaching, nurturing, and mentoring intersected with and was influenced by all those factors.

In unflinchingly honest prose, Sugar Rodgers shares her inspiring story of overcoming tremendous odds to become an all-star in the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association). Her story is a message of hope and inspiration for young girls and boys everywhere, but especially those growing up in economically challenging conditions. Never sugarcoating her life experiences, she delivers a powerful message of discipline, perseverance, and always believing in oneself.

In Al Horford: The Inspirational Story of One of Basketball's Most Well-Rounded Power Forwards, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's premier power forwards, Al Horford. When Horford entered the league, he was already a two-time champion as a member of the 2006 and 2007 Florida Gator teams led by Billy Donovan. As the third overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft, Horford entered the league with many setting high expectations for him.

Lloyd Daniels learned to hoop on the playgrounds of Brooklyn and Queens during the 1980s. "Swee'pea" they called him. His rep on the court traveled all the way to the Bronx and across the country, earning him enthusiastic comparisons to the likes of Magic Johnson. Swee'pea was sure to make it to the big time and out of a New York City where drugs and violence had gripped many of its neighborhoods. Eventually he did, leaving the city's asphalt courts for the shiny hardwoods of NCAA programs.

At the height of the Great Depression, Sam Babb, the charismatic basketball coach of tiny Oklahoma Presbyterian College, began dreaming. Like so many others, he wanted a reason to have hope. Traveling from farm to farm, he recruited talented, hardworking young women and offered them a chance at a better life: a free college education if they would come play for his basketball team, the Cardinals. Despite their fears of leaving home and the sacrifices faced by their families, the women followed Babb and his dream.

Learn the inspiring story of the Charlotte Hornets' star point guard Kemba Walker! In Kemba Walker: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Most Explosive Point Guards, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's most dynamic point guards, Kemba Walker. Since entering the league in 2011, Walker has become the face of the Charlotte Hornets franchise.

Learn the inspiring story of the Detroit Pistons' star center Andre Drummond! In Andre Drummond: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Dominant Centers, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's premier emerging centers, Andre Drummond. Andre Drummond has played a pivotal role in the reemergence of the Detroit Pistons as a threat in the Eastern Conference under the direction of Stan Van Gundy.

It seems unlikely that James Naismith, who grew up playing "Duck on the Rock" in the rural community of Almonte, Canada, would invent one of America's most popular sports. But Rob Rains and Hellen Carpenter's fascinating, in-depth biography James Naismith: The Man Who Invented Basketball shows how this young man - who wanted to be a medical doctor, or if not that, a minister (in fact, he was both) - came to create a game that has endured for over a century.

Legendary University of North Carolina basketball coach Dean Smith tells the full story of his fabled career and shares the life lessons taught and learned over 40 years of unparalleled success as a coach and mentor.

Hoop Dreams Fulfilled is a detailed, first-person account of an athlete's failures and struggles on his way to playing professional basketball. Through in-depth experiences, Tyson Hartnett describes his journey playing basketball starting in fourth grade, through high school, college, and eventually professionally overseas. He profiles his mistakes and failures and his eventual redemption.

After winning 3 MVP awards and leading the Chicago Bulls to 3 consecutive National Basketball Association championships, Jordan suffered the overwhelming tragedy of his father's death. Leaving the NBA to pursue a baseball career in 1993, Jordan made an inspiring return to the Bulls at the end of the 1994-95 season, proving to the world that he hadn't lost a step. Chicago Tribune columnist Bob Greene's touching, detailed biography shows us the man behind the legend.

The college basketball scandals of 1951 were to basketball what the 1919 Black Sox scandals were to baseball - a loss of innocence, after which the game would be permanently tarnished, its relationship to power and big money firmly established. In Scandals of '51, Charley Rosen identifies all the major figures - including players, coaches, gangsters, clergymen, politicians - that made up the elaborate network that controlled the outcomes to many games or protected those who did so.

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.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be the best basketball player who ever lived, then Legends in Sports: Michael Jordan is the audiobook for you. In this exciting biography, Matt Christopher, the number one children’s sportswriter in America, puts you on the basketball court with the legendary superstar. Take an inside look at the triumphs, struggles, and statistics of one of the most determined players in National Basketball Association history.

Learn the Incredible Story of the Utah Jazz's Star Guard Donovan Mitchell! In Donovan Mitchell: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Rising Star Guards, you'll learn the inspirational story of basketball's shooting guard, Donovan Mitchell. Donovan Mitchell is easily one of the most exciting young players to watch for many years ahead. He still has yet to enter his true prime, but one thing is certain: Mitchell has a bright basketball career ahead of him.

In Ben Simmons: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Rising All-Stars, you will learn the incredible story of one of basketball's most exciting guards to watch, Ben Simmons. Since being drafted first overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, Ben Simmons has quickly emerged as one of the league's top young stars to watch.

You're about to discover the incredibly inspirational story of basketball superstar Paul George. If you're reading this, then you must be a Paul George fan, like so many others. As a fan, you must wonder how this man is so talented and want to know more about him. Paul George is considered as one of the greatest basketball players in the world, and it's been an honor to be able to watch him play throughout his young career.

You're about to discover the incredibly inspirational story of basketball superstar Carmelo Anthony. If you're reading this, then you must be a Carmelo Anthony fan, like so many others. As a fan, you must wonder how this man is so talented and want to know more about him. Carmelo Anthony is considered as one of the greatest basketball players in the world, and it's been an honor to be able to watch him play throughout his career.

You're about to discover the incredibly inspirational story of basketball superstar Stephen Curry. If you're reading this, then you must be a Stephen Curry fan, like so many others. As a fan, you must wonder how this man is so talented and want to know more about him. Stephen Curry is considered one of the greatest basketball players in the world, and it's been an honor to be able to watch him play throughout his career.

You're about to discover the incredibly inspirational story of basketball superstar Derrick Rose. If you're reading this, then you must be a Derrick Rose fan, like so many others. As a fan, you must wonder how this man is so talented and want to know more about him. Derrick Rose is considered as one of the greatest basketball players in the world, and it's been an honor to be able to watch him play throughout his career.