LeBron James is the world's most talked-about active basketball player, stirring adoration-and intense criticism. Sports fans and journalists see the polarizing player as either the most exciting basketball player of his generation-or a selfish underachiever, and sometimes both. This book sets aside the controversy to let James speak for himself in his own words. Culling over 200 quotes on over 100 subjects drawn from print and electronic media-press conferences, magazines, newspapers, websites, television appearances, and Twitter posts-starting with his early years as a promising basketball star in high school-this timely compilation shows the world LeBron James' unique perspective on life on, and off, court. Alphabetically arranged, the quotes provide inspiration for readers wanting to pursue personal and professional goals.

As one of the greatest players to ever play the game, Allen Iverson was a thrill to watch. An electrifying mix of speed, heart, and competitive drive, to say Iverson was exciting is an understatement. The offensive spark on a defensive-minded team, Iverson and the 76ers went on to unite a city, a nation, and ultimately, the entire sport of basketball with their attitude and hustle-laden game. Told from the point of view of a teenager caught up in the moment, this exciting novel relives the thrilling and unforgettable 2000-01 season that led to a David versus Goliath matchup against the Lakers that still has sports fans talking over a decade later. It takes readers back to the pinnacle of the Allen Iverson era through the eyes of an eager ninth grader who closely follows the team. While trying to convince his friends and family that the Sixers are worth watching, the narrator highlights all of the wonderful and timeless aspects of one of the most memorable teams in Philadelphia sports history. Recapping the construction of the team and every 2001 playoff game -- with 48 pictures scattered throughout -- along with frequent discussions and sports radio conversations, the book makes readers feel like they're reliving the season all over again. With its easy style and common fan approach, The 76ers with Iverson highlights the growing connection between the team and the city and the emergence of the team as a part of the fans' lives. Incorporating all the emotions, thoughts, and observations of a normal fan, the author forgoes the traditional sportswriter approach and keeps the topic on an intimate level. Appreciation, admiration, and excitement abound in this wonderful piece of nostalgia, perfectly illustrating how one scrappy team could captivate an entire nation and all of our hearts. **This is the version with black & white pictures. The color version can be found under the "formats" tab for $34.99. The kindle version is available for $4.99.

Big East Confidential is an inside look at the exciting 2010-11 Big East men's basketball season. It takes the reader from the initial Jim Calhoun press conference in October at Media Day in Madison Square Garden to cutting down the nets after winning a third National Championship in April. Much is made of the great season had by UConn star guard Kemba Walker.It deals in depth with the officiating mistakes at the Big East Tournament, recruiting and the resurgence of the Rutgers Program under Mike Rice. The Top 50 Big East players of all-time are selected along with predictions for the 2011-12 season. It is a must read for all avid college basketball fans and especially fans of the Big East and UConn

Basketball coaches around the world are constantly looking for ways to improve their team's rebounding on both the offensive and defensive end of the court. The Rebounding Workshop contains both drills and concepts designed to help improve your team's rebounding. Included are 40 drills that cover a wide range of techniques to be repeated until perfected and honed into habits. Areas covered include: -individual technique -the best way to secure a rebound -offensive rebounding -defensive rebounding -outlet passing to initiate the fast break -rebounding agility drills -competitive drills Also included are a wide range of concepts for coaches to consider when designing their team approach to rebounding. Traditional and out-of-the-box rebounding concepts are presented for coaches to consider. Regardless of the strategy and tactics adopted, the drills in The Rebounding Workshop can be modified and adapted to the needs of any team regardless of age, skill level or experience.

The Virtual Game of Basketball is a fascinating read. It will take you to places in basketball you didn't know existed.

Basketball For Everyoneis one of the most scientifically compiled books ever produced on the sport. The author, Clair Bee, is the leading authority on the subject and is known in basketball circles throughout the world. Augmented by over 150 carefully drawn diagrams and clear instructional photographs, the fan, player or coach can now get an expert's view of the game. No book of this type has ever been produced before with such detailed explanations. Basketball For Everyone is a book that warrants a place on the bookshelf of every basketball enthusiast.

Coach Steve Biddison has a history of turning basketball programs around. Four times in his career he has taken over teams who had losing records and turned them into a playoff team. Coaching From the HEART is a detailed account how he works to change the mindset of players who are used to losing and turn them into winners. Using the acronym of HEART, Coach Biddison explains how Hard Work, Enthusiasm, Attitudes of Confidence, Relationships, and Talent gells a program together to form the Heart of a Champion. Each chapter is dedicated to one of those five core values that make up a successful basketball program. Along the way, Coach Biddison gives personal accounts of how he worked to instill these values into his team. If you are a basketball coach, or any other type of coach, this is a must book as it will get you thinking about how to really reach inside the hearts and minds of your players and give them the best opportunity to succeed.

Brenda Florian had been a starter on the Wilber-Clatonia volleyball team in the fall of 1982. The basketball team was loaded with talent. Brenda expected similar success during the winter sport. A sore knee had slowed her down, but she vowed to fight back. she had no idea that she would be fighting for her life. This is a story of one extra-ordinary young lady and her incredible courage against a terrible disease. It's also about the inspiration she brought to her family, her team and her community.

Three years into college, Keva DeVelle (Horry) was in pursuit of a career as the next major network anchorperson. She was grounded in her faith, well-rounded in her academic and social life and focused on being the comforting voice millions would hear every evening at six o'clock. During that same year in college, her learning that she and the love of her life were going to have a baby was more than an interruption of her dream...it was the beginning of her assignment. No twenty-two-year-old young woman could possibly prepare for whirlwind circumstances and life-altering events consuming nearly two decades. She was not prepared, but she was equipped. Being married to a professional athlete - who happened to win more world NBA championships than anyone who wasn't on the 1960 Boston Celtics team, and who quickly earned the nickname "Big Shot" - was, to say the least, challenging. The unimaginable task of maintaining a long-distance marriage and the enormous responsibility of caring for a special-needs child equaled a perfect storm of overwhelming peaks and inconceivable valleys for her. But through it all, she never lost her firm grip on her faith. Time and again, she told her Maker, "I will not let go unless you bless me" (Genesis 32:26). Glamorous Sacrifice is a poignant reflection of that blessing. The blessing of being an expert odds-defying conqueror. The blessing of seeing medical facts, but believing in Divine truth. The blessing of recognizing an appointed assignment, and fulfilling it for the glory of someone else. The blessing of a wife's devotion, a mother's love and the championing of purpose. "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." -1 Corinthians 13:13

Why the 1-4 High? Why run all of your set plays, quick hitters or entry plays from a 1-4 high set? Good question. Here are the reasons this alignment is great for all set plays: Less is more. This one set keeps things simple for your players. It creates excellent spacing. Offense is all about good spacing. This alignment creates good scoring opportunities for every position. It is easy to create plays for any type of shot necessary from this alignment. The plays can be run to either side of the court simply by running the mirror image of the play. It is very easy to get into from a numbered fast break system. It denies the defense from establishing its defensive priorities, making this alignment difficult to defend from the onset. What are defensive priorities? Regardless of the type of defense run, most traditional defensive systems want to establish the following priorities: Be able to apply tremendous pressure on the ball and provide help to the on-the-ball defender. Be able to provide help in any situation. Protect the rim and low post areas. Force the ball out of the middle to one side to establish a ball side and help side, allowing the defense to outnumber the offense 5-3 by virtue of the two help defenders. Defend two offensive players with one defender if possible (usually a zone defense). Establish good inside positioning for defensive rebound coverage. Clog the lane area with help defenders to prevent lane penetration via pass, cut or dribble; low post entry passes;backdoor cuts for lay-ups. Some of the ways the 1-4 high alignment prevents the defense from establishing its priorities include preventing the defense from being able to establish a help side defense, forcing the defense away from the lane area and rim, opening the area up for penetration of one form or another, and requiring the defense to guard each offensive player, including the ball, with only one defender, and operating the offense from the middle of the court to initiate the attack. In addition to the advantages the 1-4 high set denies the defense, it is versatile due to the fact all of the plays can be run as mirror images. Any play depicted being run to the right hand side of the court can be run in its mirror image on the left hand side of the court. This short book contains 30 plays to attack man-to-man defenses, zone defenses, to obtain 3-point shots, low post shots, and on-the-ball screens to create penetration opportunities. These simple plays are an excellent way to score after a time out, a dead ball or as an entry to motion or other offenses

On March 6, 2001, the top two women’s college basketball teams in the nation, UConn and Notre Dame, played what was arguably the greatest game in the history of the sport. When UConn’s Sue Bird hit a twelve-foot pull-up jumper at the buzzer over national player of the year Ruth Riley in the Big East Tournament championship game, it marked the end of an epic contest that featured five future Olympians and eight first-round WNBA selections.  Bird at the Buzzer re-creates this unique season with a detailed account of the games that led up to—and beyond—the tournament finale; profiles of the two coaches, UConn’s Geno Auriemma and Notre Dame’s Muffet McGraw; close-ups of the players who made the year so memorable; and, finally, an in-depth recap of the game worthy of being designated ESPN’s first-ever women’s basketball “Instant Classic.� Author Jeff Goldberg shows us the drama on the court and behind the scenes as the big game pitted Riley and the upstarts from Notre Dame against what many believed was the most talented team in UConn history, under Hall of Fame coach Auriemma. A see-saw affair in which neither team led by more than eight points, the 2001 Big East championship game encapsulates the quintessential inside story of the individual talents and skills, team spirit and smarts, and the moment-by-moment realities of college athletics that made this season a snapshot of sports at its finest.

Every young players dream, their first major goal in pursuit of a basketball career, is to be part of the High School State Championship Game. The event where all eyes are on the main stage, focused on the dedicated players from each team who pour their heart, soul, sweat, blood and tears onto the court. This is the day where stars become Legends. All-American Jeremiah Pierce has finally led his St. Bishop Knights to the California State Championship Title Game after three years. Before the start of the game, he gets a call from an unknown voice threatening him to lose the game or else.

THINK YOU KNOW CELTICS TRIVIA? Think again. In this brand new book in the IQ Sports Series, find out how smart you really are about the Boston Celtics. Are you a rookie? Are you a tested, hardcore veteran? Or will you be hoping to find a team that will sign you to a ten-day contract halfway through the book? We'll let you know. Five chapters, more than 250 questions - that's what you're up against, and we're keeping score. In each chapter you'll face 50 questions covering ten different categories: The Numbers Game, The Rookies, The Veterans, The Legends, The Guards, The Big Men, The Coaches, The Playoffs, The Fabulous Feats, and Miscellaneous. Plus a bonus question in the form of a Red Auerbach quote at the end of every chapter Test your skills. Wrack your brain. It's the ultimate Boston Celtics IQ test "Fans of the Boston Celtics have used David Colburn's website for years to satisfy their hunger for all-things Celtics. Well, it was only a matter of time - and finally we have it. The man who dedicated himself to chronicling the statistical history of his beloved franchise has finally put his considerable talents into creating the finest book of trivia ever compiled on the Boston Celtics. It is well-crafted, meticulously researched, and delightfully entertaining - enjoy." - Daniel J. Brush, award-winning co-author of the Sports by the Numbers Series

George Cella was a fine all-round athlete at his native Hack-ensack, New Jersey, High School and, at Springfield College, where he excelled in basketball and baseball. After graduation, his batting power and great throwing arm won him a Red Sox baseball contract. Despite an excellent minor league record, he had to relinquish his baseball career due to a knee injury, and turn to the teaching and coaching profession. Coach Cella's book on basketball techniques is sound, workable, and based on actual success. His book makes good reading for anyone interested in basketball.

A definitive treatise on modern basketball defense for players and coaches.

In an age dominated by overhyped athletes who are sometimes short on character, JoJo White's story offers a refreshing look back at one athlete's career-a career that was the product of genuine good values. In "Make It Count," author Mark C. Bodanza presents a biography of a man who triumphed both on and off the basketball court.

White's story is interwoven with ours as a nation. His basketball days were shaped by-and in a few cases, helped shape-events of monumental importance. Race relations, the war in Vietnam, and political tumult across the land punctuated White's years as both a Kansas Jayhawk and Boston Celtic. Bodanza shows how, through his years on the court, the point guard from St. Louis, Missouri, maintained a steady contribution to the game that became his passion while still a child. With each passing game, season, or team that formed a part of his playing days, White stayed true to principles learned before he donned his first high-school uniform.

"Make It Count" narrates a compelling chronicle of a sports career complete with drama, triumphs, and losses, as well as an affirmation that hard work has its reward. In life, as in basketball, JoJo White's approach to each opportunity that a new day presents has always been the same: make it count.

Written by the director of basketball operations at Southern Illinois University (who also played at Illinois and assisted at Kansas), GO GET THAT SCHOLARSHIP helps high school basketball players and their parents navigate the often stressful and confusing process of securing a college basketball scholarship. Filled with interesting anecdotes, indispensible lists ("The Six Things You Have to Ask a Coach"), tips on everything from highlight videos to walk-on tryouts -- even a college basketball preparation checklist -- this honest, revealing and downright funny book tells high school players, their parents and general college basketball fans what college basketball recruiting is REALLY like.

When the 3-point shot was introduced to the game of basketball it was a bit controversial. Today, the 3-point shot has not only become an accepted part of the game, it has changed the game. The 3-point shot has forced defenses to extend in order to cover the shot, creating better offensive spacing. The penetration game has improved as a result, creating even more offensive opportunities. Players love the more open game and so do the fans. Yet not every coach or every team has embraced the 3-point shot. Some coaches still struggle with how to integrate the shot into the team offense. It is no longer enough to simply space the offense behind the 3-point line as the defense has become more sophisticated in defending the shot and great 3-point shooters. Fine Tuning Your Three-Point Attack offers 150 concepts to improve your team's 3-point offense, drills to teach offensive building blocks essential to a balanced and effective 3-point offensive attack. Nearly 200 diagrams and photographs are used to illustrate the concepts included in the book. Also included are inbounds plays for the baseline and sideline, quick-hitters and secondary breaks for the fast break attack. Attack a zone defense is covered as well as concepts for basic offensive building blocks that can be incorporated into any offense to generate 3-point shots. In addition to the offensive concepts included, Coach Sivils takes a look at the reasoning behind utilizing the 3-point shot, possible issues with the 3-point shot as well as the opportunities the tactics can create for a team. What are coaches saying about Fine Tuning Your Three-Point Attack: "Kevin Sivils's books should be required reading for coaches I'm always impressed by the shear number of solid, time-tested and thought-provoking ideas he presents, giving the reader a "one-stop shopping" resource. In Fine Tuning Your Three-point Attack he has great suggestions not only for coaching the shooter, but the concepts and drills you need to be aware of generate open looks from the arc. His section on quick-hitters, sideline and underneath OB plays alone are worth the price of the book, and will help you make the three-point shot an integral part of your offense " Coach Doug Porter - Head Women's Basketball Coach Olivet Nazarene University - National Collegiate Scoring Champions "His thought provoking approach makes for an easy read and will definitely stimulate thought and, most likely, change the way you go about coaching offense." Rusty Rogers - Two-time NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship Coach and Two-time NAIA National Coach of the Year "Coach Sivils does an outstanding job of breaking down the individual components, skills, and base blocks of being an efficient and effective 3-point shooter, then putting the pieces back together to highlight the impact of the 3-point shot and how it continues to shape the game today." Daniel Koutsis - Assistant Men's Basketball Coach Calumet College "Coach Sivils clearly brings his experience in the game of basketball to his writing. He is a great teacher who acquire great gifts over the years and it's great he wants to share those gifts with other coaches." Bill Reidy - Long time successful High School and AAU Basketball Coach "Prolific basketball author Kevin Sivils provides another soup to nuts scoring guide. While at its core, offensive basketball is a game of cutting and passing, Coach Sivils helps players and coaches achieve their full potential SHOOTING the basketball. The three-point rule revolutionized basketball over thirty years ago, and "Fine Tuning" presents an advanced treatise on the benefits, limitations, and mechanics of enhancing your perimeter game." Ron Sen, MD, - Middle School Basketball Coach

Are you always at the gym but never getting better? Do you feel like you are picking up bad habits at the park? Is the competition in your area just not competition? We have all been there You know you could just workout but eventually you have to play against people in a real game. I had to learn the hard way but you do not How to Play Basketball: A Guide to Getting Better By Playing Pick-up Games will help you get more from your open gyms and pick-up games. I will share the 17 strategies that will get your game right

In the three years since its inception, Basketball Prospectus has quickly become required reading for anyone who's passionate about college basketball and wants to better understand both the game and their favorite team. Now the distinctive and detailed college hoops insight that Prospectus provides all season long has been collected into one definitive book for the coming year: College Basketball Prospectus 2010-11.