Books.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Overview
From its beginnings at the turn of the 20th century to its pervasive presence in 21st-century America, basketball has grown into an undeniably important sport. The 575 entries in this biographical dictionary present concise narratives on the lives and careers on the most important names in basketball history. Entries include both classic players such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bob Cousy as well as more recently established and up-and-coming stars such as Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Garnett, and LeBron James. Entries for coaches such as the Boston Celtics' Red Auerbach and Mike Krzyzewski from Duke University present the figures who have shaped the game from courtside, while the inclusion of female players and coaches such as Lisa Leslie, Diana Taurasi, and Pat Summitt show that basketball is not just a sport for men.
From its beginnings at the turn of the 20th century to its pervasive presence in 21st-century America, basketball has grown into an undeniably important sport. The 575 entries in this biographical dictionary present concise narratives on the lives and careers on the most important names in basketball history. Entries include both classic players such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bob Cousy as well as more recently established and up-and-coming stars such as Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Garnett, and LeBron James. Entries for coaches such as the Boston Celtics' Red Auerbach and Mike Krzyzewski from Duke University present the figures who have shaped the game from courtside, while the inclusion of female players and coaches such as Lisa Leslie, Diana Taurasi, and Pat Summitt show that basketball is not just a sport for men. This volume is an ideal reference for students seeking easily accessed information on the greats of the game.
Synopsis
From Senda Berenson Abbott, who brought basketball to the students of Smith College in the fall of 1892, to Fred Zollner, whose piston manufacturing company sponsored the team that was to become the Detroit Pistons, Porter (history, William Penn U.) presents 575 biographical entries on the lives and careers of individuals important to the history of basketball, from its origins to the present. In addition to a short biographical essay, each essay also presents a brief bibliography for further reading. Appendixes list entries by place of birth, the women basketball players and coaches among the entries, and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame members. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Editorials
From the Publisher
"This new guide highlights the contributions of 577 men and women who have influenced the development of the sport in the United States; from Bob Cousy to Michael Jordan, most are the stars of the game….While some readers may miss a favorite player, the selection reflects the outstanding caliber of the sport at all levels. This volume will be a popular choice in high school, public and academic libraries."
-
Lawrence Looks At Books
"[P]resents 575 biographical entries on the lives and careers of individuals important to the history of basketball, from its origins to the present. In addition to a short biographical essay, each essay also presents a brief bibliography for further reading. Appendixes list entries by place of birth, the women basketball players and coaches among the entries, and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame members."
-
Reference & Research Book News
"[L]ibraries with comprehensive basketball collections and those that serve novice basketball readers."
-
Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin
"[A] history of the sport from its beginnings at the turn of the 20th century to its current popularity. Almost six hundred entries in this A-Z dictionary present narratives on the lives and careers of important names in the sport, from coaches and players to others. Students who want a quick reference Basketball: A Biographical Dictionary packed with detail."
-
MBR Internet Bookwatch
"This reference resource is an A-to-Z listing of players and coaches--male and female, college and professional--who have had a significant impact on the game of basketball. The 577 entries are generally page-long biographical sketches offering the subject's full name, nicknames, date and place of birth and death, family information (parents, children, spouses), and career development. An individual's impact on the game is determined by outstanding statistical records, extraordinary achievement in championships and tournaments, and awards garnered….[t]his is a good source for brief yet detailed biographical information on notable figures in basketball, past and present. Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and general readers."
-
Choice
"[A] well-done reference book. The work is a convenient one-stop source for information on individuals who made notable contributions to the game."
-
Reference Reviews