The world of sports is my escape from the day to day cold hard reality that is my life, people must understand that my life is full of obstacle and it takes a lot of effort just to get started sometimes, sports get me going like nothing else, in my life it is my passion. When I am watching football or basketball I am in the zone my zone. A lot of sports break down various sports because it is their job but I do it because I really, really, really love my sports. People must realize that there is a whole world of sports outside of what we see on T.V. I am talking about those athletes that are not in the spotlight like Lebron, Kobe, or Peyton. I am talking about the athletes like me, the ones living with disability. These people are fighting a double battle because they deal with their physical situation just to do something that they all love just to have some kind of outlet and still we get little of no attention for any of our accomplishments. It is like I said before "people don't care about the handicap," I should say that "some do but most don't." As for me, I will keep doing what I'm doing until someone, somewhere pays attention. Sports gives me and others like me this kind of hope, that alone is reason enough to love the entire world of sports. Just like in the world of sports, people must stop ignoring and underestimating the underdog in the game of life, because the very ones that you count out could be the ones that make the biggest impact. As you can see this thing called sports runs deeper than what everyone wants to realize, it makes people like me believe in somebody.

In the four 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 kind of Prospectus hoops insight that the New York Times has called "indispensable" has been collected into one definitive book for the coming year, College Basketball Prospectus 2011-12.

Millions watch basketball games at gyms, arenas, or on TV. Others listen to games on the radio. Youths play the game in gyms and schoolyards, getting great exercise, working on their skills, and attending practices to learn more about a fantastic and fun team sport.Whether you recently signed up for the basketball team, watch a brother or sister play, or want to learn more about this game, this book is for you.Simple text, clear illustrations of the court and its markings, drawings of where the players play on the court, and pictures of the official's signals will help you know more about playing basketball, the players and positions, basic rules, and the meaning of basketball words.Game on!

Fine Tuning Your Zone Attack Offense contains 50 zone offensive concepts and an additional 50 drills to teach basic key fundamentals and zone concepts, illustrated in 180+ diagrams. If your zone offense needs some refining or you are interested in creating your own offense, the concepts in this book are the place to start. In addition to zone offense concepts, the author takes a look at common zone defenses and their strengths and weakness. Also included are ideas about the importance of team play, teaching zone offense and additional material. Over 25 years of coaching experience is behind the ideas in Fine Tuning Your Zone Attack Offense. The ideas in this book have all been used in actual games by Coach Sivils en route to winning over 460 career varsity wins.

From 2000 through 2004, a small Indiana high school's girls basketball program engaged in an amazing four seasons of play. Led by Coach Ken "Cruiser" Gentrup, the North Vermillion Lady Falcons and assistant coaches reached unimagined heights. In 2002, Gentrup led his girls in a race to the top, ending with the Class A State Championship crown and other titles to their credit. The team returned to defend their title in 2003. Along the way, the Lady Falcons broke records and took their school and the fans on an amazing fifty-game winning streak. Remember The Ride is their story, the story of a group of talented young women who achieved big dreams by putting all of their ambition and skill to the test. The Lady Falcons made history and drew together the people of their community and others and took them on one memorable journey. Remember The Ride, written from Coach Gentrup's perspective, offers fans and newcomers alike a chance to glimpse the story anew and get some inside perspective into what it took to make high school girls basketball history.

On a March afternoon in Cleveland, St. Bonaventure battled powerful Kentucky for 40 minutes and two overtimes in the first round of the 2000 NCAA Tournament. Though the Bonnies would lose that day, the moments that accompanied that game provided St. Bonaventure's proud alumni a vast sense of pride. For a men's basketball program that was once considered an elite entity, it was fulfilling return to glory. No one could have envisioned then that St. Bonaventure basketball would endure lowest of lows almost exactly three years later. The St. Bonaventure basketball scandal of 2003 created national headlines and rocked to its core a proud institution. The university president schemed to allow an ineligible player, by NCAA standards, on the court, leading to series of damning events. Victories were forfeited, a team in turmoil quit on its season, several of those involved were fired and a the president of the board of trustees, ripped by his role in the sorry state of affairs, committed suicide. As student-managers, we closely witnessed the circumstances that led to the upheaval. We were in the locker room, the coaches offices and on the team bench. We were there for all the corruption, deceit and greed. We were there when an ill-conceived plan came tumbling down in the harshest of manners and St. Bonaventure's lost ways became a punchline across the country.

Between 1915 and 1940 the amazing Edmonton Grads dominated women's basketball in Canada. Coached by J. Percy Page, they played over 400 official games, losing only 20; they travelled more than 125,000 miles in Canada, the United States, and Europe; and they crossed the Atlantic three times to defend their world title at exhibition games held in conjunction with the Summer Olympics in Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin. Meticulously researched and documented-including capsule biographies of all 38 women who played for the Grads over the years and over 100 photos-the story of the Edmonton Grads will enthrall fans of sport history and women in sport. [CTV interview: http://tinyurl.com/6pxg5aq]

You, the basketball coach, are vitally interested in the teaching of fundamental drills for effective development of the individual player and the team. This book will serve you as an invaluable assistant coach. Whether you have been coaching basketball for a year or fifteen years, you will discover drills to fit your style of play. Coach Pin-holster, one of the most energetic and promising young coaches in the country, has included drills that cover all phases of the game. Each chapter begins with the simple drills and progresses to the more complex drills. This sequence will greatly aid the coach in using the book as a guide to overcoming player and team weaknesses. As an aid in helping to organize daily practice schedules, as a conserver of time, and as a source of a wide variety of basketball drills, this book fills a great need. In drawing from its contents, you will be aiming at a more balanced, efficient team and also at a higher figure in the all-important "wins" column.

Coach McKinnis has compiled a personal winning percentage of 82% over the course of his decade of coaching. Mac's Continuity Offenses is a first hand look at 20 continuity offenses he used to blast his teams into the state tournament on a number of occasions. This book will help you explore the 1-2-2, 5 out, 2-3, 1-4 low & high, and 3-2 sets as well as give you a first hand look at his popular Eastern "passing game stall" offense.

It was an inner city program that had gone in the tank. Drugs, alcohol and gangs had almost ruined Hillsborough High School. Their athletic program was hanging by a thread. The basketball program had won only one game in 2006-07. Who could help this struggling school regain its self- respect? They hoped John Hawkins could, a 40-year old coach who had served 17 years as an assistant at prestigious Pasadena West High School under legendary coach Hank Estes, winner of multiple state championships and developer of high character kids. John wasn't sure about taking the job, but when he did make the move to the inner-city Los Angeles school, he was determined to build a winning program on and off the court. This inspiring story chronicles John's journey and his quest to succeed in an incredibly difficult environment. In A Man of Character, David H. White, Jr. tells the story of a fictional coach inspired by White's many years covering high school basketball in inner city Birmingham, Alabama. David H. White, Jr. was a varsity football, track and baseball athlete at Episcopal High School in Virginia. He also played junior varsity basketball and is an avid high school, college and pro basketball fan today. White is the author of two previous books: Leadership Lessons for Life and Shorty: A Life in Sports. He lives in Birmingham, Alabama with his wife, Beth, and his two daughters, Isabelle and Fairbanks.

Strength & Honor. Not just words from the movie Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe, but a code that NBA superstar and Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant seems to live by. He even signs fan letters with this mantra. That's because Kobe embodies everything that makes a real warrior. "Veni. Vedi. Vici." That phrase is Latin for "I came, I saw, I conquered." More words the warrior Kobe follows. These phrases are glimpses into Kobe's true nature, the philosophy that guides him, and the warrior's path he walks each day of hislife. There is a reason why excellence is a way of being for this superstar. This is the real essence of the real Kobe Bryant. In this spirit, sportswriter and author Pat Mixon has written an unauthorized look at Kobe Bryant. But THE KOBE CODE takes a uniquespin on the traditional biography. Rather than simply recap the history of Kobe, this intriguing & fascinating book provides insight and perspective into how Kobe approaches his life, both on and off the court, and what makes him really tick.And, you'll learn what really separates Kobe from other NBA players and where his inner drive is derived. Additionally, by highlighting Eight Principles For Success pulled from various stages or situations in Kobe's life, this exciting new book allows the reader to apply some of these practices to their own life. You'll also discover why Kobe considers himself a"talented overachiever" as well as feeling like "an outcast" all his life.And, once and for all, you'll understand why Kobe has been so incredibly misunderstood. THE KOBE CODE will change your perception of this NBA superstar. Using life lessons from Kobe's example, THE KOBE CODE will teach you how to increase your confidence, overcome your daily challenges, live with passion and purpose, and realize your goals. To add more depth to learning about Kobe's life, you will also discover things that the general public doesn't necessarily know or isn't common knowledge, such as: -What is Kobe's Workout Schedule? What is his diet? -How does Kobe spend a Game Day? You'll learn how he spends all the hours leading up to a Home Game. -Kobe's mental approach. Learn what truly sets Kobe apart. You'll discover what Kobe does to prepare his mind and focus related to the mental aspect of basketball. -Find out why Kobe believes in making shots, not taking shots. -How Kobe prepares. You'll watch his Film Study and you'll see his practice sessions. -What Kobe does off the court- where and how he spends his time & what things besides basketball interest him. -Lastly, you'll discover Kobe's thoughts on retiring. THE KOBE CODE can teach you how to walk the walk of the warrior life. It's a proven road map that you can use to achieve any goal you desire. This inspiring and practical book is almost a spiritual guidebook, a warrior's manual, or possibly even a modern day "The Art of War" handbook. And, like Kobe, this book is on the leading edge and Interactive. You'll have YouTube videos to watch that are embedded within this eBook or you can follow links to YouTube's site directly. You'll also have the opportunity to pop out via a link to websites and read articles from Kobe's past. So, are you ready to adopt a gladiator mentality and step inside the arena?

Larry Legend features the fascinating Horatio Alger-like story of Larry Bird - baseball superstar and 19998 NBA Coach of the Year - the man whom "Magic" Johnson called "the only player I feared and the smartest player I ever played against."

Can you imagine coaching on the sidelines in a girls State Championship high school basketball game in a large NBA arena, down by one point, and the clock painfully ticking away with only 12 seconds left? Or, can you imagine the adrenalin rush when your starting guard hits a prayer of a shot with little time left, sealing the ultimate victory and prize in high school sports. Finally, can you beigin to imagine the pure and overwhelming joy as your team celebrates at mid-court in a wild dog pile, just seconds after the final buzzer sounds? Well, on March 14, 2008 I experienced all of these "topsy-turvey" emotions, and more, when my underdog high school girls basketball team rallied and came from behind to win the first ever California State Championship for St. Patrick-St. Vincent High School. My book, "Backcourt: The Anatomy of a State Championship Season," is a creative nonfictional story spanning 15 years of my coaching perseverance that always had winning the state championship as a major priority.

Cowboy Up As the dark clouds of World War II were looming on the horizon, an American original named Kenny Sailors was capturing the attention of the country and leading the University of Wyoming basketball program on an astonishing run to the NCAA championship. Sailors, pioneer of the modern jump shot, took New York's Madison Square Garden by storm while leading the Cowboys to a national championship. Before the confetti was cleaned up, the All-American was off to war. The Wyoming treasure would return to campus in Laramie and later became one of the NBA's early stars. Cowboy Up weaves the brilliant tapestry of Wyoming's rich hoops history -- from the program's original championship team of the 1930s to high-soaring Flynn Robinson and the dazzling Fennis Dembo -- around Sailors' remarkable story. If you love basketball history, then you need to get acquainted with Sailors and the golden age of the Cowboys.

The 6ixth Man is the product of Norman's upbringing in what is now called South Los Angeles. It is a narrative that chronicles specific junctures in the life of a young man who was embarrassed by his intelligence and desperate for an athletic identity that was never quite realized. From inner-city beginnings to Seminary education to competing against NBA competition, Norman Coulter, Jr. learned how to extract life-altering lessons from the triumphs and failures of his own basketball journey. The 6ixth Man is the rumbling of a revolution to train the WHOLE athlete for the sake of the millions who adore them at stadiums and arenas worldwide. The 6ixth Man is the silent waging of war against the pretense that is destroying the ability of sports to positively impact culture. Norman A. Coulter Jr. is a Christian minister, basketball coach and the CEO and Founder of 6ixth Man Curriculum Consulting and Coaching, LLC www.6ixthman.comENDORSEMENTSThe 6ixth Man is a timely and must-read book. It's filled with great stories and tells what sports can do for any person willing to look in the mirror and challenge themselves. Yet, it does more than just testifying, it is a guidebook and workbook offering a blueprint for developing the right mindset, character, and work ethic. It is an inspired work that can't help but to inspire people to become better persons and athletes. Scott N. Brooks, author of Black Men Can't Shoot and assistant professor of sociology at the University of California- Riverside."An inspiration for anyone who has ever had a dream about attaining something larger than themselves. The 6ixth Man is a touching journey of one man's success by the loss of a dream and the rebirth of another. A must read."Val T. Hill, CEO/President, 16:14 entertainment LLC

This is at least two books in one: 1.Prophecies Proved Prescient for the NBA That the Boston Celtics would draft Al Jefferson at #15 in the 2004 draft (predicted a month ahead of time) That the Boston Celtics would win the championship in 2008 (predicted four years early) Who would be a star and who would be a bust today (predicted after the 2004 draft) 2.Telling the NBA's Fortune How to eliminate the clock-stopping, foul-shooting boredom at the end of close games How the NBA can increase its revenue and make its fans happier at the same time How to make basketball timeless and monetize the league's growing archival footage Why reintroducing barnstorming teams would contribute to the league's global growth How to make the first three quarters of a game even more exciting And much more, including novel methods of statistical analysis inspired by financial derivatives valuation methods, the flaws and the strengths of the collective bargaining agreement, sports hedge funds, what Bill Russell and Kendrick Perkins have in common, and more. Maybe it is a way to experience the present from the perspective of the past. Or maybe it is the first step in viewing basketball as a religious experience. These articles originally appeared in 2004-2005 on hoopsworld.com.

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

The history of basketball spans more than a century, from its humble origin as a simple diversion during the harsh winters in America to today's perennial, rim-rattling show of international renown. Throughout the last 60 years, Pennsylvania has been at the forefront of the sport's evolution, supplying the world with a steady stream of stars, from Wilt Chamberlain to Kobe Bryant, who have proven to be some of the best to ever play the game.

In "Heads of State: Pennsylvania's Greatest High School Basketball Players of the Modern Era," sportswriter Mark Hostutler sizes up the commonwealth to rank its 500 most-accomplished scholastic players from 1950-2010. With input from Sonny Vaccaro, Howard Garfinkel, and other hoops cognoscenti, the author canvassed the Keystone State, conducting hundreds of hours of research and interviews to assemble a list that is sure to stir passionate debate within an already buzzing community of roundball fans.

Hostutler's unique compilation highlights the exploits of Billy Owens, Tom McMillen, Gene Banks, Tyreke Evans, Donyell Marshall, Jameer Nelson, Geoff Petrie, and several others, as they reminisce about their achievements as teenagers on the hardwood. Wonderfully crafted and jam-packed with information, the book is perfect for hard-core fans, stat junkies, or anyone in search of a good read.

Paul T. Owens takes a moving and fun look at sports, fans, athletes and athletic organizations in this new compilation of his writings. This book is written for people who find fun at play, those who must have games and teams to follow, and those who believe that athletic motion is what keeps the earth moving through space.

Commentator, analyst, author, and all-around pro basketball presence, Charley Rosen may seem like a natural, sprung upon the sports scene with the NBA in his blood. Phil Jackson, Rosen's longtime collaborator, might agree; after all, he attributes the statement on a plaque on his desk to Charley: "Basketball isn't just a metaphor for life--it's more important than that " And yet how Rosen arrived at his present position comfortably overseeing basketball at its finest is a story as unexpected as it is delightful, documenting basketball travels as unlikely as they are nomadic and eclectic.
Rosen's story begins during his undergraduate days at Hunter College, where his basketball exploits were equally triumphant and embarrassing, including a pickup game against Wilt Chamberlain. Things really got interesting when he made his way into the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), the breeding ground for nothing less than the second-best gathering of basketball players in the world. In the circus that was the CBA, Rosen found his place alongside Phil Jackson, then the newly hired coach of the Albany Patroons. Life in the CBA, as Rosen tells it, was never dull, with players doing illegal substances on van rides through snowstorms and teams financed by porn producers. His journey from the CBA to a desk at Fox Sports is a one-of-a-kind basketball story--only to be believed in the words of the guy who actually lived it.