Sports Biographies Basketball

Unlike the stories of most visible division I college athletes, Amanda Ottaway’s story has more in common with those of the 80 percent of college athletes who are never seen on TV. The Rebounders follows the college career of an average NCAA Division I women’s basketball player in the 21st century. It begins with the recruiting process when Ottaway is an eager, naive teenager and ending when she’s a more contemplative 20-something alumna.

John B. McLendon was the last living protégé of basketball’s inventor Dr. James Naismith and one of the “top ten basketball coaches of the century” in Billy Packer’s opinion. McLendon’s amazing records in college and pro basketball earned him a spot in the Basketball Hall of Fame (the first Black coach to be inducted), and his coaching philosophy has had a huge influence on basketball coaches.

Kobe is one of the most well-loved and also most hated players in the game. Everything you need to know about basketball's greatest is in this book! Honor the memory of Kobe Bryant by learning about his amazing life! The tragic death of Kobe Bryant shocked the entire world. He was a household name, known and admired even by people who don't care much about basketball. Now is the perfect time to look back at his life and career. This book aims to provide a complete overview of Kobe Bryant's impressive career and the challenges that he had to overcome.

It seems unlikely that James Naismith, who grew up playing "Duck on the Rock" in the rural community of Almonte, Canada, would invent one of America's most popular sports. But Rob Rains and Hellen Carpenter's fascinating, in-depth biography James Naismith: The Man Who Invented Basketball shows how this young man - who wanted to be a medical doctor, or if not that, a minister (in fact, he was both) - came to create a game that has endured for over a century.

In Isaiah Thomas: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Most Prolific Point Guards, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's premier point guards, Isaiah Thomas. The Boston Celtics secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference for the 2016-2017 season behind the leadership of Isaiah Thomas. Thomas, just 5' 9'' in stature, has overcome many obstacles to become one of the best scorers in the league. His ability to both penetrate and create shot opportunities for himself are truly impressive, making him the Celtics' go-to scorer in the fourth quarter.

Diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder, a form of autism, as a toddler, Anthony Ianni wasn't expected to succeed in school or participate in sports, but he had other ideas. As a child, Ianni told anybody who would listen, including head coach Tom Izzo, that he would one day play for the Michigan State Spartans.

They don’t set up any better than this. The greatest basketball player of all time–Bill Russell–and his juggernaut Boston Celtics, winners of ten (ten!) of the previous twelve NBA championships, squeak through one more playoff run and land in the Finals again. Russell’s opponent? The fearsome 7’1” next-generation superstar, Wilt Chamberlain, recently traded to the LA Lakers to form the league’s first dream team. Bill Russell and John Havlicek versus Chamberlain, Jerry West and Elgin Baylor.

In Brandon Ingram: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball’s Star Forwards, you'll learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's rising star small forwards, Brandon Ingram. Since being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in the Lakers' deal for all-star Anthony Davis, Ingram has shown noticeable improvement and maturation in his ability to dominate a basketball game. In just his first year as a Pelican, Ingram not only made his first all-star selection, but also ended the year being named the league's Most Improved Player.

Learn the Inspiring Story of the Atlanta Hawks' All-Star Guard, Trae Young! In Trae Young: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball’s Star Guards, you'll learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's rising All-Stars, Trae Young. Young embodies many of the key characteristics of the modern guard: Quick on his feet, pin-point accuracy from beyond the arc, fierce competitor, and dynamic driver to the rim.

In Damian Lillard: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Star Guards, you will learn the incredible story of one of basketball's greatest guards, Damian Lillard. Since being drafted by the Portland Trailblazers with the sixth overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, Lillard has dazzled for Portland fans. In his time thus far in the league, Lillard has consistently been one of the best point guards in the entire league, and helped Portland contend every year in the difficult Western Conference.

In Jayson Tatum: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball’s Rising Stars, you will learn the incredible story of one of basketball's emerging stars, Jayson Tatum. Since being drafted by the Boston Celtics in 2017, Tatum has quickly established himself as a versatile and formidable guard to play against. At the time of this writing, Tatum is just 21 years old, with his prime years ahead of him.

In Aaron Gordon: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Rising Star Forwards, you will learn the incredible story of one of basketball's most exciting young forwards, Aaron Gordon. As the fourth overall pick in the 2014 Draft, Aaron Gordon has become a prominent piece of the Magic franchise as they continue rebuilding after the Dwight Howard era. Now entering his fifth season, expectations are the highest they have ever been for Aaron Gordon with his new four-year contract he signed in the summer of 2018.

In Kristaps Porzingis: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Most Versatile Big Men, you'll learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's premier big men, Kristaps Porzingis. Since joining the NBA, Kristaps Porzingis has quickly emerged as one of the league's best forward centers due to his abilities on both sides of the floor. The trade of Carmelo Anthony in the 2017 offseason marks the beginning of Porzingis' chapter as the go-to player for the Knicks franchise.

Learn the inspiring story of the Toronto Raptors' star shooting guard, 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. In this unauthorized biography, we'll explore DeMar's incredible life story and impact on the game of basketball.

In Pete Maravich: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Most Skilled Ball-Handlers, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's greatest point guards, Pete Maravich. While we are blessed in today's game to observe the remarkable play of point guards such as Stephen Curry and Chris Paul, Pistol Pete was one of the first point guards to display many of the key ball-handling skills that we observe on a nightly basis in the game today.

In Jimmy Butler: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Best All-Around Shooting Guards, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's premier shooting guards, Jimmy Butler. Since quickly emerging as one of the key leaders of the Chicago Bulls franchise, Jimmy Butler has established himself as one of the best two-way players to play in today's game.

In Paul George: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Most Dynamic Small Forwards, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's premier small forwards, Paul George. Since joining the NBA, Paul George has quickly emerged as one of the league's best small forwards, leading the Indiana Pacers to reemerge as contenders in the growingly competitive Eastern Conference.

In Kevin Garnett: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Power Forwards, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's premier power forwards, Kevin Garnett. Since joining the NBA directly from high school, Kevin Garnett has had a highly productive and legendary career in the NBA as a leader and as a basketball player.

In Marc Gasol: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Most Dominant Centers, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's premier centers. Since entering the NBA, Marc Gasol has created a name for himself as one of the best international basketball players to play in the NBA at the center position.

In Tony Parker: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Point Guards, you'll hear about the inspirational story of basketball's premier point guard, Tony Parker. Tony Parker became one of the first international players to create a lasting impact in the NBA at the point guard position. In an age filled with greats like Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, and Tim Duncan, Parker played in one of the most exciting eras of modern basketball.