Guts And Glory: Making It In The Nba

Guts and Glory: Making It in the Nba

From BooklistGr. 4^-7. Although the title may lead readers to think they are going to be treated to some self-help secrets, this is actually a collective biography of 10 outstanding athletes that insightfully describes stumbling blocks to making it in the NBA. Rappoport discusses not only some of the physical obstacles the players faced but also such challenges as poverty. John Lucas, who battled alcohol and drug addiction to stay in the NBA, and Isiah Thomas, who survived the ghetto, are among those included. Rappoport captures each subject in a readable style, revealing the athlete's dedication and perseverance. Black-and-white photographs and source notes. Shelley Townsend-HudsonExamines the lives of ten professional basketball players, including Muggsy Bogues, Bobby Hurley, John Lucas, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Buck Williams, who overcame various obstacles on their way to success in the NBA.From School Library JournalGrade 5-9. The 10 players featured in this title were chosen not because of the talent they display on the court, but because of the major adversities they have overcome to reach their status amongst the basketball elite. Muggsy Bogues, Reggie Miller, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Isiah Thomas are among those whose travails are documented. Eight of the athletes are currently playing in the NBA. The problems they faced run the gamut from physical disabilities to chemical addiction, legal trouble, and severe poverty. Refreshingly, statistics and records play a secondary role in these biographical accounts of dedication and perseverance. Rappoport presents readers with information that isn't readily available in books published for this age group and does so in a very readable fashion. As in many of the author's earlier titles, he documents his sources with endnotes, and his research includes several personal interviews. A couple of black-and-white photographs, mostly action shots, appear with each entry. All in all, an interesting look at a unique group of professionals.?Tom S. Hurlburt, La Crosse Public Library, WICopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.