A review by atayebi
Boys Among Men: How the Prep-to-Pro Generation Redefined the NBA and Sparked a Basketball Revolution by Jonathan Abrams
emotional
informative
medium-paced
4.0
Enjoyed this book on the prep to pro generation of NBA basketball stars.
Could tell this was well researched with countless sources and quotes throughout the book. Felt more personal hearing from so many entities that play a role in the league: coaches, executives, scouts, reporters and former players.
I really liked hearing of the stories of players in the league especially those that I had not heard of previously that had issues acclimating to the NBA lifestyle like Bill Willoughby and Lenny Cooke. Makes you appreciate those that could handle the pressure along with how far the league has come in helping the players reach their full potential and being a bit more understanding in a high pressure sport.
The draft story around Kobe was also very interesting and one I didn’t know involved John Calipiari when he was coaching the Nets.
Finally, I thought this book was well organized and a joy to read. Could’ve been a bit more detailed/intense but I liked the format and pacing really sucked me in. As a basketball fan, it was great to read a general book on the NBA not centered on a championship run or a specific team but the players. Interesting to think about the ripple effect of these draft picks and how they affected the age limit rule being imposed. KD would’ve definitely jumped straight to the NBA!
For comparison, I thought this book was much more enjoyable to read than Blood in the Garden.
Could tell this was well researched with countless sources and quotes throughout the book. Felt more personal hearing from so many entities that play a role in the league: coaches, executives, scouts, reporters and former players.
I really liked hearing of the stories of players in the league especially those that I had not heard of previously that had issues acclimating to the NBA lifestyle like Bill Willoughby and Lenny Cooke. Makes you appreciate those that could handle the pressure along with how far the league has come in helping the players reach their full potential and being a bit more understanding in a high pressure sport.
The draft story around Kobe was also very interesting and one I didn’t know involved John Calipiari when he was coaching the Nets.
Finally, I thought this book was well organized and a joy to read. Could’ve been a bit more detailed/intense but I liked the format and pacing really sucked me in. As a basketball fan, it was great to read a general book on the NBA not centered on a championship run or a specific team but the players. Interesting to think about the ripple effect of these draft picks and how they affected the age limit rule being imposed. KD would’ve definitely jumped straight to the NBA!
For comparison, I thought this book was much more enjoyable to read than Blood in the Garden.