Download or read book Above the Noise written by DeMar DeRozan and published by Harmony. This book was released on 2024-09-10 with total page 241 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From one of the most outspoken and respected NBA athletes comes a groundbreaking and remarkable memoir chronicling a very public struggle with depression, in the hopes that other people will not suffer alone. “DeMar DeRozan’s story is one of adaptability, courage, and love. The persistent effort on his part to rise above is compelling and important.”—Coach Gregg Popovich, from the foreword “As men, and especially Black men, we don’t talk about our mental health enough. We struggle to admit when things aren’t okay, even when it’s obvious to everybody around us. I’ve seen how toxic that can become. I’ve experienced it myself, keeping everything under wraps until your head and heart are full of fire and rage.” DeMar DeRozan, six-time NBA All-Star, has been called a “basketball savant” (ESPN) and “the best closer in the NBA” (GQ)—but when he went public with his depression, it sparked a conversation that reached far beyond the court. By breaking the stigma of speaking out, he added a new, seldom-heard voice to the mental health dialogue: a successful Black male athlete, openly naming his pain and advocating for others to do the same. Now it’s time to tell the full story. Born and raised in Compton, DeRozan was no stranger to hardship—living in poverty, losing friends to gang violence. In worn-out school gyms and community centers, fueled by hunger and a desire to prove himself, he started to rise, but doubts followed. In Above the Noise, DeRozan opens up about his proudest triumphs and the times he felt so weighed down he couldn't get out of bed. He reflects on what it took to make a name for himself in a new country after getting drafted by the Toronto Raptors, the pressure of playing with veteran athletes as a twenty-year-old rookie, and the pain of losing role models. From a scared, angry kid to a confident father of five, DeRozan traces his journey to basketball stardom and the forces that honed him into the player—and the slowly healing person—he is today. It will encourage anyone who has ever felt alone in their struggles and inspire people to rise above the noise and speak their truth.
Download or read book Story of DeMar DeRozan written by David L Johnson and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2024-08-16 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What drives a young man from Compton to become one of the most respected and skilled players in the NBA? How does a player overcome early challenges, rise to stardom, and continually reinvent himself, even when faced with the pressures of the spotlight? In Story of DeMar DeRozan: The Relentless Journey to Basketball Greatness, dive deep into the life and career of DeMar DeRozan, a player known for his fierce determination, unmatched work ethic, and unyielding passion for basketball. This book takes you beyond the statistics, exploring the personal and professional journey of a man who has faced adversity with grace and emerged as a true leader on and off the court. From his humble beginnings in Compton to his ascent as a high school phenom, and from his remarkable career with the Toronto Raptors to his transformative role with the Chicago Bulls, this biography captures the essence of DeRozan's relentless pursuit of greatness. You'll discover how DeRozan's love for the game was shaped by his childhood experiences, how he honed his craft to dominate the NBA, and how he continues to inspire through his advocacy for mental health awareness. This book is more than just a recounting of games and seasons; it's a story of perseverance, growth, and the power of belief in oneself. With detailed accounts, personal reflections, and insights from those who know him best, *Story of DeMar DeRozan* is a must-read for basketball fans, aspiring athletes, and anyone who believes in the power of determination. Don't miss out on this inspiring journey. Grab your copy today and witness the relentless drive that defines DeMar DeRozan's path to basketball greatness.
Download or read book DeMar DeRozan written by Jackson Carter and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2022-04-10 with total page 54 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From a childhood in Compton, sharpened by the pain of seeing friends die too soon, to finding his way to the Raptors, this is the inspiring tale of how DeMar DeRozan became the player he is today. DeMar's journey through basketball is a lesson in how hard work and dedication can lead to success-on and off the court. Through hard work, focus, and dedication, DeMar DeRozan has become one of the best players in the NBA. This biography tells his story, from college to the pros, from his early years in Compton to becoming a star with the Toronto Raptors to the dramatic ending of his time in Toronto to his bucket list-defying trade to the Spurs, and finally his resurgence in Chicago.
Download or read book DeMar DeRozan Story written by Danielle Biographix and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2024-03-23 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn the Inspiring Story of the Chicago Bulls' Star Shooting Guard, DeMar DeRozan! Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! One of many riveting reads in the Basketball Biography Books series. The Heart of a Raptor: From the Courts to Glory explores the incredible journey of DeMar DeRozan, one of basketball's most gifted scorers and the heart and soul of the Toronto Raptors for nearly a decade. DeMar burst onto the scene after being drafted 9th overall in 2009, quickly establishing himself as a premier offensive threat with a ruthless ability to put the ball in the basket, drawing comparisons to Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady's scoring prowess. For nine memorable seasons in Toronto, DeRozan's grit, determination and loyalty to the franchise made him a fan favorite as he helped lead the Raptors' rise to prominence in the Eastern Conference. DeRozan's talents have been recognized with six NBA All-Star selections to date. But his impact has extended beyond the NBA hardwood, representing USA Basketball and playing a vital role on the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic teams. Get this compelling basketball biography today to experience DeMar DeRozan's inspirational story of perseverance, growth and success at the highest level! Here is a preview of what's inside: - Childhood and Early Life - High School Dominance - One-and-Done at USC - NBA Career Beginning - Getting Drafted, Rookie Year, Developing His Game - Teaming Up with Kyle Lowry, Rudy Gay Era, First All-Star Nod - Playoff Battles, Injuries, Lowry's Ascent - Breaking Through to the Conference Finals - Becoming an Elite Scorer - International Tournaments - Personal Life and Basketball Impact - DeRozan's Legacy and What's Next An excerpt: The shooting guard position demands a special combination of skills - elite scoring ability, pinpoint shooting, physicality, court vision and defensive tenacity. Throughout NBA history, the league's greatest shooting guards have embodied these traits... From Jerry West and Earl Monroe to Michael Jordan and Dwyane Wade, the truly transcendent players at this position have been multi-faceted offensive weapons and leaders. A rare few have had the scoring prowess and mental toughness to carry franchises on their backs. DeMar DeRozan is among the modern greats to distinguish himself in this mold. His journey began in the L.A. playgrounds and has included stardom at USC, becoming a cornerstone of the Raptors' renaissance, and representing his country with pride and success... Grab your copy now to dive into DeMar DeRozan's remarkable basketball story - the rise, the adversity, the triumphs and the heart of this legendary Raptor!
Download or read book Demar Derozan written by Holden Sanchez and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2024-07-14 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Overcoming Obstacles: From Adversity to Achievement" is the inspiring story of NBA star DeMar DeRozan. This compelling narrative delves into DeRozan's life, tracing his journey from a challenging childhood in Compton, California, to becoming one of the most respected players in professional basketball. Through perseverance, hard work, and a relentless spirit, DeRozan has faced and conquered numerous obstacles, both on and off the court. This book not only highlights his athletic achievements but also his courage in addressing mental health issues, making him a role model for many. "Overcoming Obstacles" is a testament to the power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Download or read book DeMar Derozan the Inspiring Story of One of Basketball s Star Shooting Guards written by Clayton Geoffreys and published by . This book was released on 2017-04-10 with total page 132 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn the Inspiring Story of the Toronto Raptors' Star Shooting Guard DeMar DeRozan! Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! In DeMar DeRozan: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Star Shooting Guards, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's greatest offensive players, DeMar DeRozan. DeMar DeRozan has quickly emerged as one of the premier scorers in the NBA, with a ruthless ability to score that reminds many of none other than a combination of Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady. Since being drafted as the ninth overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft, DeMar has played a significant role in the Raptors' emergence as a force in the Eastern Conference. Paired with Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan and the Raptors are a formidable team in the East, and will likely remain so for years to come. In this unauthorized biography, we'll explore DeMar's incredible life story and impact on the game of basketball. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Childhood and Early Life High School Career College Career NBA Career Getting Drafted, The Rookie Campaign, The Development Years Teaming Up with Kyle Lowry, the Rudy Gay Experiment, First All-Star Season, Playoff Debut, Injury Struggles, Lowry's Evolution into an All-Star Breaking Through to the Conference Finals, Road to Becoming Elite International Career Personal Life and Impact on Basketball Legacy and Future An excerpt from the book: The shooting guard position has always been one of the more difficult spots to play in the NBA. Shooting guards are required first and foremost to be among the best scorers on their team since their primary role of the team is to, of course, shoot and make their shots. While scoring the ball may not sound like the most difficult task to do, what makes the shooting guard a difficult position in the NBA is the level of skill required to be elite. As far as the history of the league is concerned, there have not been a lot of great shooting guards compared to centers, point guards, and forwards due to the relative difficulty the position requires for the player to be elite. But even though there have not been a lot of great shooting guards in the NBA's history, the best of the best happen to be those that play that position. Since the dawn of the league, the first great shooting guard was the NBA logo himself, Jerry West. Then there came guys like George Gervin and Pete Maravich during the dark 70's era of the league. Come the 80's and 90's, Reggie Miller and Clyde Drexler dominated the position. Those that came after them were Kobe Bryant, Ray Allen, Vince Carter, and Dwyane Wade. And Michael Jordan, the greatest player to have ever played the game, is known as a shooting guard. There have not been a lot of great shooting guards, but they were always the best of their respective eras. Tags: DeMar DeRozan Bio, DeMar DeRozan basketball, Toronto Raptors basketball, Kyle Lowry, DeMarcus Cousins, Jimmy Butler, Jonas Valanciunas, Paul George, James Harden, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady
Download or read book The Story of No Limit Records written by Jim Whiting and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2014-09-29 with total page 64 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Percy "Master P." Miller came out of one of the toughest slums in New Orleans to found No Limit Records in Richmond, California, on a shoestring budget in 1991. Master P sold his first releases out of the trunk of his car, but he always believed in himself. Thanks to his hard work, within a few years No Limit was one of the most successful hip-hop record labels in the country and Master P was a multi-millionaire. Master P couldn't maintain this level of success, however, and in 2003 the label went bankrupt. Master P began a new label and kept going. In recent years, he has attempted to change the focus of his music to make it more positive, and started Take a Stand Records for that purpose. Now calling himself P. Miller, the rapper/entrepreneur remains active in the music business and also works to help others.
Download or read book Above the Noise written by DeMar DeRozan and published by Harmony. This book was released on 2024-09-10 with total page 241 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From one of the most outspoken and respected NBA athletes comes a groundbreaking and remarkable memoir chronicling a very public struggle with depression, in the hopes that other people will not suffer alone. “DeMar DeRozan’s story is one of adaptability, courage, and love. The persistent effort on his part to rise above is compelling and important.”—Coach Gregg Popovich, from the foreword “As men, and especially Black men, we don’t talk about our mental health enough. We struggle to admit when things aren’t okay, even when it’s obvious to everybody around us. I’ve seen how toxic that can become. I’ve experienced it myself, keeping everything under wraps until your head and heart are full of fire and rage.” DeMar DeRozan, six-time NBA All-Star, has been called a “basketball savant” (ESPN) and “the best closer in the NBA” (GQ)—but when he went public with his depression, it sparked a conversation that reached far beyond the court. By breaking the stigma of speaking out, he added a new, seldom-heard voice to the mental health dialogue: a successful Black male athlete, openly naming his pain and advocating for others to do the same. Now it’s time to tell the full story. Born and raised in Compton, DeRozan was no stranger to hardship—living in poverty, losing friends to gang violence. In worn-out school gyms and community centers, fueled by hunger and a desire to prove himself, he started to rise, but doubts followed. In Above the Noise, DeRozan opens up about his proudest triumphs and the times he felt so weighed down he couldn't get out of bed. He reflects on what it took to make a name for himself in a new country after getting drafted by the Toronto Raptors, the pressure of playing with veteran athletes as a twenty-year-old rookie, and the pain of losing role models. From a scared, angry kid to a confident father of five, DeRozan traces his journey to basketball stardom and the forces that honed him into the player—and the slowly healing person—he is today. It will encourage anyone who has ever felt alone in their struggles and inspire people to rise above the noise and speak their truth.
Download or read book Giannis written by Mirin Fader and published by Hachette Books. This book was released on 2021-08-10 with total page 417 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The story of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s extraordinary rise from poverty in Athens, Greece, to superstardom in America with the Milwaukee Bucks—becoming one of the most transcendent players in history and an NBA Champion—from award-winning basketball reporter and feature writer at The Ringer Mirin Fader. As the face of the NBA’s new world order, Giannis Antetokounmpo has overcome unfathomable obstacles to become a symbol of hope for people all over the world; the personification of the American Dream. But his backstory remains largely untold. Fader unearths new information about the childhood that shaped “The Greek Freak”—from sleeping side by side with his brothers to selling trinkets on the street with his family to the racism he experienced. Antetokounmpo grew up in an era when Golden Dawn, Greece’s far-right, anti-immigrant party, patrolled his neighborhood, and his status as an illegal immigrant largely prevented him from playing for the country’s top clubs, making his NBA rise all the more improbable. Fader tells a deeply human story of how an unknown, skinny, Black Greek teen, who played in the country’s lowest pro division and was seen as a draft gamble, transformed his body and his game into MVP material. Antetokounmpo’s story has been framed as a feel-good narrative in which everyone has embraced him—watching him grow up, sign a five-year supermax contract extension worth $228 million, and lead the underdog Bucks to the NBA Championship in 2021. Giannis reveals a more nuanced story: how lonely and isolated he felt, adjusting to America and the NBA early in his career; the complexity of grappling with his Black and Greek identities; how he is so hard on himself and his shortcomings—a drive that fuels him every day; and the responsibility he feels to be a nurturing role model for his younger brothers. Fader illustrates a more vulnerable star than most people know, a person who has evolved triumphantly into all of his roles: father, brother, son, teammate, and global icon. **Instant New York Times Bestseller, Los Angeles Times Bestseller, Wall Street Journal Bestseller, USA Today Bestseller, Publishers Weekly Bestseller** **Mirin Fader Selected as the 2021 Sports Media Author of the Year by The Big Lead** **The Sports Librarian’s Best of 2022 – Sports Books**
Download or read book A History of Basketball in Fifteen Sneakers written by Russ Bengtson and published by Workman Publishing Company. This book was released on 2023-10-10 with total page 412 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A celebration of the iconic shoes and superstars who have defined the sport for decades, A History of Basketball in Fifteen Sneakers tells the story of hoops as only shoes can. The ultimate book for both hoops fans and sneaker obsessives, A History of Basketball in Fifteen Sneakers is an exciting and fascinating look at the sport written with authority and experience by former Complex and SLAM magazine editor Russ Bengtson. From primeval Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars to baroque Reebok Pumps and myth-making Air Jordans to super-high-tech Nike Adapt BBs, each chapter breaks down how a specific sneaker defined an era of basketball, transformed the culture, or changed the game. With full-color sneaker photographs and detailed illustrations throughout, the book is a kaleidoscopic celebration of the players, styles, and iconic moments that have shaped hoops both on and off the court. Topics include: Walt Frazier's PUMA Clydes and the New York City street game; Michael Jordan's first signature Air Jordan and the birth of the modern global basketball superstar; Nike Air Swoopes and the evolution of the women’s game; sneaker tech and the rise of retro; and much more.
Download or read book History of the Chicago Bulls 1966 2023 written by Brian Aldridge and published by Classic Sports Journal. This book was released on 2022-06-20 with total page 251 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In 1984, the Bulls were entering their 19th year as a franchise when they signed Michael Jeffrey Jordan to a contract. Lest anyone forget, the pre-Jordan Bulls sported some very good teams that included some very good players like Guy Rodgers, Bob Love, Chet Walker, Tom Boerwinkle, Jerry Sloan, Norm Van Lier, and Artis Gilmore. Their play brought winning seasons, plenty of loud excitement and hope at the Stadium, but alas none of those teams reached the Finals. By the time His Airness took the floor, the Bulls hadn't seen the playoffs in 3 years and the 1983-84 version lost twice as many games as they won. Jordan brought the team respect, but it took a total of 6 seasons, a coaching change, and a shrewd GM to make great draft choices and add role players for the club to hoist the hardware and raise the Bulls' first championship banner. This was the first of 6 (two three-peats). The heroes were many: Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant, John Paxson, Bill Cartwright, Steve Kerr, Dennis Rodman, Ron Harper, and Toni Kukoc. And Jordan? The 5X NBA MVP was voted Finals MVP all 6 times. The tough times that followed included more coaching changes. But there were also some personal successes: two Bulls won Rookie of the Year honors (the second of the two was voted league MVP), another won a 6th Man Award (his rookie season), a fan-favorite from Duke made the 2011-12 All-Defense team, and a 7-foot center from Florida won the 2012-13 NBA Player of the Year. Yes, there were good times as well (think Bench Mob!). The current 2021-2022 Bulls, led by coach Billy Donovan, entered the playoffs with the addition of All NBA (2nd Team) forward DeMar DeRozan, Olympian Zach LeVine, center Nikola Vucevic, 3rd year guard Coby White, and rookie guard Ayu Dosunmu. This was truly DeRozan's year - tying NBA record first set by Larry Bird (1985) and breaking another set by Wilt Chamberlain in the 1960s. What's included? Year-by year Standings, Club news, draft choices, player trades, dozens of season games and all post-season summaries. For more context: there's League news, noteworthy league games, stat leaders, year-end award winners, and Finals outcomes.
Download or read book Spaced Out written by Mike Prada and published by Triumph Books. This book was released on 2022-11-01 with total page 398 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A hands-on, illuminating deconstruction of NBA basketball, tracing the tactical evolution of the modern game As the NBA celebrates and surpasses 75 years of existence, today's game looks nothing like it did in generations past when Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar took turns ruling the league. But it's also entirely different from a decade—even half decade—ago. Today's stars enter the league with more versatility and fluidity than ever before, and they need it to handle the strategies, philosophies, schemes, skill sets, movement patterns, and measures of basketball intelligence that simply didn't exist in the past. Spaced Out tells the story of what professional basketball looks like right now and how it got here. Taking a court-level view, Mike Prada breaks down high-level play to elucidate the athleticism, strategy, and skill demonstrated on a nighty basis, while shining a light on the historical forces that have dramatically altered the shape of the game and the role of its superstars. Topics covered include the explosion of three point shooting, the rise and fall and rise again of zone defense, the impact of tighter enforcement of perimeter contact rules, and other pivotal factors impacting the pro game. From Xs and Os to keen historic analysis, this definitive volume will reveal the intricacies of a beautiful game for savvy fans, players, and coaches alike.
Download or read book NBA 75 written by Dave Zarum and published by Firefly Books. This book was released on 2020-10 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The most iconic moments and stories of the NBA. In NBA 75, sportswriter and basketball super fan Dave Zarum tells the story of the NBA, all 75 years -- from its early barnstorming days to the multibillion-dollar sports league it is today. Readers are treated to all the biggest moments and greatest superstars, with over 75 stories ranging from Jerry West's 33-win streak Lakers, through Jordan's repeat three-peat Bulls, to Steph Curry and the 73-win Warriors and beyond. But this retrospective doesn't shy away from the league's controversies, covering its struggles with racial bigotry, Magic Johnson's HIV diagnosis, Len Bias' tragic draft-night death and the cocaine-fuelled late seventies when the Finals were broadcast on tape delay. Each story is fully illustrated with iconic photos and accompanied by stat boxes and side stories of some of the Association's more curious and overlooked moments. Some of the events covered in NBA 75: 1946: The first professional basketball game between the New York Knicks and the Toronto Huskies 1969: The legendary duels between Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell 1976: The merger of the ABA and NBA 1980: The rivalry of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson 1993: Air Jordan and his Bulls dynasty 2006: Kobe Bryant scores 81 points 2010: LeBron James makes his Miami decision 2016: Steph Curry and the Warriors blow a 3-1 lead to lose the NBA Finals. NBA 75 is the definitive guide to the history of the NBA -- perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about the league they love or simply catch up on what they've been missing. With the 75th anniversary of the NBA in 2021, now is the perfect time to add it to your collection.
Download or read book The Book of Basketball written by Bill Simmons and published by ESPN. This book was released on 2010-12-07 with total page 754 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The NBA according to The Sports Guy—now updated with fresh takes on LeBron, the Celtics, and more! Foreword by Malcom Gladwell • “The work of a true fan . . . it might just represent the next phase of sports commentary.”—The Atlantic Bill Simmons, the wildly opinionated and thoroughly entertaining basketball addict known to millions as ESPN’s The Sports Guy, has written the definitive book on the past, present, and future of the NBA. From the age-old question of who actually won the rivalry between Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain to the one about which team was truly the best of all time, Simmons opens—and then closes, once and for all—every major pro basketball debate. Then he takes it further by completely reevaluating not only how NBA Hall of Fame inductees should be chosen but how the institution must be reshaped from the ground up, the result being the Pyramid: Simmons’s one-of-a-kind five-level shrine to the ninety-six greatest players in the history of pro basketball. And ultimately he takes fans to the heart of it all, as he uses a conversation with one NBA great to uncover that coveted thing: The Secret of Basketball. Comprehensive, authoritative, controversial, hilarious, and impossible to put down (even for Celtic-haters), The Book of Basketball offers every hardwood fan a courtside seat beside the game’s finest, funniest, and fiercest chronicler.
Download or read book The Heart of a Superfan written by Nav Bhatia and published by Doubleday Canada. This book was released on 2024-02-27 with total page 315 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Raptors' story is an underdog story—and the same is true for their greatest superfan. This memoir offers a courtside view into the extraordinary life of Nav Bhatia. You know him as the Raptors Superfan, but Nav Bhatia's story is bigger than basketball. Nav immigrated to Canada from India after experiencing many hardships—only to face a host of new challenges. Life as an immigrant was gruelling and grey . . . and then, a new basketball team came to town. As Nav cheered on the Toronto Raptors at game after game, as they lost, as they won, on the good days and the bad, he discovered inspiration and community in the greatest game on Earth, formed life-long bonds with many of the best players the sport has ever known, and solidified his own place in the Basketball Hall of Fame. In this memoir, Nav shares his incredible personal story of triumphing over adversity, as well as the lessons that propelled him to success in all facets of life: as an entrepreneur, movie producer, humanitarian, son, father and husband, and the Raptors' most dedicated supporter. And woven throughout the book are intimate, colourful behind-the-scenes stories about the Raptors—from their very first game in 1995 to their 2019 Championship win, and beyond—that only the Superfan could know. This is a book about loyalty, perseverance and the power of sports to unite us across differences—and, most of all, about how following your passions can lead you to the most extraordinary places.
Download or read book The NBA in Black and White written by Ray Scott and published by Seven Stories Press. This book was released on 2022-06-28 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A memoir of hard lessons learned in the racially segregated and sometimes outright racist NBA of the early ‘60s by celebrated NBA player and the first Black Coach of the Year, Ray Scott. Introduced by Earl "the Pearl" Monroe. “There’s a basic insecurity with Black guys my size,” Scott writes. “We can’t hide and everybody turns to stare when we walk down the street. … Whites believe that their culture is superior to African-American culture. ... We don’t accept many of [their] answers, but we have to live with them.” Ray Scott was part of the early wave of Black NBA players like Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who literally changed how the game of professional basketball is played—leading to the tremendously popular financial blockbuster the NBA is today. Scott was a celebrated 6’9” forward/center after being chosen by the Detroit Pistons as the #4 pick of the 1961 NBA draft, and then again after he was named head coach of the Pistons in October 1972, winning Coach of the Year in the spring of 1974—the first black man ever to capture that honor. Scott’s is a story of quiet persistence, hard work, and, most of all, respect. He credits the mentorship of NBA player and coach Earl Lloyd, and talks about fellow Philly native Wilt Chamberlain and friends Muhammad Ali and Aretha Franklin, among many others. Ray has lived through one of the most turbulent times in our nation’s history, especially the time of assassinations of so many Black leaders at the end of the 1960s. Through it all, his voice remains quiet and measured, transcending all the sorrows with his steadiness and positive attitude. This is his story, told in collaboration with the great basketball writer, former college player and CBA coach Charley Rosen.
Download or read book Cover Story written by Alex Wong and published by Triumph Books. This book was released on 2021-10-26 with total page 217 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A nostalgic romp through modern NBA history as documented by basketball's most iconic and innovative magazine covers. Every magazine cover is the result of a series of intentional decisions. Cover Story shares the behind-the-scenes stories of these deliberate choices, which led to the most iconic basketball-related magazine covers during a period from 1984 to 2003. Through 100-plus interviews conducted with writers, editors, publishers, photographers, creative directors, and the players themselves, the book explores Michael Jordan's relationship with Sports Illustrated, Shaquille O'Neal and the hip-hop generation's impact on newsstands, the birth of SLAM and the inside stories of their most iconic covers, how the 1996 USA women's basketball team inspired a new era of women's sports magazines, the competition among publishers to put high school phenom LeBron James on the magazine cover first, and much more. Offering an immersive look at some of the most impactful moments in a golden era for modern basketball, this engaging read will appeal to basketball fans, pop culture enthusiasts, and those who want to take a deep dive into understanding how the individual components of a classic magazine cover come together. Features four full-color inserts showcasing a collection of notable magazine covers!
