This evening I had the chance to chat with Aaron Torres about his new book “The Unlikeliest Champion.” We talked about the writing process, the challenges he faced during the writing process, what parts of the process have been rewarding , and he gave his case as to why this book would make a great Christmas gift.

I’ve been playing basketball since I was in elementary school and coaching since I was in high school, so it’s tough to find a book on coaching or skill development that catches my attention.
I usually dig through a handful of books each year with the hope that I can add a new drill or [...]

I get bombarded with requests from publishers to review books so over the past few years I’ve gotten kind of “numb” to the process and it takes a lot for a basketball book to grab my attention. The reissued of edition “Rockin’ Steady: A Guide To Basketball & Cool” was able to grab my attention and I spent an entire evening reading through the book. After finishing the book I had the pleasure of being able to chat with its co-author, Ira Berkow, about a wide range of topics surrounding the book.

Buzz Bissinger talked with Hoops Addict about how the writing process for “LeBron’s Dream Team” unfolded, what impressed him the most about LeBron James while spending time with him and he explained why he doesn’t think LeBron will be playing in Cleveland past this season.

On the weekend Hoops Addict was able to chat with Rus Bradburd about a wide range of topics including what inspired him to write a book about Nolan Richardson, why Richardson had a dislike for “book coaches” and the unique situation the Richardson’s had in Tulsa where players frequently came over to eat dinner or to spend time with his family.

I have a confession to make: after two seasons of covering the NBA I had started to become lazy when it came to asking players the kinds of questions which warranted them throwing out something more than the traditional sports cliches. However, instead of digging a little deeper I chalked this up to athletes not wanting to provide answers.

Don’t get me wrong, I still do my homework leading up to each game, it’s just that instead of taking some risks or digging deeper with the questions I asked players, I was starting to throw generic questions out to players and was getting frustrated when I would get generic answers thrown back at me.

After reading Chris Ballard’s new book I found myself renewed and motivated for another season of covering the NBA while being given the motivation to dig a little deeper in the kinds of questions I asked players.

Getting cut from the high school varsity is nothing compared with getting but by a blindfolded samurai swordsman with a watermelon on your stomach. Here’s the amazing but true story of the day that Michael Jordan lost his first Team USA warmup shirt – and nearly a great career – while just trying to be a good sport.

Fresh off his introductory press conference with the Washington Wizards, guard Randy Foye talked to members of the media about his true position, his initial reaction to being traded, his thoughts on Kevin McHale’s influence on his game, and his memorable duel with Dwyane Wade last season.
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Despite covering the NBA in-depth with media credentials last season there are still countless aspects of the season I haven’t full grasped. Call it a case of going through my rookie season and some things being a blur, but even after being full submerged in the NBA by talking with countless coaches and players, there are still some stories I still don’t full appreciate or comprehend. After reading Peter May’s book “Top of the World,” I now have a greater appreciation for all that went into the Celtics Championship season last year.

When I received a copy of “Open Your Heart With Basketball” in the mail to review I shuddered when I saw a basketball with a heart around it on the cover. Who wants to read a book about basketball with a huge heart on the cover? Not this kid. My immediate reaction was dismay that [...]