memoir essay about basketball

There's Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension

Hanif abdurraqib.

352 pages, Hardcover

First published March 26, 2024

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‘Hold whatever sweetness you can in your mouth for a little longer. Ignore the glass, dropped to the floor, fractured into an army of shards. This is how we begin the other story.’

‘A dunk contest is where one goes to execute some far-flung dream of what the body is capable of. It is where one goes to fail, often spectacularly. I wish all failure could be as beautiful as the failures that arrive to us midair, a reality setting in that we are incapable and yet still in flight. And still, there was no way Kenny was going to miss this dunk. We knew, crowded around a television, palms sweaty even before he took off, sprinting from seventy-five feet out. Even before he launched himself, toe touching just above the foul line (though who needs such specifics when miracles are afoot), even before the frozen moment, Kenny with his arm stretched straight up, heavenbound, the basketball an offering to the sky, but only for a moment. When Michael Jordan took off from the foul line in Indiana back in 1985, still with faint traces of hair on his head, all of us boys had been born, but barely. We mostly remembered the dunk in stillness, not in motion. Just like with Mike in ’85, a whole life can change if someone is in defiance of gravity for the right for the right amount of time.’ ‘With enough repetition, anything can become a religion. It doesn’t matter if it works or not, it simply matters if a person returns. It is hard to watch a team you know has dedicated itself to intentional atrocity, knowing that they still have to at least try and put on a show for the dwindling crowds in the arena. Even if the crowds, themselves, are also rooting for that team to lose.’ ‘‘The Leaving Song’ is the mother of a petulant, sometimes loud and unruly subgenre of song that is among my favourites: ‘The Begging Song’. It is a true but sad fact that this subgenre is most commonly dominated by men, some no-good motherfuckers who swear they might do right this next time around if you could just / if you would just / if you could find it in your / baby please don’t / and so on. And shit, I ain’t always been above being some form of that no-good motherfucker myself, but what I’m saying is that I have at least a little dignity and plus I can’t sing all that well, so you won’t catch me down on my knees, pleading, trying to bend a single note through the closing eye of forgiveness. But lord knows I love to be a spectator to someone else’s mess every now and then, since my own is so frequently unappealing (and relentlessly immovable), and so I do love a song where someone is doing some begging.’ ‘It should be made clear that begging and apologising are two different things. They perhaps live in the same apartment building, and when done at the right temperature, they can be heard through each other’s walls. Sometimes one may invite the other over, but the invitee can very easily either outstayed its welcome or leave far too early. Apologising is for the humbled; begging works best if the humility has yet to set in. This is, often, what makes begging such a unique vessel for this brand of song and—I must admit—why it makes sense that men have the most prominent hold on the genre. This can be a tender, thoughtful, self-reflective mode of tune, but so often, the begging is about both refusal and entitlement, which I suppose seems nefarious on its surface, though I am committed to seeing the usefulness in this type of refusal, at least to a point.’ ‘In the magic of the commercial, they can all hear LeBron, though his voice has numbed to a near-whisper inside of the arena. Fans outside nod along with his voice. They lean in and furrow their brows, affixing looks of determination to their faces. And yes, this might be the point where you understand—or can at least be swayed into believing—that what is being discussed here is destiny. Finally, the pin is out of the grenade. LeBron James, making clear what was already assumed. Not just I came home to win but We will win together. My god, the greatest lies are told in the name of sports, in the name of teams and cities and the people in them. People who do march from the docks to the doors of an arena. People who do save up some coins to get seats in the highest corner of the rafters, closer to the kingdom of heaven than he who would be named King. The greatest lies are told in the name of what people believe they can reach out and touch. How the idea of winning in a place where no one believes you to be a winner can summon the heart to leap from the edge of a cliff, praying to land in a sea of outstretched hands. There are worse lies than this, ones that I’m less prone to be seduced by in a moment of weakness, in a moment of dreaming.’ ‘Whether we know it to matter in the larger tapestry of our lives, or have washed it down with the accumulation of years, so many of us have left someone or somewhere. So many of us have built a chamber of suffering for someone to lock themselves in. I have been the face in a picture frame, turned over and then eventually discarded. Though it might not be the best time for this revelation, now, as we will momentarily leave each other, it must be said that leaving is the unspectacular part of this emotional math. Once this ends, once we hit zero and we depart, you will turn a page, and I will have returned to you. Different than I am right now, but a return nonetheless. And what happens in between is where the magic trick turns on itself.’ ‘There is a video that breaks my heart that you have perhaps seen. A raccoon, overjoyed with the gift of cotton candy, takes its bounty to the water, to wash the food off before consuming it. The raccoon, of course, does not know what any viewer knows. That the ball of sugar will be overtaken by the entry into the water and dissolve into nothing. When this happens, the raccoon becomes frantic and puzzled, feeling around the puddle of water, seeking what was lost, only to be greeted by its own reflection. The moments immediately after waking from a rapturous state of elsewhere can be the harshest mirror. One in which you reach for what you just knew your life to be, even as the concrete memory of it slips away with each passing second. And still, the remnants of that sweetness dance along the periphery of a sometimes painful living. And so do you then regret the dreaming itself? Or do you return to sleep each night, hoping to get back to that same place, knowing how impossible that might be? I hope you get it now.’ ‘I don’t know how to explain this to anyone who hasn’t spent a large portion of their life betting on losing teams, betting on a city people foolishly consider to be a losing city. I cannot explain this to anyone who hasn’t stumbled their way into some undeniable beauty only to set it on fire at their arrival because they felt too close to that which they weren’t sure they deserved. I cannot explain this to anyone who hasn’t prayed in a church for something they weren’t entirely sure God gave a fuck about.’ ‘There’s something about that kind of losing, the kind of losing where you are close enough to touch and taste the finality of being sole victors, but never actually holding it. That can drain a fan base in a way that might feel similar to perpetual losing—in a way that might make one crave the familiar eras of hopelessness. At least in the bleak times, there’s an honesty about the reality of everyone’s circumstances. The excitement that opens a season, when there are no wins or losses in anyone’s columns, and the excitement that fades as a record becomes weighed down with L’s, but with that weight comes a new hope: There’s always next year. This moment is lost, but soon there will be another season, another blank slate. Possibility awaits. If you can believe in it long enough, destiny rotates, tilts its wild and colourful feathers toward everyone eventually.’

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Basketball Junkie: A Memoir

Book by: Chris Herren and Bill Reynolds Review by: Andrew Murray Academic Advisor Michigan State University

Chris Herren was “dead for thirty seconds,” according to the officer that found him unresponsive behind the wheel of his parked car in Fall River, Massachusetts (p. 12). Basketball Junkie: A Memoir begins here and details Herren’s double life, one side in the very public realm of athletics and the other outside of the spotlight, behind closed doors. He was a nationally prominent high school basketball star from a small, hoops-crazed town who went on to play big-time college ball and professionally in the National Basketball Association and overseas. Cynically, the pressures associated with the athletic life that chose him lead to alcohol abuse, drug addiction, and death, at least for a moment. Herren’s memoir provides the reader an up-close experience with pressure, addiction, and life on the edge but also the power of family, friends, and the human spirit.    

Herren felt the pressure from the beginning. His grandfather, father, and older brother had a history of basketball success and he was the next in line for Durfee basketball, his high school in Fall River, Massachusetts. Losing was failure. Not winning state championships was failure. Every dribble, every pass, every shot was scrutinized. In this small town environment, when he wasn’t playing basketball, he was partying with his friends, smoking and swiping bottles of alcohol from liquor cabinets to drown out critical voices. 

As his basketball career progressed, the pressure amplified and the substance abuse continued. At Boston College, Herren first tried cocaine. From there, he moved on to painkillers, and then to heroin. It wasn’t until he’d crisscrossed the world playing basketball and returned home to Fall River, jobless, broke, and almost dead, that he found a way to fight through his addiction and begin his recovery.

While readers may not understand the nuanced world of big-time high school, college, and professional athletics, it’s easy to relate with the pressures that young people face, regardless of their environment.   It’s hard to believe, considering the support people and systems detailed throughout (coaches, advisors, etc.), that it took Herren so long to find help and for that help to have a lasting impact. At the same time, it speaks to the consuming nature of addiction and the immense challenge it poses.

Academic advisors, in some ways, have limited opportunities to interact with students. Herren’s story is a testament to the importance of making the most of those chances. Advisors must learn as much as possible, make a meaningful connection, and show empathy. In his basketball camps, where he teaches about the sport and shares his life experiences, Herren goes as far as assuming that the campers are coming from difficult situations themselves, knowing “how fragile kids can be” (p. 260). He works with elementary, middle school, and high school-aged athletes, but the idea translates well to higher education. College students, with more life experience, can be just as fragile, if not more so.

Basketball Junkie: A Memoir reminds readers of the importance of connection and the strength of the human spirit. Issues of substance abuse and addiction are hard to comprehend from outside perspectives, but can be countered by love and support. Ultimately, the right combination of family, friends, and inner-strength can always overcome.     

Basketball Junkie: A Memoir. (2011). Book by Chris Herren and Bill Reynolds. Review by Andrew Murray. New York, NY: St. Martin’s Griffin. 275 pp., $14.99, ISBN 978-1-250-00689-9  

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Essay on Basketball History

Students are often asked to write an essay on Basketball History in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Basketball History

The birth of basketball.

Basketball started in 1891. A physical education teacher named Dr. James Naismith invented it. He wanted a game that could be played indoors during winter. He hung a peach basket at each end of the gym and used a soccer ball. That’s how basketball began.

The Rules of the Game

At first, basketball had 13 rules. For example, players could not run with the ball. They had to throw it from the spot they caught it. Over time, these rules changed. Now, players can dribble and move around the court.

Basketball Spreads Globally

Basketball quickly became popular. Schools, colleges, and clubs started playing it. In 1936, it became an Olympic sport. Now, it’s played all over the world. The NBA, America’s professional league, is famous globally.

Women in Basketball

Women started playing basketball in 1892, just a year after it was invented. The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) was founded in 1996. It’s the most successful women’s professional sports league in the U.S.

Modern Basketball

250 words essay on basketball history.

Basketball started in 1891. A man named Dr. James Naismith, a physical education teacher from Canada, invented it. He was trying to create a new game to keep his students active during the cold winter months. He decided to hang a peach basket on the wall. The goal was to throw a soccer ball into the basket. That’s how basketball was born!

Early Basketball Rules

The first basketball game was very different from what we know today. There were nine players on each team. The ball could only be moved by passing, not dribbling. If a team made a basket, they scored a point and the game was paused to get the ball out of the basket. In 1893, the first women’s basketball game was played.

Formation of Professional Leagues

Basketball became popular quickly. In 1936, it was included in the Olympic Games. In 1946, the Basketball Association of America (BAA) was formed. This was the first professional basketball league. In 1949, the BAA merged with the rival National Basketball League to form the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Today, basketball is played worldwide. The rules have changed a lot since Naismith’s time. Now, there are five players on each team. Players can dribble the ball and there’s a net instead of a basket. The NBA is the most famous basketball league, with teams and players known all over the world.

Basketball has a rich history. From a simple game with a peach basket and a soccer ball, it has become a global sport loved by millions.

500 Words Essay on Basketball History

Introduction to basketball, the inception of basketball.

Naismith wrote down 13 basic rules for this new game. He hung a peach basket onto the elevated track, and used a soccer ball as the first basketball. The aim was to throw the ball into the opposing team’s peach basket. The game was a hit from the start. Students loved it, and it quickly spread to other schools and colleges.

In 1936, basketball was included in the Berlin Olympic Games, giving it a global platform. In 1946, the Basketball Association of America (BAA) was formed. This was the first major professional basketball league. In 1949, the BAA merged with a rival league, the National Basketball League (NBL), to form the National Basketball Association (NBA). The NBA is now the world’s top professional basketball league.

Changes in the Game

Famous players.

Basketball has given us many famous players. Michael Jordan, a player from the 1980s and 1990s, is often called the best player of all time. He won six championships with the Chicago Bulls. In recent years, players like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry have also become famous. They have taken the game to new heights with their skills and talent.

Women also have a strong presence in basketball. The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) was formed in 1996. It is the premier women’s professional basketball league in the world. Players like Lisa Leslie, Diana Taurasi, and Maya Moore have made huge contributions to women’s basketball.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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Sport in American History

Review of looking up once again: a basketball memoir.

O’Brien, Jim. Looking Up Once Again: A Basketball Memoir . Pittsburgh, Pa.: James P. O’Brien Publishing, 2020. Pp. 480. Photos and illustrations, color and black & white. $28 paperback.

Reviewed by Richard A. Macales

“Most ABA ballplayers had a considerable chip on their shoulders. Someone had wronged them; didn’t want them in their game. Didn’t pay them what they deserved. Any slight was seldom forgotten or forgiven.” –- Jim O’Brien, “Michael Jordan and Red McCombs combine for great doubleheader.”

“The stars often take interviews for granted; they’ve done so many of them. Lesser players have wanted to tell their stories for years. Someone just had to listen.” — Jim O’Brien, “Jim Eakins was equal to the task every time out, on and off the court.”

Jim O’Brien, a member of the U.S. Basketball Writers Hall of Fame, has spent the last six decades covering sports – particularly basketball – mainly out of his native Pittsburgh; ironic, because Steel City has never had an NBA team. (For the record, the Pittsburgh Ironmen competed in the Basketball Association of America.) Thanks to O’Brien, Pittsburgh will forever remain an integral part of basketball lore through its association with Connie Hawkins, one of the most controversial and memorable players in basketball history. “The Hawk,” as he was known, is a member of O’Brien’s “Dream Team” which is displayed on the attractive cover art of volume 1 of Looking Up , published in 2017, as part of a trilogy (and reviewed by SAH on May 19, 2018 ). (Later in this review, we will discover the other members of O’Brien’s “Dream Team.”)

O’Brien recalls when “The Hawk” played for two Pittsburgh-based teams, in different years during the turbulent 1960’s, in rival and ultimately ill-fated leagues to the NBA. Hawkins’ first professional team, from 1961-63, was the American Basketball League’s Pittsburgh Rens (named in honor of the New York-based legendary all-Black “Renaissance” which existed from the 1920s to the 1940s). Hawkins’ second renegade-league team, in 1967-68, was the American Basketball Association’s Pittsburgh Pipers, the first champs of the ABA (1968). During the interim years, he played for the Harlem Globetrotters.

So why didn’t Hawkins play in the NBA? He allegedly accepted bribes in a point-shaving scandal while a high school basketball player. The scandal, however, did not surface until he finished high school and had already received a basketball scholarship to the University of Iowa. The consequence: banishment after his freshman year of playing collegiate basketball by the NCAA. That allegation led to Hawkins being banned by the NBA for life. Litigation followed. Hawkins was eventually cleared of the charges but it took eight long years. Hawkins finally got his chance to play in the NBA, initially for the Phoenix Suns in 1969.

While “justice” has been the watchword of 2020, Hawkins, a proud Black man, went through much hardship before being cleared to play in the NBA. But justice did eventually prevail, albeit slowly thanks, in part, to white and Black activists heavily involved in the 1960’s Civil Rights Movement. And Connie Hawkins was one of the Movement’s sports causes (along with Muhammad Ali and his banishment from boxing for refusing to be drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War).

O’Brien is a master storyteller, a proud Irish Catholic whose gift for writing and radio commentary is in the Gaelic seanchai tradition, albeit on the topic of American sports. Throughout his long career, O’Brien has differed from many other sportswriters. Rather than letting statistics tell the story of a great athlete, he paints a vivid word-visual whereby the athlete has great stats and is a champ precisely because of his/her life story and persona. His superb interviewing skills have enabled him to gain access to the greatest players of all-time and to get them to talk on-the-record , even about intimate details of their lives. Imagine: Freudian psychology applied …by a sportswriter!

O’Brien’s finest chapter, “On the Nose of a Seal: Nine Seasons on the Brink,” was titled as such because of a coach’s sardonic comment when asked how he felt about the ABA’s (now iconic) red, white and blue basketball. O’Brien writes:

  I felt like a member of the ABA family. I think I brought some attention and respect to the upstart league by the many stories I wrote about it.

This is an understatement! He then lists the publications in which he wrote about the ABA (and NBA): The New York Post (a daily paper where he covered the NBA’s Knicks and ABA’s Nets, as well as hockey’s NY Islanders – sometimes on the same night!) , The Sporting News (a weekly, where he served as the lead ABA columnist for seven seasons of the league’s nine-year existence) , Basketball News, Basketball Weekly, Basketball Digest, The Complete Handbook of Pro Basketball (founding editor of the first three editions of this fan favorite) and Street & Smith’s Basketball Yearbook (founding editor for 23 years and then editor-emeritus for 14 more years in what writers and fans widely referred to as “The Bible of Basketball”) .

To properly research pro basketball in the mid and late 20 th century, one must use these publications as authoritative sources of information. O’Brien’s ability to write outstanding copy on short deadlines is prodigious. In sheer volume, the number of words he has written on basketball may be unsurpassed. As a result, O’Brien is possibly the most influential media driver of basketball’s popularity in the past half-century.

While there are many wonderful reminiscences of NBA players — most notably a touching tribute to Kobe Bryant’s final game on April 23, 2016 — the focus in Looking Up Once Again is primarily on the ABA. Of the 50-plus chapters, 30 focus on ABA personalities and teams. And for good reason. While the NBA garners large exposure through all media, the ABA existed (between 1967 and ’76) largely in a vacuum. O’Brien was mainly responsible for giving it national exposure.

Author O’Brien (born one month after Connie Hawkins, he proudly notes), still vividly recalls “The Hawk’s” exploits as the first bona fide star in the ABA. A chapter, “Riot on the Hill,” focuses on the Pipers’ championship run in the wake of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination on April 4, 1968, as well as the riots and reopening of Pittsburgh in its aftermath. O’Brien then fast tracks the reader to the present — the May 25, 2020 killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, and how civil unrest affected Pittsburgh (and many other cities across the nation in late spring and summer). Significantly, Minneapolis’ Bloomington suburb was also where Connie Hawkins played his second season in the ABA in 1968-69. The link between Hawkins and Minneapolis, however, is not addressed in O’Brien’s book.  It could have made an appropriate and timely tie-in.

Since major league sports were inactive at the time of the George Floyd tragedy in the spring of 2020, O’Brien chose to tell the stories of great Black basketball players first-named George whom he knows. During the pandemic lockdown and civil unrest, he contacted George Thompson, who played for the ABA’s Pittsburgh Pipers (later renamed the Condors) in the post-Connie Hawkins era, where he became a three-time ABA all-star.  O’Brien also reached out to George Gervin, who began his Hall of Fame career in the ABA for the San Antonio Spurs (now of the NBA). Both chapters are outstanding reflections on Thompson’s and Gervin’s lives as “at-risk” kids from the big-city ghettoes who made it out and now, in their post-pro basketball lives, have helped young people in similar circumstances.

O’Brien, himself, has had a bit of a nonconformist streak, dating back to his early years. He covered the ABA’s Pittsburgh Pipers for his self-described “hard-hitting” Pittsburgh Weekly Sports, which he co-published, beginning in 1963, during his senior year at the University of Pittsburgh (where he received a B.A. in English; and in later years completed his graduate studies in English Literature). He provided oft-critical examination of the 1960’s sports scene at a time in American history when the Free Speech Movement on college campuses across the nation was beginning to boil over. O’Brien is also careful to share the credit of conceiving Pittsburgh Weekly Sports with his co-publisher, co-contributor and close friend, the late “Beano” Cook, ABC Sports and CBS Sports publicist, and noted college football historian.

Looking Up Once Again is O’Brien’s second volume in a trilogy, much of it written during the 2020 coronavirus lockdown. Similar to volume one, there are warm memories by the author about the long-gone and the forgotten cast of “characters” as players, owners, coaches and club officials in the ABA.

Several chapters examine one of the ABA’s most enduring franchises, the Louisville-based Kentucky Colonels, and its eccentric, yet financially well-heeled, owners. O’Brien feels the Colonels should have been included in the “merger”; the author’s word for four ABA franchises being absorbed into the NBA in 1976. They weren’t. The Colonels’ final owner was former Kentucky Gov. John Y. Brown, husband of recently deceased TV sports commentator Phyllis George. Brown, the former owner of Kentucky Fried Chicken/KFC, accepted a multimillion dollar payout and folded the team with its many all-star players, led by future Hall of Fame center Artis Gilmore. O’Brien asserts that in any future NBA team expansion or relocation Louisville should receive a team.

The cover of the book is designed by an outstanding pop culture caricaturist and miniaturist, Bob Weaver , who has designed many of O’Brien’s recent books. The cover design on the previous volume of Looking Up is Weaver’s finest of all of O’Brien’s book projects. On the covers of Looking Up Once Again and the previous volume, Looking Up: From the NBA to the ABA, the WNBA to the NCAA, we see O’Brien’s “Dream Team.” Pictured (from left; beginning on the back side of the newest volume): John Havlicek, Kevin Durant, David Thompson, Red Auerbach (coach), Bob Cousy, Anthony Davis, Oscar Robertson, Spencer Haywood, Elgin Baylor, Shaquille O’Neal, Bob Pettit, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Bill Russell and Kobe Bryant.

Pictured on the first volume (from right; back cover) are Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Wilt Chamberlain, Connie Hawkins, Jerry West, Pete Maravich and Julius Erving. Three of these players launched their careers in the ABA—Erving, Thompson and Haywood. Two of O’Brien’s “Dream Team” players — NBA stars — are profiled in Looking Up Once Again – the late Wilt Chamberlain and Bob Pettit, now 88 and retired, whose career dates back to the NBA’s early years. Chamberlain and Pettit were the 78-year-old O’Brien’s adolescent favorites. 

The book includes many rare photos from O’Brien’s personal collection and 16 pages of color reproductions, including vintage Topps ABA basketball player cards. It also features a few carefully selected magazine covers with extra special articles, as well as then-and-now photos from the various ABA reunions he had attended (in color and black & white). The inside flap, both front and back, displays an attractive collage of color reproductions of each of O’Brien’s Street & Smith’s Basketball Yearbooks that he personally edited or had served as editor-emeritus. The graphic designer, Cathy Powlowski, did an outstanding job laying out the book, giving the reader an experience of being part of a friend’s personal diary and photo album.  

O’Brien wrote or re-edited chapters from Looking Up Once Again during the peak of the coronavirus; arguably, the most contentious year ever in America. As a result, the author’s usually upbeat and often gentle wit, which always comes through in his books and articles, has an uncharacteristic and more subdued tone  — understandably — at times in the narrative in his latest tome. The opening chapter begins with Kobe Bryant’s tragic death on January 26, 2020, just before we recognized the full meaning of coronavirus; the closing chapter on the passing of another longtime friend and NBA great, Hall of Famer Wes Unseld, who died on June 2, 2020.

Kathie, for 53 years his wife and helpmate (particularly when he edited the Street & Smith’s Basketball Yearbooks ), is concerned about her husband, not only as a soulmate, but she is a hospital social worker by academic training and profession. And Jim O’Brien is not afraid to share his feelings and concerns, and those of his wife, Kathie, with the reader.

Writes O’Brien in a rare contemplative moment, discussing his future :

Books that belong to me have scribbled notes in the margins. I have more files, all labeled as to subject, more than my wife Kathie is comfortable with having in this half of our home. She worries about what’s to be done with them when I am gone. I tell her there are people you can pay to take them away. One man’s treasure is another woman’s junk. But they are mine. My life’s work for safekeeping, and they are a goldmine of newspaper and magazine clippings, yellow ledgers with hand-written words from so many interviews, scraps with a note or two on them, personal correspondence, photos, so many photos, artwork, images. Material that is requisite and still so much alive when I hear Billy Joel in Piano Man singing, ‘Play me a memory’.

He concludes with a quote from one of his favorite columnists, Jimmy Cannon, a “scribe” during the pre-TV and Internet era when the printed daily newspaper was the most influential source of news and commentary: “Don’t start out with a tough question or you’ll end up with an empty notebook. Save the tough question for last .”

Rich Macales, a native Angeleno, was a former longtime senior writer and public information officer at UCLA. He is a contributor to the anthology/encyclopedia, American Sports: A History of Icons, Idols and Ideas , edited by Prof. Murry R. Nelson, ABC-Clio. He wrote the basketball entries on the Los Angeles Lakers, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Kobe Bryant. He has also written about the Los Angeles Stars of the American Basketball Association (ABA) and Los Angeles Jets of the American Basketball League (ABL) for various other books and blogs.

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Review of Looking Up: From the ABA to the NBA, The WNBA to the NCAA

Review of Beyond the Black Power Salute: Athlete Activism in an Era of Change

Review of UCLA Basketball Encyclopedia

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The Basketball Diaries Essay

"The Basketball Diaries" is a gripping memoir by Jim Carroll that chronicles his tumultuous journey through adolescence, addiction, and self-discovery. Set in New York City during the 1960s, the memoir serves as a raw and unfiltered exploration of Carroll's life as he navigates the complexities of youth, basketball, and drug addiction. Through vivid and haunting prose, Carroll paints a vivid picture of the harsh realities faced by urban teenagers, shedding light on the allure and devastation of drugs, the bonds of friendship, and the power of artistic expression.

Carroll's narrative begins innocently enough, with him as a talented basketball player with dreams of making it big. However, as he delves deeper into the gritty underbelly of New York City, he finds himself ensnared by the allure of drugs. The memoir does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of addiction, portraying Carroll's descent into heroin addiction with unflinching honesty. His struggles with addiction serve as a cautionary tale, highlighting the destructive power of substance abuse and the toll it takes on individuals and their loved ones.

Amidst the darkness, there are moments of beauty and redemption in "The Basketball Diaries." Carroll finds solace in his writing, using poetry as a means of grappling with his inner demons and finding a sense of catharsis. His poetic voice shines through the pages, offering glimpses of hope amidst the despair. Through his writing, Carroll discovers a sense of purpose and identity, ultimately finding redemption through self-expression.

"The Basketball Diaries" is more than just a memoir; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of storytelling. Carroll's unflinching portrayal of his struggles serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of confronting our demons head-on. In a world filled with darkness and despair, "The Basketball Diaries" stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of light waiting to guide us home.

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• Personal Essay : My Love For The Game Of Basketball

Basketball Skills Essay

--- Basketball Skills: Mastering the Fundamentals for Success Introduction In the realm of sports, basketball stands as a testament to the fusion of athleticism, strategy, and skill. With its global appeal and rich history, basketball continues to captivate audiences worldwide. From the fast-paced action on the court to the intricate maneuvers executed by players, the game demands a mastery of fundamental skills. This essay aims to explore the essential skills required for success in basketball, delving into the technical aspects, strategic nuances, and psychological elements that contribute to excellence on the hardwood. Technical Skills: Dribbling, Shooting, and Passing At the core of basketball proficiency lie three fundamental technical skills: dribbling, shooting, and passing. Dribbling, the art of controlling the ball while in motion, forms the foundation of offensive play. A skilled dribbler can navigate through defenders with ease, create scoring opportunities, and maintain possession under pressure. Effective dribbling demands a combination of hand-eye coordination, agility, and ball-handling finesse. Shooting, arguably the most celebrated skill in basketball, epitomizes the essence of scoring. Whether executing a mid-range jumper or a three-point shot from beyond the arc, shooting accuracy separates elite players from the rest. It encompasses proper shooting form, footwork, and spatial awareness, culminating in the ability to consistently convert scoring opportunities. Passing, often overshadowed by scoring prowess, serves as the lifeblood of team play. A proficient passer possesses the vision to anticipate openings, the precision to deliver accurate passes, and the timing to exploit defensive vulnerabilities. From crisp chest passes to flashy alley-oops, effective passing facilitates ball movement, fosters teamwork, and creates scoring opportunities for teammates. Strategic Acumen: Court Awareness and Defensive Tactics Beyond technical proficiency, basketball success hinges on strategic acumen and tactical awareness. Court awareness, the ability to read and react to the flow of the game, separates astute players from mere participants. It involves understanding spacing, recognizing defensive coverages, and exploiting mismatches to gain a competitive advantage. A player with keen court awareness anticipates plays before they unfold, positioning themselves strategically to influence outcomes positively. Defensive prowess, often overshadowed by offensive prowess, is indispensable for championship-caliber teams. Effective defense entails a combination of individual skills and collective effort, including on-ball defense, help defense, and rebounding. A formidable defender disrupts opposing offenses, contests shots, and forces turnovers, thereby dictating the tempo of the game and demoralizing opponents. Psychological Resilience: Mental Toughness and Competitive Spirit In the crucible of competition, psychological resilience emerges as a defining trait of successful basketball players. Mental toughness, the ability to maintain focus, composure, and confidence in the face of adversity, is essential for overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities. Whether facing a deficit in the closing minutes or enduring a shooting slump, mentally tough players exhibit resilience, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Furthermore, a competitive spirit fuels the fire within elite athletes, driving them to outperform their opponents and elevate their game to new heights. It encompasses a hunger for victory, a refusal to accept defeat, and a commitment to continuous improvement. A player with a competitive spirit embraces challenges, relishes competition, and thrives under pressure, embodying the essence of athletic excellence. Conclusion In conclusion, basketball skills encompass a diverse array of technical, strategic, and psychological elements that collectively contribute to success on the court. From mastering the fundamentals of dribbling, shooting, and passing to developing strategic acumen and psychological resilience, elite players embody a holistic approach to the game. By honing their skills, embracing strategic thinking, and cultivating a competitive spirit, basketball enthusiasts can aspire to reach new heights of excellence in the world's most beloved sport. --- Feel free to request any revisions or adjustments as needed!...

Essay on My Two Favorite Sports: Tennis vs. Basketball

My Two Favorite Sports: Tennis vs Basketball When it comes to sports, few rival the thrill and excitement offered by tennis and basketball. Both are immensely popular around the world, captivating audiences with their fast-paced action, strategic gameplay, and unparalleled displays of athleticism. As an avid sports enthusiast, I have found myself deeply drawn to both tennis and basketball, each offering its own unique appeal and challenges. However, when comparing these two beloved sports, there are distinct differences in terms of gameplay, physical demands, and the overall experience for both players and spectators. Tennis, with its roots dating back to the 19th century, is a sport that demands precision, agility, and mental fortitude. Played on a rectangular court, the objective is simple: to outmaneuver and outplay your opponent by hitting the ball in such a way that they are unable to return it. What makes tennis truly captivating is the one-on-one nature of the game, where every serve, volley, and smash can make the difference between victory and defeat. The sport requires not only physical prowess but also strategic thinking, as players must anticipate their opponent's moves and adapt their gameplay accordingly. Additionally, tennis is a sport that can be enjoyed at any skill level, whether casually rallying with friends or competing at the professional level. On the other hand, basketball offers a completely different experience, characterized by its fast-paced nature and team-oriented gameplay. Played on a rectangular court with two hoops at either end, the objective is to score points by shooting the ball through the opponent's hoop while also defending your own. Unlike tennis, basketball is a sport that relies heavily on teamwork, communication, and coordination among players. From executing precise passes to executing intricate plays, success in basketball hinges on the collective effort of the entire team. Moreover, basketball is renowned for its electrifying dunks, spectacular alley-oops, and buzzer-beating shots, making it a thrilling spectacle for both players and spectators alike. In conclusion, while tennis and basketball may differ in terms of gameplay and dynamics, both sports hold a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide. Whether it's the individual intensity of tennis or the collaborative spirit of basketball, each offers its own unique brand of excitement and enjoyment. As someone who cherishes the thrill of competition and the camaraderie of sports, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to experience the best of both worlds through tennis and basketball....

Miranda’s Diary from The Tempest Essay

Miranda's Diary from The Tempest Dear Diary, Today marks yet another day on this mysterious island, where my father, Prospero, and I have been living for as long as I can remember. The island is both enchanting and isolating, surrounded by the vast ocean that stretches out endlessly in every direction. Although I have grown accustomed to our solitary existence, I cannot help but wonder about the world beyond the shores of our secluded home. As I reflect on my life here, I am reminded of the day when we were visited by the shipwrecked souls, including the handsome Prince Ferdinand. His arrival stirred feelings within me that I had never experienced before. Despite my father's warnings about the treachery of men, I found myself drawn to Ferdinand, captivated by his noble demeanor and gentle spirit. Our encounters have awakened a longing within me for companionship and love, feelings that I struggle to reconcile with the lessons imparted by my father. In the midst of these conflicting emotions, I find solace in the company of Ariel and Caliban, two vastly different beings who inhabit this island alongside us. Ariel, the airy spirit bound to my father's will, possesses a grace and ethereal beauty that never fails to intrigue me. His enchanting songs and mischievous antics bring a sense of joy to our otherwise quiet existence. On the other hand, Caliban, the deformed and resentful native of the island, serves as a constant reminder of the darker aspects of our surroundings. Despite his grievances against my father, I cannot help but pity Caliban and the loneliness that consumes him. As I contemplate the complexities of life on this island, I am filled with a sense of yearning for freedom and exploration. While my father has shielded me from the outside world, I cannot shake the feeling that there is more to life than the confines of our secluded existence. With each passing day, I find myself longing for adventure and the opportunity to discover the wonders that lie beyond the horizon. In the pages of this diary, I confide my deepest thoughts and desires, knowing that one day, they may lead me on a journey beyond the shores of this enchanted island. Until then, I will cherish the moments of beauty and wonder that fill my days, and continue to dream of a life filled with love, adventure, and discovery. Yours faithfully, Miranda...

• Life Experiences
• Emotions & Feelings

Jim Carroll's The Basketball Diaries

Jim Carroll's "The Basketball Diaries" is a compelling autobiographical work that delves into the turbulent journey of adolescence, addiction, and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of New York City in the 1960s, Carroll offers readers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into his tumultuous coming-of-age experiences. Through vivid prose and poignant reflection, he navigates the highs and lows of youth with unflinching honesty, painting a vivid portrait of a young man grappling with the complexities of identity and addiction. One of the central themes of "The Basketball Diaries" is the exploration of addiction and its devastating consequences. Carroll chronicles his descent into drug abuse with haunting detail, offering a harrowing account of the allure and destructiveness of substance abuse. From his initial experimentation with drugs to his struggle with addiction, Carroll's narrative serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk beneath the surface of teenage rebellion. Through his candid portrayal of addiction's grip, Carroll sheds light on the cyclical nature of self-destruction and the profound impact it has on individuals and their loved ones. In addition to its exploration of addiction, "The Basketball Diaries" also offers a poignant meditation on the search for identity and meaning amidst chaos. As Carroll grapples with his burgeoning sexuality, fractured family dynamics, and the harsh realities of urban life, he embarks on a quest for self-discovery that is as painful as it is transformative. Through his experiences on the basketball court, in the streets of New York, and within the confines of his own mind, Carroll confronts the existential questions that haunt him, ultimately emerging with a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him. Moreover, Carroll's evocative prose and keen observations capture the essence of a bygone era, transporting readers to the streets of 1960s New York City with vivid clarity. From the hustle and bustle of Times Square to the dimly lit alleys of Harlem, Carroll's portrayal of the city serves as a rich tapestry upon which his narrative unfolds. Through his keen eye for detail and lyrical language, Carroll breathes life into his surroundings, imbuing them with a sense of palpable authenticity that resonates long after the final page is turned. In conclusion, Jim Carroll's "The Basketball Diaries" is a powerful and thought-provoking work that continues to captivate readers with its unflinching portrayal of youth, addiction, and self-discovery. Through Carroll's raw honesty and evocative storytelling, readers are invited to embark on a journey of introspection and empathy, confronting the complexities of the human experience with courage and compassion....

A Summary OfThe Diary Of Aleppo Essay

In the heart of Syria lies the ancient city of Aleppo, a place steeped in history and culture, yet marred by the ravages of war and conflict in recent years. In "The Diary of Aleppo," the author provides a poignant account of life in this historic city, capturing both its rich tapestry of heritage and the harrowing realities faced by its inhabitants amidst turmoil. The diary serves as a chronicle of daily existence in Aleppo, offering glimpses into the lives of its people as they navigate the complexities of war, displacement, and resilience. Through the eyes of the narrator, we are transported into the heart of the city, where the echoes of past glory mingle with the sounds of gunfire and destruction. One of the central themes of the diary is the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Despite the hardships endured by the people of Aleppo, there is a prevailing sense of hope and determination to rebuild their lives and preserve their cultural heritage. Through acts of kindness, solidarity, and courage, the inhabitants of Aleppo defy the despair and destruction that surrounds them, embodying the indomitable spirit of the city. Moreover, "The Diary of Aleppo" sheds light on the intricate social fabric of the city, highlighting the diversity of its population and the bonds that unite them. From the bustling markets to the ancient mosques and churches, Aleppo is depicted as a vibrant mosaic of cultures and traditions, each contributing to the unique identity of the city. At its core, the diary serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Aleppo, a city that has withstood the test of time and emerged stronger in the face of adversity. Through vivid imagery and lyrical prose, the author captures the essence of Aleppo, inviting readers to embark on a journey of discovery and introspection. In conclusion, "The Diary of Aleppo" is a poignant and compelling portrayal of life in one of the world's oldest cities. Through its pages, we are reminded of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community in overcoming even the most daunting challenges. As Aleppo continues to rebuild and recover, the diary stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of this historic city and its people....

• Human Impact

Anne Frank's Diary Essay

Anne Frank's diary is a powerful and poignant account of a young girl's experience during the Holocaust. Written while hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam, Anne's diary provides a unique and personal perspective on the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit. Through her words, readers are able to glimpse the daily struggles and triumphs of a young girl coming of age in the most challenging of circumstances. One of the most striking aspects of Anne Frank's diary is her unwavering optimism in the face of adversity. Despite the constant fear and uncertainty of her situation, Anne remains hopeful and determined to make the most of her time in hiding. Her diary is filled with reflections on the beauty of nature, the joys of friendship, and the power of love. Through her writing, Anne reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is still light to be found. Another key theme in Anne Frank's diary is the importance of family and community. Throughout her time in hiding, Anne relies on the support and companionship of her family and the other occupants of the secret annex. Their shared experiences create a bond that sustains them through the most difficult moments. Anne's diary serves as a testament to the strength that can be found in unity and solidarity, even in the face of unimaginable hardship. In addition to its emotional impact, Anne Frank's diary also serves as a historical document that sheds light on the human cost of war and persecution. By sharing her personal story, Anne gives a voice to the millions of victims of the Holocaust who were silenced by hatred and violence. Her diary serves as a reminder of the importance of bearing witness to the past and standing up against injustice in the present. In conclusion, Anne Frank's diary is a timeless and powerful work that continues to resonate with readers around the world. Through her words, Anne invites us to see the world through her eyes and to remember the humanity that unites us all. Her diary is a testament to the enduring power of hope, love, and resilience in the face of darkness. Anne Frank's legacy lives on in her words, inspiring future generations to never forget the lessons of the past....

Process Essay: The Life Of A Basketball Player

Basketball, a sport beloved by millions worldwide, is more than just a game—it's a way of life. At the heart of this dynamic sport lies the basketball itself, a humble sphere that undergoes a journey from production to play, weaving through various stages that ultimately define its life on and off the court. The journey of a basketball begins in the manufacturing plant, where raw materials such as rubber, synthetic leather, and nylon are carefully selected and molded into the iconic spherical shape. Precision is paramount during this stage, as even the slightest imperfection can affect the ball's performance. Once formed, the basketball moves to the stitching phase, where skilled artisans meticulously sew together the panels, ensuring durability and optimal grip for players during gameplay. After assembly, the basketball undergoes rigorous testing to meet industry standards and regulations. This includes assessments of inflation pressure, weight distribution, and bounce height to guarantee consistent performance across different courts and conditions. Quality control measures are implemented to detect any defects or inconsistencies, ensuring that only the finest products reach the hands of players and enthusiasts. Once approved, the basketball is ready to embark on its journey into the world of sports. Whether it's a neighborhood pickup game or a professional league match, the basketball serves as the focal point of the action, facilitating exhilarating plays and unforgettable moments on the court. With each dribble, pass, and shot, the ball becomes infused with the energy and excitement of the game, bearing witness to the skill and passion of those who handle it. Off the court, the life of a basketball continues as it becomes a symbol of camaraderie, competition, and community. From youth leagues to international tournaments, the basketball transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, uniting people of all backgrounds in the spirit of sport. Whether displayed proudly on a trophy shelf or cherished as a memento of past victories, the basketball remains a timeless reminder of the bonds forged through teamwork and perseverance. In conclusion, the life of a basketball is a remarkable journey marked by craftsmanship, performance, and legacy. From its inception in the manufacturing plant to its role in the heart of the game, the basketball embodies the essence of athleticism and camaraderie. As players dribble, pass, and shoot, they breathe life into the ball, creating a shared experience that transcends the boundaries of the court. Truly, the life of a basketball is a testament to the enduring power of sport to inspire, unite, and uplift us all....

Essay on History of Basketball

Basketball is a sport that has captured the hearts of millions around the world. Its origins can be traced back to the late 19th century when Dr. James Naismith, a Canadian physical education instructor, invented the game as a way to keep his students active indoors during the harsh winters. The first game of basketball was played on December 21, 1891, at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. Initially, basketball was played with nine players on each team, and the objective was to score points by throwing a soccer ball into peach baskets suspended at each end of the gymnasium. The game quickly gained popularity, spreading to other YMCA centers and schools across the United States. In 1893, the first women's basketball game was played at Smith College, further contributing to the sport's growth and development. Over the years, basketball underwent several modifications and refinements to its rules and equipment. In 1906, metal hoops with backboards were introduced to replace the original peach baskets, allowing for easier retrieval of the ball after each score. In 1936, basketball made its debut as an Olympic sport at the Berlin Olympics, further solidifying its status as a global phenomenon. One of the most significant milestones in the history of basketball was the formation of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1946. The NBA brought together the best basketball talent from across the United States, providing a platform for players to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level. Since its inception, the NBA has grown into one of the most prestigious professional basketball leagues in the world, attracting millions of fans and generating billions of dollars in revenue annually. Throughout its history, basketball has continued to evolve, with new playing styles, strategies, and innovations shaping the game. The introduction of the shot clock in 1954 revolutionized the pace of play, leading to higher-scoring and more exciting games. The implementation of the three-point line in the 1979-1980 NBA season further enhanced the strategic aspect of the game, rewarding teams for their long-range shooting prowess. In conclusion, the history of basketball is a testament to the sport's enduring popularity and evolution over time. From its humble beginnings as a simple indoor activity to its current status as a global phenomenon, basketball has captivated audiences around the world with its fast-paced action, athleticism, and excitement. As the sport continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: basketball's ability to inspire and unite people of all ages and backgrounds through the universal language of sport....

• History of the United States

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The Best Sports Memoirs, According to Sports Journalists

Whether you’re a sports fan or just a history buff, looking back at sporting events has produced some of the world’s finest journalism. But it could be argued that no outside observers’ perspective can compare to being inside the heads of those who scored that game-winning point, series-winning run, or tournament-winning goal (or coached any teams that did). Which is why, with so many of our favorite sports still on pause as their leagues figure out how to resume competition, we realized getting lost in a good sports memoir could be the next best thing to spending hours watching a game itself. But with so many sports memoirs ghostwritten or scribbled in a hurry as a valedictory rite of passage, which ones are actually up to snuff?

To find out, we asked 17 experts — including sportswriters, broadcasters, and professors — for their recommendations. While their responses included memoirs written by many athletes who are household names, we also learned about stories told by others that the spotlight may have missed, and a few written by coaches or superfans with perspectives that are just as gripping as those of athletes who actually took the field. Read on for their picks, which we’ve organized by sport. In the tradition of our other reading lists, we’ve named any books with two or more recommendations as best overall. But we’ve also included titles emphatically recommended by just one person, for those who may want to dive further into any category.

Best tennis memoirs

Best overall tennis memoir.

Three people raved about this memoir, which journalist Jonathan Eig, the author of Ali: A Life , says “may be the all-time best-written memoir by a major athlete.” All who recommended it praised the book’s “shockingly” candid nature, pointing out Agassi’s honesty is especially rare for an athlete who was one of the most popular of his generation. “Few autobiographies have dared to show athletes so naked,” writer Sam Diss, the head of content at London-based soccer magazine Mundial , says, adding that Agassi is “not writing this book to stick the boot into old foes or people who screwed him out of money.” Instead, Diss says he’s “passed over, gone clear, and reveals his trauma and grudges with equal parts pain and catharsis, in a way that doesn’t feel point-scoring, but freeing.”

More recommended tennis memoirs

According to Dr. Amira Rose Davis, a Penn State professor of history and African-American studies who also co-hosts the feminist sports podcast Burn It All Down , “the long history of black women in sport” is often obscured in sportswriting. But memoirs by black female athletes, which allow them to “narrate their own careers,” can “push us all to consider whose voices we are missing when we tell sports stories.” One of those women is tennis champion Althea Gibson, who wrote two memoirs that Davis recommends. “Gibson broke the color line at Wimbledon and was the first African-American Grand Slam champion,” she tells us. The first, I Always Wanted to Be Somebody, chronicles Gibson’s journey from childhood to the majors, while the follow-up, So Much to Live For, chronicles Gibson’s transition from the game to a golf career and beyond. Davis considers both essential reading, but notes that the details of Gibson’s post-career struggles in the latter work are especially poignant, and “serve as a reminder that being the queen of the tennis court is all well is good” but, as Gibson writes, “you can’t eat a crown.”

Editor’s note: These two books are now out of print and therefore priced higher than others on this list.

Another historic player, Arthur Ashe, remains the only black male tennis player to win Wimbledon (among other major titles). Marshall Jon Fisher, author of A Terrible Splendor says Ashe’s memoir has been one of his favorites since he was 12 years old. “Ashe told his life story in the context of a diary of one year on the tennis tour — Wimbledon 1973 to Wimbledon 1974,” Fisher tells us. “If only he’d known he would finally win the hallowed tournament in ’75, he might have waited a year. But then we wouldn’t have the same searching, melancholy masterpiece.”

This 1978 memoir of playing the world tennis circuit in the late 1950s and early 1960s is a “hilarious and poignant gem,” Fisher tells us. “In those days, the tour was more collegial, as well as more attainable for a cast of colorful characters more interested in seeking life experience than in becoming multimillion-dollar ground-stroke machines.” And lucky for readers, Forbes jotted down observations while he toured that “should entertain tennis fans forever,” according to Fisher.

Best baseball memoirs

Best overall baseball memoirs.

Three people told us about pitcher Jim Bouton’s book about his career with the New York Yankees and other teams in the ’60s. According to writer Daniel Okrent (who is credited with inventing the scoring system for fantasy baseball), it is “the memoir that broke the mold, earning Bouton the enmity of his fellow players and the applause of generations of fans” for its honest details of legendary players’ drunkenness, womanizing, and prodigious drug use (including some tales that, Okrent admits, “are less hilarious today”). Mark Kram, Jr., the author most recently of Smokin’ Joe: The Life of Joe Frazier , calls it a “bawdy tell-all” and an “instant sports literary classic.” Bouton was known for his wild knuckleballs, and Eig says that he “tossed the perfect knuckleball with this.”

This memoir by the one-time owner of the Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Browns, and Chicago White Sox was recommended to us by both Kram and former Grantland editor Rafe Bartholomew . “Baseball owners were a hidebound and altogether humorless bunch until Bill Veeck crashed the party,” according to Kram, who tells us that, “with a wooden leg, Veeck lugged home from the South Pacific in World War II, sent a dwarf to the plate, gave us the exploding scoreboard, and cooked up countless other promotional stunts that imbued a gray game with jump and color.” Kram says that Veeck’s memoir is “full of colorful tales and big ideas,” adding that he was fortunate enough to spend time with Veeck on a few occasions and that he “emerges in his book just as he was in person. One can almost hear his gravelly chuckle.”

More recommended baseball memoirs

Pitcher Jim Brosnan’s memoir focuses on his time playing for the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds in 1959. Okrent says that the memoir about Brosnan’s “unexceptional season with two unexceptional teams remains the most honest — and, I suspect, most accurate — account of the daily life of a ballplayer that we’ve ever seen.” It wasn’t meant to be a book filled with shocking revelations, according to Okrent, but is now thought of as one thanks to Brosnan’s inclusion of the Cardinals’ trainer “distributing an early form of steroids and amphetamines to the players.”

This bittersweet memoir tells the story of Pat Jordan’s promising, yet unfulfilled career as a pitcher. According to Kram, it’s a “hall-of-fame, lyrical memoir of youth ascendant and the hard luck that spares only the fortunate few.” Jordan began his career as a highly regarded schoolboy pitcher in 1950s Connecticut before, as Kram tells it, “signing with the Milwaukee Braves and spending three years toiling in bush league outposts such as McCook, Davenport, Waycross, Eau Claire and Palatka.” Then, 13 years after the Braves handed him his unconditional release, he revisited that period to write this — and later become “one of our preeminent sports journalists.”

Dirk Hayhurst succeeded where Pat Jordan did not, according to Kram, who notes he actually pitched in the big leagues (albeit briefly). Kram calls this, his second memoir, a “small gem,” noting it unfolds around and during his 2008 season with the San Diego Padres and offers a “candid account of the obstacles that he faced during his climb to the highest league, including conflicts with his eccentric grandmother, alliances and tensions with teammates, and the jitters he overcame when he finally got the call and discovered he was indeed out of his league.”

Best basketball memoirs

Best overall basketball memoirs.

Seven people recommended basketball memoirs, with two directing us to this one by NBA great and former U.S. senator from New Jersey, Bill Bradley. Both Bartholomew and Mike Tollin , an executive producer of ESPN’s The Last Dance , recommend the 240-page book that chronicles just 20 days in the life of Bradley’s time as a professional basketball player. Tollin, who told us he first learned about Bradley’s prowess by reading John McPhee’s famous 1965 profile of Bradley’s college basketball career at Princeton, says that reading the memoir “gave me an even greater appreciation for his humanity, and rare insight.”

“This classic deserves a much wider audience,” Eig tells us (Bartholomew is also a fan, as is Barack Obama, who called it the “best basketball book I’ve ever read.”) At the time he wrote it, Rick Telander was a faded football prospect who spent his time freelance writing and playing pickup basketball games in New York City. The memoir tracks his time observing and playing games at Flatbush’s Foster Park in the mid-1970s, and Telander rotates between observer, player, and team coach, reflecting throughout on the darker reality his fellow players from low-income neighborhoods would return to once the sun went down. “I remember Telander’s beautiful sentences, which feature his keen eye for detail, and his effortless blend of sociology and sport,” Eig says.

More recommended basketball memoirs

New York Times basketball and culture writer Sopan Deb recommends this 1980 memoir by legendary Boston Celtics center Bill Russell (who is regarded as the NBA’s first black superstar). “ Second Wind , in which he famously refers to Boston as a ‘flea market’ of racism, is an honest accounting by one of the most important athletes in the history of mankind,” Deb says.

Editor’s note: Due to this book’s recent popularity and the fact that it hasn’t been reissued (yet), we’re seeing it priced higher than others on this list.

Northwestern University’s director of sports journalism , J.A. Adande (who also appears on ESPN as a contributor), told us this is not only his favorite sports memoir, but that Abdul-Jabbar’s “fascinating perspectives” on race, religion, love, and America itself from the 1950s through the 1980s make it one of his favorite books ever. According to Adande, even though Abdul-Jabbar is one of the greatest players of all time, “basketball feels almost like an afterthought” in this book, or “something he pursued because he was tall and suited for it, but not something he felt as passionately about as, say, jazz.” Adande notes that Abdul-Jabbar has gone on to write dozens of books and essays on timely topics, and that “you can see the genesis of those in Giant Steps .”

Sports journalist and broadcaster Taylor Rooks told us about this memoir written by Tim Grover, a basketball trainer. But she assures he’s not just any trainer: “Tim Grover is the legendary trainer to athletes like Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Dwyane Wade.” The book, according to Rooks, focuses on the mental practices Grover taught these athletes (and others) to ensure they didn’t just have good seasons, but good careers. “It’s full of anecdotes and stories that make you feel closer to the players we all grew up watching,” she says, adding that it includes a favorite quote: “The only difference between feedback and criticism is the way you hear it.”

“My sports life has been consumed by two seminal NBA dynasties: the Michael Jordan Bulls and the Kobe-Shaq-Gasol Lakers,” sports and culture writer Dave Schilling says, adding that “those teams have one thing in common: head coach Phil Jackson.” According to him, anything Jackson wrote would have been a must-read given his shepherding of some of the greatest basketball players of all time, but Eleven Rings , which Schilling describes as memoir–cum–self-help book, goes the extra mile. “It gives an insight into how Jackson motivated his teams, which included a collection of massive egos, some of whom were not prone to taking orders,” he says. “It’s sort of a classic ‘Dad Lit’ book where the author delivers meme-able motivational insights.”

Best football memoirs

Best overall football memoir.

Four folks recommended books about American football, with three specifically highlighting George Plimpton’s memoir of his weeks-long athletic career (Plimpton, of course, is best known for helping to start the Paris Review). Diss describes the book as “the perfect encapsulation of a classic conversation starter: How long could you last in a match at professional level?” Spoiler alert: The answer, Diss points out (without giving the story away), is not long. “But Plimpton’s eloquence and brio propels this dive into American football in a way that’s both very funny and dredges up a newfound respect for even the lowliest pro athlete,” he explains. Okrent is also a fan, telling us “Plimpton’s weeks in uniform in the Detroit Lions’ training camp may have been a stunt, but the book is a gem. However bad Plimpton was as an NFL quarterback, he was that good as a writer — a truly winning combination.”

Another recommended football memoir

According to Rooks, this memoir, written by “one of the more polarizing figures in sports, forces us to ask many questions, especially ‘When does a person who did bad things qualify for the public’s forgiveness?’” Finally Free , Rooks says, tackles Vick’s search for that answer as he goes through his many controversies. “It stuck with me,” she says, “because it speaks to the idea that the bad things that happen to us shape us just as much as the good.”

Best soccer memoirs

Best overall soccer memoir.

While High Fidelity author Nick Hornby spent even less time playing professional sports than George Plimpton (a.k.a. no time at all), Fever Pitch was recommended to us as the ultimate fan’s memoir by three people, two of whom say they weren’t really fans of soccer before picking it up. The book “reads like a letter from a friend,” according to Diss, who describes the plot as “a fan in conversation with himself, in a doomed romance with his club, and asking what it all means to have those men chasing after a ball and those people standing there in the freezing cold and rain watching them do so.” Schilling says Fever Pitch was his entrée into the world of obsessive soccer fandom, telling us the prose “played right into my young-adult-male belief in intellectual and emotional purity. If you are going to love something — Arsenal, the Smiths, comic books, sketch comedy — you better love it to the point that it damages your ability to function in society or hold a job.” Sports journalist Sarah Baicker adds that you “probably don’t even have to care about sports to love the book, but if you do, as I do, you’ll recognize yourself in Hornby’s fandom.”

Another recommended soccer memoir

Wambach’s autobiography came recommended to us by sports reporter and commentator Kate Fagan . According to Fagan, the former star forward of the U.S. women’s national team “isn’t here to build her brand or make you love her, she’s here to be honest about her life, about her drinking, and about the inside workings about the peaks and valleys of being a professional athlete.” For that reason, she says that “if you want to really understand the grind of an athlete — read this.”

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Basketball Essay for Students and Children

500+ essay on basketball.

The game of basketball has truly become global in the last few years. The game is currently popular in the United States. Also, it is described by many as an American game because of the fun and competitive element in it. Also, this is one of the games which is played indoors and still caters to billions of fans around the world. This game was Dr. James Naismith from Canada. Initially, he invented the game by using a rectangular pitch which was 6 feet wide and 4 feet high. Additionally, the court includes a free throw line which is 12 feet long. In basketball essay, students will get to know about the different components that make the game of basketball special.

It is a team game that has gained immense popularity. Also, the game is played with the help of a ball and the ball is shot into the basket that is positioned horizontally. So, the objective in the game is to shoot the ball and score the maximum points. This game is played by 2 teams that constitute a total of 5 players each. Also, the game is played on a marked rectangular floor that has a basket on both the ends. 

Originally, basketball was played using a soccer ball. Also, it was James Naismith that used a peach basket which ha ad a nonhollow bottom. So, this basket was nailed at a height of 10 ft. above the ground and on an elevated track. If you consider the manual removal of the ball from the basket a drawback then the bottom was removed to and it took the shape of modern-day baskets. Also, dribbling was not part of the game initially. Eventually, it evolved till 1950 by which the balls got better shape due to manufacturing. 

Additionally, the orange ball was evolved from the brown ball. The brown ball was used in the beginning as it was thought that the ball is more visible. By 1996, the peach baskets used were replaced by metal hoops on the backboard. 

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Basketball Game 

At the start of the game, a referee tosses the ball at the center of the court between two players. One player from either team try to get their hands on the ball and the ball is passed on to the teammates. For scoring a point, a team needs to shoot the ball through the basket. If a shot is scored from a distance that is closer to the basket than the 3 point line than it fetches 2 points. Also, if the ball is shot from the distance behind 3 point line, it fetches 3 points. So, the team that has a maximum number of points is declared the winner. 

In case of a draw, there may be additional time allotted to both the teams. In the game, a player is cannot move if he is holding the ball. The player needs to dribble, otherwise, it is considered as a foul. Likewise, when there is a physical contact that affects the other team then it counted as a physical foul. 

Basketball is game played with a maintained and carefully marked court. It is a team sport that is commonly found in many different areas. 

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Basketball Informative Speech

**First Name** Don't You love my emails. I'm honestly trying to jam-pack them with great value so you can improve your training. How's your Vertical Jump Workout going? Did you make any progress? As always if you have any questions - hit reply and let me know. Today I will jump straight into it. The most overlooked part of any training, not only basketball is diet and nutrition . This is the part that separates good players from great ones. I could write a book about diet and nutrition, but here I will keep it simple. Below are some key elements to good basketball diet 1. Eat quality protein at every meal Protein is the most important macronutrient you can eat when trying to achieve a lean physique. It builds muscle while increasing your …show more content…

The majority of your intake should be from real protein sources (e.g., chicken, fish, grass-fed beef, eggs, turkey, quinoa, Greek yogurt and mixed nuts). Within 30 minutes after a workout, drink a protein shake or chocolate milk to quickly provide a flow of amino acids to your muscles. 2. Adjust carbohydrate intake to your activity levels Carbohydrates provide energy (e.g., fuel) for your body. So if you have a scheduled weight training, sprints or practice, you'll need a lot of carbohydrates. But on light or off-days, you require fewer carbs. You won't use the extra fuel and it may be stored as fat. Stay away from simple carbohydrates throughout the day (e.g., candy, sugary drinks and white bread). Stick to complex carbohydrates (e.g., oatmeal, sweet potatoes, fruits, vegetables and legumes) 45 to 90 minutes prior to a demanding workout, consume a small amount of complex, slow digesting carbohydrates. After hard workouts consume at least a 2:1 ratio of carbohydrates to protein. Generally this will be around 40 grams of carbs and 20 grams of protein. Sway toward simple, fast digesting carbs immediately after workouts to

Summary Of Thinking Basketball By Ben Taylor

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Who Is Kobe Bryant's Hard Work Ethic

To succeed in basketball, one must need to have a hard work ethic, commitment, and fortitude. These are traits that Kobe had that made him an outlier in basketball. Kobe has put in a lot of work toward his basketball career. Kobe practiced six hours a day and six days a week. Kobe divided up this time between skill training, weightlifting, and running.

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Your best option though would be chocolate milk because it has so much protein and repairs you sore achy muscles. Although most people drink water after sports Jason Karp said , “ It’s water but much much more!” This is important to know because if you think that chocolate milk is all sugar, you have to think again because it is really half water, half protein. Also chocolate milk is referred to professional athletes. Milk unleashed stated, “ Chocolate milk has been preferred more than sports drinks for Olympians and amateur athletes.”

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Opening To the Adult World In The novel, The House on Mango Street, by Sandra Cisneros, the protagonist, Esperanza discovers that “One cannot help those who will not help themselves.” Written in third person point of view, the author supports her theme by describing the setting of Mango Street, establishing the central conflict through her neighbors. This affects the work as a whole because Cisneros purpose is to open Esperanza’s eyes to the adult world through her role models Sally, Marin, and Alicia. Cisneros includes a mood of anxiety for the teenage reader. The authors treatment of teenage issues relates to the overall meaning of the novel showing “that growing up is difficult especially for young adults.”

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This past week, Josh Norman, an immensely popular and talented football player, became a free agent and decided to sign with a new team. That new team just happened to be the Washington Redskins, who rewarded him with a guarantee of over 50 million dollars. What I don’t understand, however, is how a professional sports team is called the ‘Redskins’. Growing up, I have always been a huge fan of sports, both as a spectator and a participant. Starting in the 7th grade, we were required to wear a shirt and tie to school the day of a game.

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The players must push themselves to their limits, both physically and mentally. They must be able to handle the pressure and stay focused on the task at hand. This requires a strong sense of discipline, as well as a deep passion for the game. One of the key factors in making it to state in basketball is having a skilled and experienced coaching staff.

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Basketball for high school students is more than just a sport activity. It is the right place for them to perform their talents among their school friends. All students who are actively involved with basketball are very proud of themselves, because they dream of becoming basketball stars after they enter the college basketball team. They will not find difficulties in reaching their goal, because most high school basketball students hire professional coaches, who introduce them to the real competition. For sure, those high school students find the real challenge because they are already familiar wth the the international measurement standard for the field and hoop.

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As well as building muscle playing basketball also helps improve balance and coordination as doing multiple things at once are required such as jumping and shooting at the same time. Basketball also develops self-discipline and concentration as it is required to make the right decisions in a game and make good judgements that will help in winning. This is why basketball has a lot of benefits for

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Know what you what to achieve and how you plan to do it, whether you just want to gain more muscles or lose fat, you need to have a clear goal on what you expect to get and how you'll get there. 2. Get a physical. You'll need your doctor's OK if you plan to include bodybuilding in your regimen and especially if you are a beginner.

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Basketball Short Stories

These short basketball stories all feature basketball as an important part of the plot, usually with on-court action.

B a s k e t b a l l S t o r i e s

“how to transform an everyday, ordinary hoop court into a place of higher learning and you at the podium” by matt de la pena.

The beginning of this story can be read in the preview of the anthology  Flying Lessons & Other Stories.

“Hailey’s Shooting Star” by Steven Carman

“cage run” by walter dean meyers.

The narrator gets a call from Fish. He wants to play basketball in the morning for twenty dollars a man. That’s more than usual. He calls around to some friends and sets it up. They know Fish has something up his sleeve, maybe a big center, but they agree to the game.

“Laws of Motion” by Bruce Brooks

“mira mira” by willie perdomo.

Caesar is at the Cage, ready to play ball. Rumor is there are going to be scouts there to check out the local star, ESPN. He’s hoping Margie is going to show up. Caesar’s not too impressed with ESPN; he’s a half court player. He plans on showing the neighborhood what he can do.

“He’s Gotta Have It” by Rita Williams-Garcia

“just shane” by adam rapp.

Shane works as a dog walker. He especially likes walking the Ryan’s dog, because then he gets to see Hazel. Shane was homeless for a while. One day after watching a game, he got talking to Waco, a vet who plays every day. Waco let him stay at his place and gave him some clothes.

“Swish: A Basketball Story” by Joseph Bruchac

It’s Bruchac’s second day trying out for the high school basketball team. The practice he’s gotten in at home with his grandfather hasn’t properly prepared him for a real game. He’s sticking with it because he loves the sound of a swish, and his Grampa’s support.

“The Carnival Dog, the Buyer of Diamonds” by Ethan Canin

The crossover  by kwame alexander.

The beginning of  The Crossover   can be read in the Amazon preview.

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5 Ideas for Using “Dear Basketball” in Your Writing Class Tomorrow

We can capitalize on this, strike while the iron is hot, and help our students connect with poetry (and poetry analysis) in the real world! Here are five ideas for ways to use “Dear Basketball” in your writing curriculum tomorrow. 

• Study “Dear Basketball” as a mentor text

This could be a great 10-minute activity. Once students know how to read mentor texts like writers, give them “Dear Basketball” and ask them to annotate it for Kobe’s craft. They might notice the framing device he uses with the rolled-up tube socks, the personification of basketball, the letter format, the use of colons, the two single-line stanzas, and more!

After students have annotated, they can turn and talk, compare notes, share their annotations on the document camera, and create a class list of tips and techniques straight from Kobe Bryant.

You can stop there  or you can extend the activity by having students write their own “Dear ________” poem using the techniques they have identified.

• Use “Dear Basketball” to practice giving peer feedback

My students have a hard time giving great feedback to one another. Even though we’ve been working with writing partners for a while now, they need more practice listening, acting as a sounding board, and thinking about how to improve another writer’s piece. So, rather than watching Kobe’s moves as a mentor, students can also study his moves in order to practice giving meaningful, constructive feedback to a peer.

Pretending that Kobe Bryant is their writing partner, have students annotate the poem with advice they would give Kobe to take his poem to the next level. Students might note:

Specific choices they like

Moves they are enjoying and want to see more of

Places that confuse them

Instances where word choice could be improved

Questions they have

Other choices he could have made

• Compare and contrast genres using Kobe’s poetic”Dear Basketball” and Michael Jordan’s letter “Dear Basketball”. 

When Michael Jordan announced his retirement, he presented it in the form of a letter. Another “Dear Basketball”. (You can find both texts here ).  Reading both can provide a springboard for discussion about the difference between the two genres: prose letter versus poetry. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each genre?

Alternatively, you might tell students that Michael Jordan’s “Dear Basketball” served as a mentor text for Kobe Bryant’s “Dear Basketball”. Have students read both and then work backwards as detectives to uncover which tips, tricks, and techniques Kobe borrowed from his basketball and writing mentor.

• Study analyses of “Dear Basketball”

Wonderfully, the release of “Dear Basketball” has spurred multiple works of literary analysis (another thing we rarely see in the real world journalism of today). Here, you have four mentor texts for analysis, all looking at “Dear Basketball”. You might use these as mentor texts for authentic literary analysis:

“An Academic Analysis of ‘Dear Basketball'”

“A Stanza-by-Stanza Poetic Critique of Kobe Bryant’s ‘Dear Basketball’ “

“An Undergrad English Major’s Analysis of … ‘Dear Basketball'”

“We Had a Literary Expert Analyze Kobe Bryant’s Basketball Poem”

After students have studied these mentors, have them write their own analysis of “Dear Basketball” or another piece of literature!

• Discuss the qualities of effective literary analysis

Each of the above analyses of Kobe Bryan’t poem is exceedingly different — in tone, in structure, in the actual content of the analysis. Having four mentor texts analyzing the same poem provides a wonderful opportunity to discuss what makes analysis effective. What structures help make analysis coherent from beginning to end? Which ideas are smart and insightful? Which are pushing things a bit too far? Allow your student to critique the critics to figure out what moves great analysts make.

Sadly, poetry is often only makes a brief classroom appearance in April. It’s eschewed by many state and federal tests. It’s something that scares our students because they lack exposure, experience, and confidence. Kobe Bryant’s “Dear Basketball” gives us an amazing opportunity to have students simultaneously engage with poetry, with the world of sports, and with contemporary culture.

What are some other ideas for connecting “Dear Basketball” to your writing classroom?  Leave a comment below, connect with us on Facebook, or find us on Twitter (@rebekahodell1 and @allisonmarchett). 

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I am so excited about this post! I used “Dear Basketball” last week in my class as a starting point for students to write their own “Dear _______” poems, but now I’ll extend it using one of your ideas. Maybe I’ll have them revise their poems based on this extension activity. Thanks again for your wonderful ideas. Your blog inspires me daily!

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The Basketball Diaries: The Classic About Growing Up Hip On New York’s Mean Streets

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Basketball — About Basketball in 100 Words

About Basketball in 100 Words

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Published: Mar 17, 2023

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