). This IS the thread you talk about reading (no ). I know there's a similar thread in CYE, but over there they discussin Dickens (yes ). Lets use this thread to talk about books with pages dedicated solely to balls.I'll go first...
The story of California grassroots basketball. An amazing read. It opens with coach Joe Keller's ill-fated effort to recruit a young Tyson Chandler to his AAU team. In an attempt to fill the void of having a future star ripped away by the head of a bigger program, Keller turns his attention to another up-and-comer named Demetrius Walker. The issue is that Walker is only in about 6th grade at the time that Keller decides to hitch his wagon to him. The author then follows the lives of both for the next decade or so. Keller preys on his personal relationship with the young star to gain clout within the grassroots bball world, while Demetrius struggles with the expectations to become the next LeBron. And as Keller shops himself and his vision of developing adolescent prospect camps to Nike and adidas for big bucks, Walker is left to deal with the trappings of early fame by himself.
It's a really compelling topic, which is enhanced by the way it is told. The author does a good job of offering a pretty candid view of the grassroots bball world, although one could argue he's a bit too cynical. The amount of research that went into this is stunning. It's similar in some ways to an updated version of Hoop Dreams. Especially in how the story teller is able to illustrate the intimate details of the personal lives of his subjects through the lens of basketball. And the story is especially relevant now because many of the players addressed in it are currently in playing at major college basketball programs, or the NBA. Regardless, its a highly recommended read for any basketball porn addict.
Anyone else read this? Any feedback?
Or have another book you would recommend people read? Or something you've read that people should stay away from? Chop it up.
PEACE
