NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER | A NEW YORK TIMES, TIME, GUARDIAN, WASHINGTON POST, NPR, PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, KIRKUS and BOOKRIOT BOOK OF THE YEARWINNER OF THE NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD FOR CRITICISMLONGLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARDLONGLISTED FOR THE 2025 ANDREW CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE IN NONFICTIONIt might do all of us some good to reconsider what 'making it' even means. Growing up in Columbus, Ohio, in the 1990s, Hanif Abdurraqib witnessed a golden era of basketball, one in which legends like LeBron James were forged -- and countless others weren’t. His lifelong love of the game leads Abdurraqib into a lyrical, historical, and emotionally rich exploration of what it means to make it, who we think deserves success, the tension between excellence and expectation, and the very notion of role models, all of which he expertly weaves together with intimate, personal storytelling.There’s Always This Year is a triumph from one of America’s most celebrated and insightful writers. It brims with joy, pain, solidarity, comfort, outrage, and hope. No matter the subject, Abdurraqib’s exquisite writing is always poetry, always profound, and always a clarion call to radically reimagine how we think about our culture, and ourselves. Read more

'The greatest Gaelic footballer of all time.' Pat SpillaneWhen Colm Cooper retired from inter-county football in 2017, he left behind a remarkable legacy. The holder of five All-Ireland medals and eight All-Stars, he was Kerry’s stand-out forward for fifteen years. From a family steeped in Gaelic football, and a core member of the Dr Crokes team, Colm was still in his teens when he first played for Kerry at senior level. Overcoming struggles with injury and personal tragedy, Cooper became one of the GAA’s most recognizable and best-loved figures at a time of tumultuous change in the game. But the man known nationally as ‘Gooch’ is also an intensely private figure who has never courted publicity and his personal story remains largely untold. Now Gooch – The Autobiography unlocks a previously unopened door, tracing a compelling path through the life beyond the headlines. This is the story of an ordinary man who became an extraordinary footballer. Read more

The New York Times bestselling author of War Dogs exposes the inside story of disgraced fraudster turned undercover FBI informant Marty Blazer and the greatest scandal in the history of the NCAA.When the federal government catches hotshot financial adviser Louis Martin “Marty” Blazer defrauding his NFL-player clients, it’s time to come clean. He has no reasonable defense. What he has is a bigger story to spill to the feds—that of a multibillion-dollar conspiracy that exploits the most talented college athletes and implicates one of the most popular entertainment industries in the nation. The DOJ is listening, and the truth could literally set Marty free. All he has to do is prove that the NCAA is a vast ongoing scam.Sent undercover by the FBI, Marty infiltrates the innermost circles of college basketball, a high-flying world of Miami clubs, New York luxury suites, and Las Vegas back rooms. Over a period of three years, covertly recording thousands of hours of conversations with coaches from many of the leading college teams, Marty reveals a large-scale epidemic of deception, bribery, and fraud within the NCAA. The stars seem aligned for the operation—if only Marty can keep the FBI itself from blowing the case.Journalist Guy Lawson digs deep into a true story about the lure of celebrity, sports, wealth, and crime, and the motivations of a man—on both sides of the law—who exploded a land mine of systemic all-American corruption. Read more

‘When a man walks on to a pitch there’s always a chance something magic can happen, that’s what keeps us coming back…’In A Man Walks On To a Pitch, Harry shares a lifetime’s experience of obsessing over football, during which he has seen it all first hand – the good, the bad and the unbelievable. Harry started in an age where players were ordinary blokes who might live on the same street as you and earn a similar wage. Now he manages in an era of player power, multi-million pound wages and teams assembled from around the globe.As he shares stories of some of the legends and journeymen he played, coached, argued and drank with, Harry picks a team for each decade from the 1950s to the present. He gets to the heart of what was right and wrong with each era and explores the changes in the game from lifestyle to tactics. He weaves his choices together with unforgettable tales from the training pitches, boot rooms and card schools.There are tales of the untutored genius of Duncan Edwards and Tom Finney, legendary tough Scots like Bobby Collins, Dave Mackay and Billy Bremner, the world-beaters of 1966, unpredictable one-off wizards from Sir Stanley Matthews to Matt Le Tissier, natural-born goalscorers from Greaves to Dalglish and the greatest foreign players to grace our game from Trautmann to Bergkamp. It is one of the best informal histories of the British game you’ll ever read. Read more

What if the greatest lessons in life weren’t taught in a classroom—but on the court, the field and the track?Game Changers is more than just a collection of sports stories—it’s an empowering playbook for teens who want to rise above setbacks, crush their goals and become the kind of leaders the world needs.Inside, author Dan Gold spotlights legendary athletes who didn’t just play the game—they changed it. From overcoming doubt and disability to breaking barriers and building character, these unforgettable stories offer blueprints for resilience, courage and growth. You'll meet:Tom Brady, the overlooked draft pick who became the NFL’s GOAT through grit and self-beliefMichael Phelps, who turned ADHD into Olympic gold with laser focus and mental strengthAbby Wambach, who led by example on the field and off—fighting for inclusion, equality and team over egoSerena Williams, who silenced critics and smashed records with power, purpose and poiseMichael Jordan, who turned failure into fuel and pressure into performanceJackie Robinson, whose quiet courage shattered baseball’s color barrier and inspired a nationYuna Kim, the South Korean figure skating icon who brought elegance, strength and advocacy to a global stageAnd that’s just the beginning.With over forty compelling stories, plus interactive reflections and practical exercises at the end of every chapter, Game Changers helps readers put the lessons into action—on the field, at school and in life.Whether you're a young athlete chasing a dream or a parent looking to inspire your teen, this is the ultimate guide to building confidence, character and unstoppable momentum. Read more

CNN correspondent Tom Foreman's remarkable journey from half-hearted couch potato to ultra-marathon runner, with four half-marathons, three marathons, and 2,000 miles of training in between; a poignant and warm-hearted tale of parenting, overcoming the challenges of age, and quiet triumph.As a journalist whose career spans three decades, CNN correspondent Tom Foreman has reported from the heart of war zones, riots, and natural disasters. He has interviewed serial killers and been in the line of fire. But the most terrifying moment of his life didn't occur on the job—it occurred at home, when his 18-year old daughter asked, "How would you feel about running a marathon with me?" At the time, Foreman was approaching 51 years old, and his last marathon was almost 30 years behind him. The race was just sixteen weeks away, but Foreman reluctantly agreed. Training with his daughter, who had just started college, would be a great bonding experience, albeit a long and painful one. My Year of Running Dangerously is Foreman's journey through four half-marathons, three marathons, and one 55-mile race. What started as an innocent request from his daughter quickly turned into a rekindled passion for long-distance running—for the training, the camaraderie, the defeats, and the victories. Told with honesty and humor, Foreman's account captures the universal fears of aging and failure alongside the hard-won moments of triumph, tenacity, and going further than you ever thought possible. Read more

For fans of the hit Netflix docuseries The Last Dance.During his storied career as head coach of the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, Phil Jackson won more championships than any coach in the history of professional sports. Even more important, he succeeded in never wavering from coaching his way, from a place of deep values. Jackson was tagged as the 'Zen master' half in jest by sportswriters, but the nickname speaks to an important truth: this is a coach who inspired, not goaded; who led by awakening and challenging the better angels of his players’ nature, not their egos, fear, or greed.This is the story of a preacher’s kid from North Dakota who grew up to be one of the most innovative leaders of our time. In his quest to reinvent himself, Jackson explored everything from humanistic psychology and Native American philosophy to Zen meditation. In the process, he developed a new approach to leadership based on freedom, authenticity, and selfless teamwork that turned the hyper-competitive world of professional sports on its head.In Eleven Rings, Jackson candidly describes how he:- Learned the secrets of mindfulness and team chemistry while playing for the champion New York Knicks in the 1970s- Managed Michael Jordan, the greatest player in the world, and got him to embrace selflessness, even if it meant losing a scoring title- Forged successful teams out of players of varying abilities by getting them to trust one another and perform in sync- Inspired Dennis Rodman and other 'uncoachable' personalities to devote themselves to something larger than themselves- Transformed Kobe Bryant from a rebellious teenager into a mature leader of a championship team. Eleven times, Jackson led his teams to the ultimate goal: the NBA championship six times with the Chicago Bulls and five times with the Los Angeles Lakers. We all know the legendary stars on those teams, or think we do. What Eleven Rings shows us, however, is that when it comes to the most important lessons, we don’t know very much at all. This book is full of revelations: about fascinating personalities and their drive to win; about the wellsprings of motivation and competition at the highest levels; and about what it takes to bring out the best in ourselves and others. Read more

Learn the Inspiring Story of the San Antonio Spurs' Star Center, Victor Wembanyama!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! One of many riveting reads in the Basketball Biography Books series by Clayton Geoffreys. In Victor Wembanyama: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Star Centers, you'll learn the story of one of basketball's most unique stars, Victor Wembanyama. Wembanyama, often dubbed "Wemby," began his NBA career as the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft with the San Antonio Spurs. His standout rookie season earned him the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year award. Before joining the NBA, Wembanyama developed his game in the French league, where he quickly gained international attention for his rare combination of size, skill, and athleticism.Although still early in his NBA journey at the time of this writing, Wembanyama is already seen as a future star and MVP candidate. Fans and experts are excited to watch him grow, as he brings a unique style of play that could make a big impact on the league.Get this basketball book on Victor Wembanyama today if you're looking for an inspiring basketball biography book to read, or a gift for a basketball fan! It's perfect for reading at home or on the go.Here is a preview of what is inside this Victor Wembanyama book:Chapter 1: Childhood and Early LifeChapter 2: European Professional Career - Nanterre 92, ASVEL, and Metropolitans 92Chapter 3: NBA Career - Getting Drafted and The Dominant Rookie SeasonChapter 4: International CareerChapter 5: Personal LifeChapter 6: Impact on BasketballChapter 7: Legacy and FutureAn excerpt from this biography book on Victor Wembanyama's story:Height is might in the game of basketball, and taller players have always had the advantage over their shorter counterparts. This is why tall players almost always excel in the sport. The reason is obvious, because basketball is a game that requires a player to put the ball through a hoop suspended 10 feet from the ground. In that regard, a taller person has an easier time putting the ball through the hoop compared to smaller players. The NBA has seen its fair share of all-time great players who were taller than most of their peers. George Mikan, the original giant of the sport, was the most dominant force in the game during the ‘50s. No one could stop him because he stood 6’10”. Years after Mikan’s time, Bill Russell, a 6’10” athlete, dominated the game as a defender. A few seasons later, 7’1” Wilt Chamberlain went on to become the most dominant player in the sport. After Wilt’s era, the 7’2” Kareem Abdul-Jabbar ruled the ‘70s, especially with his unstoppable skyhook shot. More giants went on to dominate the game long after Kareem’s time, and many of these players were seven feet tall. Of course, the game has seen taller players coming to tower over their seven-footer counterparts. Shaquille O’Neal was an unstoppable force during the ‘90s because he was not just taller but also a lot bigger than most centers. After that, the game saw Yao Ming, a 7’6” center from China, showcasing that even someone of his towering height can have a good combination of skills. Did you enjoy this excerpt?If so, be sure to pick up a copy of this basketball biography book on Victor Wembanyama today! This is just one of many basketball biographies by Clayton Geoffreys.Also, be sure to check out Clayton's biography on Chris Paul or Karl-Anthony Towns after you finish this one. Read more

From the nine-time women's basketball icon and three-time Olympic gold medallist - a raw, revelatory account of her unfathomable detainment in Russia and her journey homeOn 17 February 2022, Brittney Griner arrived in Moscow ready to spend the WNBA offseason playing for the Russian women's basketball team where she had been the centrepiece of previous championship seasons. Instead, a security checkpoint became her gateway to hell when she was arrested for mistakenly carrying under one gram of medically prescribed hash oil. Brittney's world was violently upended in a crisis she has never spoken in detail about publicly - until now.In Coming Home, Brittney finally shares the harrowing details of her sudden arrest days before Russia invaded Ukraine; her bewilderment and isolation while navigating a foreign legal system amid her trial and sentencing; her emotional and physical anguish as the first American woman ever to endure a Russian penal colony while the #WeAreBG movement rallied for her release; the chilling prisoner swap with Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout; and her remarkable rise from hostage to global spokesperson on behalf of America's forgotten. In haunting and vivid detail, Brittney takes readers inside the horrors of a geopolitical nightmare spanning ten months.And yet Coming Home is more than Brittney's journey from captivity to freedom. In an account as gripping as it is poignant, she shares how her deep love for Cherelle, her wife of six years, anchored her during their greatest storm; how her family's support pulled her back from the brink; and how hundreds of letters from friends and neighbours lent her resolve to keep fighting. Coming Home is both a story of survival and a testament to love - the bonds that brought Brittney home to her family, and at last, to herself.PRAISE FOR COMING HOME'A visceral, harrowing account of what it's like to be trapped inside Russia's infamous criminal justice system... also the harrowing-in-a-different-way story of what it’s like to grow up Black, female, gay and startlingly tall' New York Times'A riveting read'Washington Post'Devastating... deeply personal, publicly powerful' Slate.com'Just finished. Couldn't put it down. What an incredible story, what an incredible human being' Glennon Doyle author of Untamed Read more

The Sunday Times Bestseller and Number 1 Sport Book of 2016'A tale that's truly inspirational' The SunAn ordinary lad from Sheffield, Jamie Vardy has become known as an against-the-odds footballing hero the world over. Yet a few years ago, things couldn’t have been any more different. Rejected as a teenager by his boyhood club, Jamie thought his chance was gone. But from playing pub football and earning £30 a week at Stocksbridge Park Steels, while still working in a factory, his off-the-cuff performances saw him rise.Jamie had a wild and turbulent youth, but football became his saving grace and, once he filled his boots with goals at FC Halifax Town and Fleetwood Town, he moved to Leicester City. After the miracle of surviving relegation, the team of unlikely outsiders bonded together to achieve the unthinkable: Jamie set the record as the first player to score in 11 consecutive Premier League matches and Leicester beat odds of 5000-1 to become champions.Jamie has now been nominated for the Ballon d’Or, firmly establishing himself as one of England’s leading goal scoring footballers. Not forgetting his roots, however, he has set up the V9 Academy in a bid to find the next big talent from non-league football. Defying all expectations, this is the story of the boy from nowhere who reached the top in his own unflinching, honest words. Read more

As a WWE wrestler with millions of fans, Shawn Michaels had adulation and all the attention he could ask for, but he found himself longing for something more. When he became a committed Christian at the height of his career, Shawn learned what it's like to be a man of faith in a secular arena.Wrestling for My Life documents Shawn's journey to finding a new way of life--one that's marked by faith, family, and forgiveness.As you watch Shawn's testimony unfold, you'll learn about:The power of self-disciplineThe importance of finding a supportive mentor who challenges you to be the best version of yourselfThe freedom that's found in true forgivenessPraise for Wrestling for My Life: "Shawn's greatest challenge came from deep within himself, and it's been awe-inspiring to watch this man pull himself from the depths of his own personal hell by immersing himself in his faith in God. I couldn't be more amazed at the man, husband, father, and friend he has become." —The Undertaker "I am certain that you will enjoy getting to know Shawn Michaels from the pages within as much as I have in his everyday life. If you read one book this year, make it this one" —Pastor Matthew Hagee"Shawn's story is an important reminder of life's priorities and how we choose to use our given gifts. While I work with Shawn outside of the wrestling world, I can still strongly attest to his perseverance, passion, and humility. These pages offer an inside look into how he found strength for better change." —Jeff Wayne, Executive Vice President Programming of Outdoor Channel Read more

The definitive biography of a legendary athlete. The Shrug. The Shot. The Flu Game. Michael Jordan is responsible for sublime moments so ingrained in sports history that they have their own names. When most people think of him, they think of his beautiful shots with the game on the line, his body totally in sync with the ball -- hitting nothing but net. But for all his greatness, this scion of a complex family from North Carolina's Coastal Plain has a darker side: he's a ruthless competitor and a lover of high stakes. There's never been a biography that encompassed the dual nature of his character and looked so deeply at Jordan on and off the court -- until now. Basketball journalist Roland Lazenby spent almost thirty years covering Michael Jordan's career in college and the pros. He witnessed Jordan's growth from a skinny rookie to the instantly recognizable global ambassador for basketball whose business savvy and success have millions of kids still wanting to be just like Mike. Yet Lazenby also witnessed the Michael Jordan whose drive and appetite are more fearsome and more insatiable than any of his fans could begin to know. Michael Jordan: The Life explores both sides of his personality to reveal the fullest, most compelling story of the man who is Michael Jordan. Lazenby draws on his personal relationships with Jordan's coaches; countless interviews with Jordan's friends, teammates, and family members; and interviews with Jordan himself to provide the first truly definitive study of Michael Jordan: the player, the icon, and the man. Read more

'Elite athletes aren't born. They're made.'Michael JohnsonFrom a living icon of the Olympic Games – as both an athlete and now as a BBC broadcaster – Gold Rush is a compelling analysis of the fascinating combination of psychological and personal qualities, as well as internal and external factors, that go to create an Olympic champion.This exciting new book is based on Michael Johnson's own experiences as an iconic four-time Olympic champion, and on the knowledge he has gleaned as a top-class coach and motivational speaker. It also features, uniquely, more than a dozen exclusive and insightful interviews with Olympic legends from across several different sports who between them have claimed more than 50 gold medals over the past 30 years.In essence, Johnson has assembled his very own Olympic Hall of Fame in assessing the DNA of true champions.Gold Rush is themed around chapters in which Johnson will discuss each of the key qualities/factors. He expertly feeds in fascinating first-person testimonies from the Olympic legends. In the process he builds up a definitive knowledge bank of expertise and experience from athletes who have been on this fascinating journey, encountered the highs and the lows, but ultimately reached the summit – an Olympic gold medal.Johnson's interviewees include: Usain Bolt, Carl Lewis, Sally Gunnell, Seb Coe, Daley Thompson, Cathy Freeman, Ian Thorpe, Michael Phelps, Rebecca Adlington, Chris Hoy, Steve Redgrave, Matthew Pinsent, Lennox Lewis and Michael Jordan. Read more

The New York Times bestselling author of Sweetness delivers the first all-encompassing account of the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers, one of professional sports’ most-revered—and dominant—dynasties. The Los Angeles Lakers of the 1980s personified the flamboyance and excess of the decade over which they reigned. Beginning with the arrival of Earvin “Magic” Johnson as the number-one overall pick of the 1979 draft, the Lakers played basketball with gusto and pizzazz, unleashing their famed “Showtime” run-and-gun style on a league unprepared for their speed and ferocity—and became the most captivating show in sports and, arguably, in all-around American entertainment. The Lakers’ roster overflowed with exciting all-star-caliber players, including center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and they were led by the incomparable Pat Riley, known for his slicked-back hair, his Armani suits, and his arrogant strut. Hollywood’s biggest celebrities lined the court and gorgeous women flocked to the arena. Best of all, the team was a winner. Between 1980 and 1991, the Lakers played in an unmatched nine NBA championship series, capturing five of them.Bestselling sportswriter Jeff Pearlman draws from almost three hundred interviews to take the first full measure of the Lakers’ epic Showtime era. A dazzling account of one of America’s greatest sports sagas, Showtime is packed with indelible characters, vicious rivalries, and jaw-dropping, behind-the-scenes stories of the players’ decadent Hollywood lifestyles.  From the Showtime era’s remarkable rise to its tragic end—marked by Magic Johnson’s 1991 announcement that he had contracted HIV—Showtime is a gripping narrative of sports, celebrity, and 1980s-style excess. Read more

Are you ready to embark on an epic journey through the heart-pounding world of basketball?Look no further than this captivating collection of tales that will have you shooting three-pointers and stealing the spotlight on the court in no time!The Most Incredible Basketball Stories Ever Told contains true stories that span decades of basketball lore and legend, focusing on players from the NBA, WNBA, and NCAA. In these pages, you’ll learn about some of the more amazing moments created by basketball players, coaches, and referees.Some of the stories in this book include:Alonzo Mourning needing a kidney to continue his championship quest.The Butler Bulldogs making a Cinderella run.An NBA referee gambling on games, then spilling the beans on the league.Ray Allen saving the Big 3 from a disappointing NBA Finals.Larry Bird making one spectacular play to kick-start his legendary status.The stories in these pages will provide deeper insight into those legendary stories that basketball fans may have heard of or just vaguely remember, making it the perfect gift for any fan of basketball, young and old.Step into the world of The Most Incredible Basketball Stories Ever Told and experience the slam-dunk adventure of a lifetime! You'll laugh, cry, and cheer your way through the thrilling world of hoops. Whether you're a seasoned baller or a rookie on the court, this book is your all-access pass to the excitement, drama, and camaraderie of basketball.This book is the slam-dunk read of the year that will keep you entertained from the first tip-off to the final buzzer.Grab your jersey, lace up your sneakers, and get ready to shoot for the stars! Read more

“A deeply insightful and introspective look at arguably the best basketball player in the world.”—Jemele Hill“This is a fantastic book. Mike Singer, through moments large and small, captures the unlikely journey of Nikola Jokic with detail and texture, and with a style that holds the reader’s attention and energy from start to finish.”—Bomani JonesA revealing, intimate biography of basketball savant and enigmatic NBA superstar Nikola Jokic, filled with news-breaking interviews and deep reporting from Mike Singer, the Nuggets’ former beat writer for the Denver Post.Why So Serious? takes readers on Nikola Jokic’s long, strange, and incredibly unlikely journey to becoming the heartbeat of the champion Denver Nuggets and the best basketball player on the planet. As he traces Jokic’s transformation from his humble beginnings in Sombor, Serbia, sports journalist Mike Singer captures the witty irreverence, unparalleled competitiveness, and slight mischievousness of the MVP fondly known as “The Joker.”Behind his veiled public persona, who really is Nikola Jokic? Filled with exclusive, sure-to-be-headline-making interviews, including unique insights from Jokic himself, Why So Serious? delves deep into the soul of the mysterious center and reveals how the big man developed his relentless work ethic, exceptional court vision, and magical playing style that has redefined dominance in the NBA. Read more

Curry, LeBron exclusive-One of the Most “extensive" books available on all-time greats. This 2022 "New Release,” NBA’s 75th Anniversary Edition book of basketball is a great statistical & factual reference with everything you need to know about basketball all in just one book. It was completed at 548 pages & over 275,000 words, more than Bill Simmons’ book of 250,000 words. There are pages and pages of “converted to horizontal” charts from the paperback throughout including a chart with rankings of the greatest players at each position, a 10-plus page Hall of Fame chart, charts for most 25-point, 30-point, 40-point triple-double games & 30-point, 40-point, and 50-point 15-rebound 15-assist games (Oscar’s chapter), most 30-point, 40-point, 50-point games in the regular season (Kobe’s chapter) and playoffs (LeBron’s chapter), most 10-assist, 15-assist, 20-assist games in the regular season (Stockton’s chapter) and playoffs (Magic’s chapter), and much more. The book also has outstanding “quotes” from past and current players on their opinion on the greats of the game, a mini-biography including high school and college stats, and player analysis and descriptions on attributes. Also included are three pages of charts on ( over 800 entries) 150 player’s individual scoring, rebounding, assists, steals and blocked shots titles, key second place finishes, awards and honors. “These three pages alone makes the book a good reference to have.” So if you are a big-time basketball fan and like objective-facts and numbers, this resource is like a mini encyclopedia in the palm of your hand. To get a true glimpse click on Search Inside this book. And that includes you too, Skip Bayless from FS1. So panels of experts on sports talk shows over the years have been giving their selections for Top 3 Greatest Players of All-Time soon after LeBron James publicly announced his about a decade ago. Back then he chose, of course Michael Jordan, and then Dr. J & Larry Bird - followed by Magic Johnson after he was asked to name a fourth. And then more recently, current and past players have been giving their Mount Rushmore picks (Top 4) with assortment of mixed opinions. LeBron gave his in a more serious interview back then and chose Jordan, Magic, Bird, and then Oscar Robertson! Hard to argue with those picks. Well, this is also what this New Release is all about, ranking the greatest players of all-time. LeBron James, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant would be amazed of what is written about them as a player. In addition, every player has an awesome and unmatched description of his attributes an very own skill set! This book is a must have for all basketball fans. It contains hardcore facts and stats of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players of All-Time (rankings of Magic, Bird, Jordan, LeBron, Kareem, Olajuwon, Duncan, Shaq, Kobe, Durant, Curry, Wilt, Russell, Oscar, West, Baylor and the rest of the greats of the game - find out who's in the top 25?) and players on the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team and beyond. In the player comparisons segments it distinguishes which players are better than others from an objective point of view - which in turn allows you to judge the player rankings for yourselves! For example: Was Wilt Chamberlain better than Bill Russell or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar? Was Magic Johnson better than Larry Bird? Was Kobe Bryant better than Jerry West? Was Tim Duncan better than Karl Malone? Was John Stockton better than Isiah Thomas? Is Stephen Curry better than Chris Paul? Also listed is an All-Time NBA First Team, Second Team, and Third Team based on projected rankings. The book is filled with player introductions including a mini-biography, player opinions from past and current great players, player attributes & skill sets, records & individual accolades, award and honors, player rankings and player comparisons, and a player’s chronological history year by year with interceding player evaluations of the NBA’s elite and players outside the top 50. Read more

The New York Times–bestseller from the Hall of Fame basketball legends. “Finally a book that tells the story of Magic and Larry from their vantage point.” —Denzel WashingtonIn Celtic green was Larry Bird, the hick from French Lick, with laser-beam focus, relentless determination, and a deadly jump shot, a player who demanded excellence from everyone and whose caustic wit left opponents quaking in their high-tops. Magic Johnson was Mr. Showtime, a magnetic personality with all the right moves. Young, indomitable, he was a pied piper in purple and gold. And he burned with an inextinguishable desire to win. When their matchup started they were bitter rivals, but along the way they became lifelong friends.With intimate, fly-on-the-wall detail, When the Game Was Ours transports readers to this electric era of 1980s basketball and reveals for the first time the inner workings of two players dead set on besting one another. From the heady days of trading championships to the darker days of injury and illness, we come to understand Larry’s obsessive devotion to winning and how his demons drove him on the court. We hear him talk with candor about playing through chronic pain and its truly exacting toll. In Magic we see a young, invincible star struggle with the sting of defeat, not just as a player but as a team leader. We are there the moment he learns he’s contracted HIV and hear in his own words how that devastating news impacted his relationships in basketball and beyond. But always, in both cases, we see them prevail.“An exhilarating ride down one of the most competitive rivalries ever.” —Pat Riley Read more

“Winning takes precedence over all. There’s no gray area. No almosts.”— Kobe “The Black Mamba” BryantCould you think, act, train, play, and WIN like Kobe Bryant?As the youngest NBA and All-Star Game player, winner of the most All-Star Game MVP awards, and ranked fourth in the NBA’s all-time scoring and postseason list, few can deny that Kobe Bryant was one of the greats of basketball and will always be remembered as such.His untimely death has left a vast void that will take a long time to heal. Kobe Bryant’s impact moved beyond the basketball world as an influential figure and spokesman, offering deep wisdom about life, work ethic, loyalty, and reaching goals. And the memories he left can never be taken from us!But have you ever wondered what made Kobe great and set him apart from other sports stars? What does Mamba Mentality really mean and how can you learn and apply it in your own life?In this biography of Kobe Bryant, you won’t just be reading the inspirational story of a world-famous athlete. You will also gain insight into the core of his success and learn for yourself:Rituals and superstitions he lived byHow he overcame the hardest time in his lifeHis philosophy towards basketball and exact techniques he used to trainHow Kobe Bryant became one of the greatest defensive players in the leagueFamous people who were inspired by himThe mindset and training regimen that honed Kobe into the perfect ball playing machineThe mysterious story of his number, and much, much more!Kobe Bryant was a legend and a superstar who was taken too soon. This illuminating book reveals the reality of the man and presents the reader with his life and game secrets you cannot find anywhere else!Whether you’re an aspiring athlete seeking to take inspiration from one of basketball's greats or simply a fan wanting to know more, this inspiring book lays out the full Kobe Bryant story as it has NEVER been told before!And the principles he lived by can be applied to your life too, so that you can discover your own successWould You Like To Know More?Scroll to the top of the page and select the Buy button now, and get motivated by the guidance of one of the greatest champions of our time! Read more

This "love story for the ages" from a # 1 New York Times bestselling author comes an unforgettable story about basketball and the enduring bonds between a father and daughter that "will heal relationships and hearts" (Glennon Doyle).​Kate Fagan and her father forged their relationship on the basketball court, bonded by sweaty high fives and a dedication to the New York Knicks. But as Kate got older, her love of the sport and her closeness with her father grew complicated. The formerly inseparable pair drifted apart. The lessons that her father instilled in her about the game, and all her memories of sharing the court with him over the years, were a distant memory.When Chris Fagan was diagnosed with ALS, Kate decided that something had to change. Leaving a high-profile job at ESPN to be closer to her mother and father and take part in his care, Kate Fagan spent the last year of her father’s life determined to return to him the kind of joy they once shared on the court. All the Colors Came Out is Kate Fagan’s completely original reflection on the very specific bond that one father and daughter shared, forged in the love of a sport which over time came to mean so much more.Studded with unforgettable scenes of humor, pain and hope, Kate Fagan has written a book that plumbs the mysteries of the unique gifts fathers gives daughters, ones that resonate across time and circumstance. Read more