When Jack "Goose" Givens first walked onto the basketball court at Lexington's Douglass Park for the legendary Dirt Bowl league, it was the beginning of one of the most illustrious sports careers in Kentucky history. After being named 1974's Mr. Basketball for the state of Kentucky as a high school senior, Givens signed with the University of Kentucky and went on to amass a string of achievements that place him among the all-time greats in NCAA college basketball—most notably leading UK to the 1978 NCAA Men's National Championship with his 41-point performance against the Duke Blue Devils in that historic game—and being named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player for that year. They Call Me Goose: My Life in Kentucky Basketball and Beyond is an intimate and all-encompassing look at the life and career of the basketball legend, from growing up in a housing project in Lexington, his success with UK men's basketball through his years with NBA's Atlanta Hawks and the Japan Basketball Association, his career as a college and NBA television color analyst, to his recent appointment as a commentator for the UK Sports Network. Givens shares personal and endearing stories from his childhood—how he was initially interested in baseball instead of basketball, the summers spent with his grandmother in Danville, Kentucky, and the teachers and coaches who guided and supported him along his journey. He also speaks candidly about his experiences with poverty, ruinous financial debt, the blowback from sexual assault allegations, and how his faith and his family helped sustain him through hardships and challenges. In collaboration with journalist Doug Brunk, Givens presents fans with the powerful story of a husband, father, mentor, businessman, and ambassador for Kentucky—who also just happens to be an iconic sports legend.

When Jack "Goose" Givens first walked onto the basketball court at Lexington's Douglass Park for the legendary Dirt Bowl league, it was the beginning of one of the most illustrious sports careers in Kentucky history. After being named 1974's Mr. Basketball for the state of Kentucky as a high school senior, Givens signed with the University of Kentucky and went on to amass a string of achievements that place him among the all-time greats in NCAA college basketball - most notably leading UK to the 1978 NCAA Men's National Championship with his 41-point performance against the Duke Blue Devils in that historic game - and being named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player for that year. They Call Me Goose: My Life in Kentucky Basketball and Beyond is an intimate and all-encompassing look at the life and career of the basketball legend, from growing up in a housing project in Lexington, his success with UK men's basketball through his years with NBA's Atlanta Hawks and the Japan Basketball Association, his career as a college and NBA television color analyst, to his recent appointment as a commentator for the UK Sports Network. Givens shares personal and endearing stories from his childhood - how he was initially interested in baseball instead of basketball, the summers spent with his grandmother in Danville, Kentucky, and the teachers and coaches who guided and supported him along his journey. He also speaks candidly about his experiences with poverty, ruinous financial debt, the blowback from sexual assault allegations, and how his faith and his family helped sustain him through hardships and challenges. In collaboration with journalist Doug Brunk, Givens presents fans with the powerful story of a husband, father, mentor, businessman, and ambassador for Kentucky - who also just happens to be an iconic sports legend.

"Winning a national title... winning it at Kentucky? There's nothing like it. You're always going to be remembered." -- Truman Claytor, member of UK's 1977--1978 NCAA National Championship team Joe B. Hall, Jack "Goose" Givens, Rick Robey, and Kyle Macy -- these names occupy a place of honor in Rupp Arena, home of the "greatest tradition in the history of college basketball." The team and coaches who led the University of Kentucky Wildcats to their 94--88 victory over the Duke Blue Devils in the 1978 national championship game are legendary. Yet the full, behind-the-scenes story of this team's incredible redemptive season has remained untold until now. In Forty Minutes to Glory, Doug Brunk presents an inside account of this celebrated squad and their championship season from summer pick-up games to the net-cutting ceremony in St. Louis. Brunk interviewed every surviving player, coach, and student manager from the 1977--1978 team and he shares unbelievable tales, such as how James Lee's father talked him out of quitting. Brunk also reveals heart-wrenching moments, recounting the time when Jay Shidler traveled 150 miles to visit his seriously ill mother on the eve of the national semifinals game against Arkansas and how Scott Courts coped with his father's death just days before the championship game against Duke. Published to coincide with the fortieth anniversary of the national championship victory, Forty Minutes to Glory invites the Big Blue Nation to relive a special season. Featuring chapters by Jack Givens and Coach Hall, this engaging book is a fitting tribute to one of the most talented and determined teams ever to compete on the hardwood.

What, in Ten Words or Less, Is All This Nonsense About? Good question Veteran writer John Keats doesn't limit his answer to ten words. But he does go to the heart of the 'nonsense"-the writing life-and provide keen wisdom based on a lifetime of craft.Keats (1920-2000) was a best-selling author of thirteen books and hundreds of magazine articles who left an acclaimed twenty-four-year writing career in 1974 to teach magazine writing in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.Everyone who attended Keats's classes will treasure this collection of essays, letters and unpublished stories, assembled by former student Doug Brunk. Everyone else will wish they had met the legendary writer and teacher in person. Keats's General Rules for Writing Nonfiction includes: * Where Writing Begins * How to Evoke Feelings * Adding Style to Form * Avoiding the Formulas * Finding Your Writer's Voice 'Keats was a legend who transformed the lives of a generation of students (including me). For anyone who cares about writing, this book is an entertaining and useful guide. It conveys those simple, powerful rules and that unique brand of wisdom that defined the writing, teaching, and life of John Keats." Nelson Peqa Editorial Director Rodale Custom Publishing Rodale, Inc. 'This is a great treat for the many people who knew and loved John Keats as a teacher and friend. Reading it was like listening to Keats talk about writing, which I always loved." William A. Glavin, Jr. Professor of Magazine Journalism S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
Syracuse University

Since the tenure of Coach Adolph Rupp, the University of Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team has been a virtual powerhouse, repeatedly dominating the Southeastern Conference and garnering eight national titles. UK basketball is a homegrown tradition for sports enthusiasts, fostering a community that thrives on the camaraderie of fandom and devotedly cheers for its players in both victory and defeat. The individuals who have coached, played for, and inspired the Wildcats are important figures in Kentucky history and continue to motivate future athletes and passionate fans.

Wildcat Memories illuminates the intimate connection between the UK basketball program and the commonwealth. Author Doug Brunk brings together some of the program's greatest coaches, players, and personalities to reflect on Kentuckians who provided inspiration, guidance, and moral support during their tenure as Wildcats. Featuring personal essays and behind-the-scenes stories from Kentucky legends Wallace "Wah Wah" Jones, Dan Issel, Joe B. Hall, Kyle Macy, and Tubby Smith, as well as newcomers Patrick Patterson, Darius Miller, and John Wall, this heartfelt collection shares an inside look at what makes UK basketball extraordinary.

More than a book of inspiring stories, Wildcat Memories is a fun romp through UK basketball history. In candid firsthand accounts, the players and coaches discuss their incredible Kentucky support systems and offer a glimpse into the rarely seen personal side of life as a Wildcat.