Good books about basketball?

[July]

My nephew (15 years old) is very bright, excels in math and science, but doesn't read much. Loves basketball. I maintain that there are well-written books and articles out there for everyone, and I hope to turn him on to a good read or three. I don't expect to change him into a bookworm, but I know that he'll enjoy the right book.

I know nothing about basketball (despite having been a high school cheerleader a long, long time ago). Any suggestions?

[July]

1. Nothin'?

kick

[kodi]

2. bill russell's "go up for glory" bill bradley's "a sense of where you are"

both are excellent books for teenagers about the lives of basketball players.

good to read both, russell was a poor kid, bradley, a rich kid. both won olympic goal medals, both were most valuable players in the ncaa playoffs. both won nba championships.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

3. John Feinstein's "A Season on the Brink", about Bobby Knight's Indiana

Hoosier program. Sportswriter John Feinstein was allowed unprecedented access to Knight and his program during one season during the '80's.

I haven't read it myself but I've heard it's one of the best sports books about any sport that there is. I used to read Feinstein's columns regularly in the Washington Post back when I lived in "Blue America". He is an excellent writer.

[ThorsHammer]

4. I've read it, very good book (nt)

[Tangledog]

5. Foul! by David Wolf

The long journey of Connie Hawkins in the nether world of semi-pro basketball. Grim in spots, dwelling on the "anti-glamour" of the game, but gripping and vivid, and Hawkins is a sympathetic character.

I haven't read much of "The City Game", but parts of it were funny, and it seems like Axthelm is a good writer.

Edited because I didn't tell July why I'm recommending such a depressing-sounding book!