Product Description
Presents a biography of the Utah Jazz point guard who holds the NBA record for most career assists. ... Read more

Product Description
Tucked away in the corner of country, Gonzaga University, a small Jesuit college in Spokane, Washington, was maybe best known as the alma mater of Bing Crosby. In other words, it really wasn’t known at all.

That all changed in 1998. That year, Gonzaga’s men’s Division 1 basketball team won their first game in the NCAA tournament. Then they won their next game. And their next one. Suddenly, the funny sounding school with little basketball heritage and a fraction of the resources of most big time college basketball programs, was one game away from the Final Four. It stunned the college basketball world and made the once unpronounceable Gonzaga a household name.

Most remarkable of all, however, is that Gonzaga has continued to stun the college basketball world, making deep runs into the NCAA tournament almost every year since then—and without compromising on the small-school values that still separate it from the basketball factories in terrorizes each March.

Little Big Man is the inspirational and touching story of Gonzaga’s rise from college basketball obscurity to near mythic status as everyone’s favorite underdog. Acclaimed college basketball writer Bud Withers has covered the Zags since it all begin. In dramatic, and at times poignant, fashion he reanimates the events of the last few years, adding flesh to the personalities and summoning the details, great and small, that make up this unforgettable story. Readers will meet players such as big time high school recruit Blake Stepp, who chose Gonzaga because of what it wasn’t, a big time school. They’ll meet Dan Dickau, who transferred from the big state school to become an All American and cover boy at Gonzaga. They’ll meet former coach Dan Monson, who instilled a fearless attitude among the players, and Mark Few, the current coach who parlayed that into even greater success. Finally, they’ll meet Father Tony Lehmann, the longtime chaplain who died in March of 2002. The inspirational leader of the basketball team, Lehmann touched the lives of untold numbers of Gonzaga players, past and present, and his life and influence courses through the story. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Intersting look into successful program, but should've been better
I'm a few years late into getting this book, just having bought it at a used bookstore and finishing it in a weekend. Yes, a quick, light read and a good look into one of college basketball's more intersting programs of the last decade.

Withers, one of the Pacific Northwest's more respected sportswriters, does a solid job of telling how Gonzaga came to be. His background work is nice, especially the historical aspects of the university and program. His insight into the coaches -- former and current -- is excellent. And his take on the differing philosophies between the old coach (Fitzgerald) and the new (Monson and Few) is very astute.

I'm guessing that since it's not a season diary book -- which I'm thankful for -- that Withers wrote and researched much of this book from his Seattle home. Unfortunately, in spots, it shows, and it appears things were thrown together.

What was a five-star book tails off horribly into a three-star edition the longer it goes on.

Withers painstakingly details the politics of a conference post-season tournament late in the book. Gonzaga -- despite it's incredible success in the WCC tourney -- is quite known in the Northwest for whining about their inability to host this event. They've duped the Spokane media into joining this whine-fest, and sadly, Withers' b.s. detector doesn't go up and he joins in the complaining. But not until we've read pages of boring statistics about this tournament. The reader should've been spared this tripe.

Withers is at his best when he's talking about people, not numbers and basketball politics. One feels they really do know Fitzgerald, Monson, Few, and the players, once completed the book.

But I'm just not sure why the author cashed it in at the end. The book's so-called climax -- an NCAA game vs. Wyoming -- is recapped in a short paragraph. Withers, instead, hands the readers a half-page on a stupid mascot and some obscure administrator who takes care of him. The author misses the big choke against Wyoming -- choosing again to join in the Zags' crying over their so-called poor seeding -- and missing the backstory, that being Wyoming's best player, Josh Davis, a Gonzaga recruit, who may have been dropped by GU, seeking revenge and getting it. Unfortunately, Withers misses this and it's obvious he never attended the game. Where's the editor on this? Was there an editor?

The forwards and afterwords by famous hoop names is a bit much. One is fine. Jud Heathcoate's take at the end is just bad rah-rah writing.

This book is in need of a re-write. Let's say Withers takes out the material on the WCC tourney, drops the mascot fluff, goes into detail about the Wyoming game, and then updates it with the Adam Morrison era till today, and you'd have one darn good take on the Zags.

Instead, we're left with a middling book that could've and should've been better.

wow, what a bad book
seriously, probably one of the worst books i have ever read.in fact, i used it to wipe... i live in a shack, so i also used chapters 4, 5, and 6 as blankets.

Zag Fans in the Boonies
Zag Fans who live in the boondocks like I do (Reno, NV) have had to rely on the internet and the GU athletic department web-site for information on the Bulldogs' recent success.BraveHearts provides a succinct recap of the GU basketball program's up and downs over a longer period of time. I attended GU from Fall '75 to Spring '79 so much of what B. Withers covers in this enjoyable book was news to me. The chapter on ex-coach and athletic director Dan Fitzgerald was good reporting and while Withers may not be John Feinstein, he has certainly put in the time and research needed to portray the Bulldog basketball program in a complete fashion-- warts and all.

If you're a Gonzaga alumni or related to one, this would make a nice gift.

Good school, great team, so-so book
This was a light, fast, enjoyable read, but in the end, my pleasure stemmed from the subject moreso than the author's skill.Having read many of John Feinstein's works, I was expecting an "inside" look at the Gonzaga program: the story of a season through the eyes and words of players and coaches.Instead, Mr. Withers cobbles together a series of brief histories: of the school, of the coaching staff, of the team, of the WCC, etc.Although there are interviews with coaches, players and recruits, it seemed as though Withers spent most of his time compiling and recounting articles from newspaper achieves and school promotional literature.

If you like college hoops, and have enjoyed Gonzaga's seeminingly improbable success in recent NCAA tournaments, then you'll enjoy this book.If, however, you want to know what it's like to be a student-athlete or coach campaigning towards the "big dance" next March, this book doesn't deliver. ... Read more

Product Description
Purchase includes free access to book updates online and a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Chapters: Adam Morrison, John Stockton, Ronny Turiaf, Stew Morrill, Josh Heytvelt, Dan Dickau, Mario Kasun, Richie Frahm, J. P. Batista, Paul Rogers, Matt Bouldin, John Rillie, Elias Harris, Derek Raivio, Jeremy Pargo, Austin Daye, Franklin D. Burgess, Blake Stepp, Mike Champion. Excerpt:item Career highlights and awards item item Info Page Adam John Morrison (born July 19, 1984, in Glendive , Montana ) is an American professional basketball player with the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association . Morrison played for three years at Gonzaga University and was considered to be one of the top college basketball players in 2005 06. He was a finalist for the Naismith and the Wooden Award . He was named Co-Player of the Year with Duke University 's J. J. Redick by the United States Basketball Writers Association and won the 2006 Chevrolet Player of the Year award. Early career Morrison's father John is a basketball coach, and the family moved with his coaching career: Casper College in Northwest Casper, Wyoming , Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota , and Dawson Community College in Glendive, Montana . When Morrison was in the fourth grade, his father left coaching and the family moved to Spokane, Washington . Adam became the Gonzaga men's team's ball boy . When he was in the eighth grade, he lost 30 pounds (14 kg), and while attending a basketball camp at Gonzaga during this time, he felt sick, later saying about his experience at the camp, "I think I made one shot the whole three days. I was sicker than a dog. I didn't want to play. I couldn't do anything." Shortly after this, Morrison was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes . He took his diagnosis surprisingly well; the second time a nurse came to administer insulin , he stopped her, telling her, "Since I'm go... ... Read more

Product Description
"To the Brink" is a no-holds-barred look behind the scenes at the sports world's favorite oxymoron--the Utah Jazz--as they make one final fight for that elusive championship ring in the 1997-98 season. 8-page photo insert.Amazon.com Review
What separates To the Brink from most annals of ateam's season is the ending: the Jazz ultimately failed. All thetumult, anxiety, and excitement that led to this failure makeBrink a far more textured tale than the one that would havebeen written had they prevailed over the Bulls in the 1998 NBAchampionships. Lewis naturally centers on the often brilliant play andmoody personalities of future Hall of Famers John Stockton and KarlMalone, but he works all sides of the court here, and good storiesemerge, from Coach Jerry Sloan's metamorphosis in the face of hiswife's cancer to the tense bickering over Greg Ostertag's inflatedsalary and deflated performance. Regularly counted out and alwaysunderestimated, the Jazz surprised the NBA by doing what they do best:playing solid ball and prevailing in the West on what often seemedlike a triumvirate of heart, perseverance, and Malone'scharismatically gargantuan will. They shocked the talented Lakers,sweeping them in the conference finals 4-0 to earn a return trip toface the Bulls in the title round, where they succumbed, a game toosoon, to one of Michael Jordan's more sublime moments. That the lossis preordained riffs; like a bad date with destiny, you keep hopingfor the best, but a sad air of resignation prevails. --JeffSilverman ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

COULD BE A HISTORY BOOK
Not only does this book give a remarkable description of the 97'/98'season but also a in depth look at the previous seasons and how the Jazz came to be in Utah.It is the best written Jazz book I have ever read and I will read it over and over.Michael Lewis has wrote the book in away that all the memorable moments come rushing back to you as if you were still in front of the T.V. celebrating with your friends.It brings it back to life.

COULD BE A HISTORY BOOK
Not only does this book give a remarkable description of the 97'/98'season but also a in depth look at the previous seasons and how the Jazz came to be in Utah.It is the best written Jazz book I have ever read and I will read it over and over.Michael Lewis as wrote the book in away that all the memorable moments come rushing back to you as if you were still in front of the T.V. celebrating with your friends.It brings it back to life.

Amazing!
This book is a summary of the 97-98 Utah Jazz season; and even as a diehard Jazz fan, I didn't know of some of the sticky situations that went on in their season and what a miracle it was that they made the finals. The whole state of Utah (they're all Jazz fans, right?) needs to read this book; along with any other Jazz fan.

What a book!
I just finished this book and I can't say enough about it. It describes the Jazz's season perfectly! If you get 1 book this year make it this one.

A great overall view on the great Utah Jazz
I bought this book recently and I must say that I love it!The author is honest about the team,writing about the good times,bad times and how players react to all kind of distraction.I strongly recommend this bookfor all the Jazz fans out there. This is a well written book which alowsthe reader to travel with the team,hear what they have to say and see howthey react to reporters for example. Just buy it. ... Read more

Product Description
A dual biography that emphasizes how greatly two Utah Jazz stars rely on each other on and off the court and the extent to which their careers have intertwined. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Stockton & Malone are different people but best friends,
This is the first time I have ever read this book. I thought it was great.This book proves you can be of different color,different religion, and ofdifferent build and still be best friends. Even though I don't like theUtah Jazz, I thought this book described the Utah Jazz,Stockton, and Malonevery well.This book proves that even if you were once poor, you neverforget where you came from.Iwould read this book or another book by thisauthor if I could.

Satisfy your "Basketball Jones"
Wow.I thought I knew everything there was to know about Karl Malone andJohn Stockton, then I picked up Mr. Schnakenberg's book.All I can say is,he's painted a vivid portrait of two TRUE hardwood superstars.Theirantics on and off the court are entertaining and inspiring.The writing iscrisp,and the grammar is impeccable.

Schnakenberg... He shoots....He SCORES!
I admit, when my daughter brought this book home for a book report, myexpectations were high.We both loved Mr. Schnakenberg's Scottie Pippenbook, and didn't think he could top it.We were both pleasantly surprised. Once again, he has put together an informative and entertaining book.Iknow it is officially a "Young Adult's" offering, but I was notashamed to borrow it from my daughter and bring it to work to read overlunch.When a co-worker noticed it he picked it up out of curiosity.Nowmy daughter has to borrow it from the library again so HE can finish it.Ihope Mr. Schnakenberg continues to provide his own personal brand of wit toboth young and old alike.He is rapidly distinguishing himself as one ofour premiere "Young Adult" authors.

A slam bang funfest!
Schnakenberg's dazzling dual biography of John Stockton and Karl Malone proves once again that he is the master of middle grade biography.I heartily recommend this rich tapestry of basketball storytelling. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the hardest working team in the NBA, the UtahJazz.Led by iron men Karl Malone, John Stockton and coach JerrySloan.Go behind the scenes to reveal the unparalleledcompetitiveness of a collection of over-achieving players and theirdemanding coach, whose never-say-die efforts have captured the heartsof the entire state of Utah and basketball fans throughout NorthAmerica. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great book
I bought this as a gift for my brother. The Jazz fanatic. He was trilled. It's a great book. Perfect for those die hard Stockton/Malone fans.

He shoots...he scores!
The greatest story ever, on the greatest players ever ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Notable Sports Figures, brought to you by Gale®, a part of Cengage Learning, a world leader in e-research and educational publishing for libraries, schools and businesses.The length of the article is 1605 words.The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase.You can view it with any web browser.Takes a close look at the people in sports who have captured attention because of success on the playing field, or controversy off the playing field. This work features biographies on more than 600 people from around the world and throughout history who have had an impact not only on their sport, but also on the society and culture of their times. It also includes not only the record-breakers that dominated and changed their sport, but also the controversial figures that made headlines even apart from athletic events. ... Read more

Product Description
Chapters: Brandon Roy, Mark Hendrickson, Nate Robinson, Adam Morrison, John Stockton, Jason Terry, Jamal Crawford, Aaron Brooks, Roberto Bergersen, Rodney Stuckey, Rosell Ellis, Martell Webster, Doug Christie, Marvin Williams, Spencer Hawes, Luke Ridnour, Will Conroy, Maarty Leunen, Tony Harris, Jon Brockman, Richie Frahm, Michael Dickerson, Michael Holton, Isaiah Thomas, John Stroeder, Phil Zevenbergen, Derek Raivio, C. J. Giles, Jim Ard, Paul Mokeski, Brian Quinnett, Bryan Warrick, Craig Raymond, Alvin Snow, Darren Morningstar. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 136. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: Brandon Dawayne Roy (born July 23, 1984) is an American professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association. He was selected sixth in the 2006 NBA Draft, having completed four years playing for the Washington Huskies. In 2009, he serves as the team's co-captain, along with LaMarcus Aldridge. His nickname is "B-Roy", but he is also referred to as "The Natural" by announcer Brian Wheeler. Born in Seattle, Washington, Roy became known for his immediate impact on the Trail Blazers. Zach Randolph, then the team captain, was traded to the New York Knicks at the end of Roy's first season, which cleared the way for Roy to take on a leadership role on the team. Though hampered by an injured ankle, Roy won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award for 200607 in a near-unanimous vote. He played 57 games as a rookie and averaged 16.8 points per game in the 200607 season. He was selected as a reserve to the 2008 NBA All-Star Game, the 2009 NBA All-Star Game, and the 2010 NBA All-Star Game. Roy played the most minutes of any Western Conference player, and tied for the most points in the West in the 2008 game, and he played the most minutes of any player during...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=4661937 ... Read more