Dick Vitale's Living a Dream: Reflections on 25 Years Sitting in theBest Seat in the House is more than just a memoir of an active life in sports. It is an intimate look at the man behind the TV persona. Vitale reveals details about his start at ESPN and shares his feelings about the most important people in the college basketball world, on both personal and professional levels. There are reminiscences of the celebrities he has met, as well as the deep friendships he has formed over the years. Living a Dream is not mired in the past, however. Vitale is eloquent on the LeBron James phenomenon and the controversy surrounding the breakup of the Big East Conference, both of which have had a huge impact on college basketball in 2003. He writes about the price coaches and players have to pay to be the best, the problems that beset the sport today, what he would want in a perfect basketball world, and his projections for the future of the sport he loves.
Since joining ESPN in 1979, Dick Vitale has become the senior spokesman for college hoops. In Living A Dream, Vitale reveals details about his start at ESPN and shares his feelings about the most important people in the college basketball world. A must-have for any basketball fan.
Jarrod Polsons journey to the University of Kentucky began with a dream in elementary school. Living beyond the Dream offers an inside look into Polsons life as he describes that dream to play basketball for his beloved Wildcats. This memoir narrates the lows and highs and speaks to the lessons Polson learned throughout college. In a world of talent and fame, he understands the choices one makes are more important than the gifts one has been given. Praise for Living beyond the Dream Jarrod Polson is Kentucky basketball. [He] turned down scholarships to other Division 1 schools to live out his dream of playing for the Wildcats. He was given little chance of playing But not only did he play, he was an integral part of UKs 2012 National Championship. To me there is something more important. Jarrod Polson lives what he believes. Cameron Mills Following UKs miraculous run in the 2014 NCAA Tournament, Jarrod Polson and I were given the opportunity to visit thousands of school kids throughout Kentucky. Those kids saw that a UK National Champion who got to live his dream can be humble, patient, and kind and still be a champion. You will love getting to know him and Him through Polsons book Living beyond the Dream. Jeff Sheppard In my time here at Kentucky, Ive been fortunate to have been around some of the strongest character kids in the country. JP is at the top of that list, his faith in how he lives his life, his dedication to team and winning spirit made it fun and a joy to coach. He will always be one of my favorite wildcats. Kenny Payne Jarrod Polson writes about the honor to wear a Kentucky uniform and the thrill of being a part of BBN. Dick Vitale
Dickie V's ABCs and 1-2-3s, the first little book in the Dick Vitale Children's Literacy Initiative, is AWESOME BABY! It's a children's alphabet and counting book from the legendary ESPN college basketball analyst, Dick Vitale. In the book, children learn their alphabet through high-energy basketball words that Dick uses in his national broadcasts. For example, "D" is for "dunk" and "J" is for "jump". In the counting section of the book, Dick leads kids in counting using colorful basketballs. The book has a special feature (may not be available on all e-readers): a video introduction by Dick Vitale and digital audio clips for all 26 letters in Vitale’s own voice "broadcasting" different phrases to encourage the child, including "You and Me-What a Team" and Vitale's signature catchphrase: "You're Awesome, Baby!" The book is illustrated with a colorful menagerie of animal characters and a tiny little version of Dickie V. Dr. Bryan Nelson, a long-time member of the American Academy of Pediatrics says the book is an excellent tool for early childhood development
It's hard to believe, but Dick Vitale, ESPN's perennially youthful basketball analyst, is 75. From 1939 to 2014, you'll get to know 75 years worth of history, facts, and opinions, as well as his thoughts on family, the game of basketball, and his passionate fight against childhood cancer. This book will give you new insights into Dick Vitale, both the sportscaster and the humanitarian.
For more than 30 years, Dick Vitale has been synonymous with the best in college basketball. His enthusiasm, knowledge, unique turn of a phrase and passion have set the bar for the best in hoops coverage. Dick Vitale has seen it all. For the college basketball fan, these are some of the touchstones of the sport. For years, fans have discussed the memorable players and magical moments. And, fan that he is, Dick Vitale also likes to talk about the game he loves. But, he is not your average fan. And there are experiences that are personally meaningful to him that he wants to share. From his wealth of experience sitting courtside at many pivotal moments in college basketball over the past three decades, Vitale gives us his reasons why he has chosen his top 50 players and moments - out of the many he has witnessed during his years of broadcasting at ESPN. Although he includes biographical and statistical data for each player and moment, as well as dynamic photographs. Vitale makes it clear that these are his personal choices. This is from his heart, naming the top 50 players and moments in the wonderful world of college hoops. It's awesome, baby.
What can the film Hoosiers teach us about the meaning of life? How can ancient Eastern wisdom traditions, such as Taoism and Zen Buddhism, improve our jump-shots? What can the “Zen Master” (Phil Jackson) and the “Big Aristotle” (Shaquille O’Neal) teach us about sustained excellence and success? Is women’s basketball “better” basketball? How, ethically, should one deal with a strategic cheater in pickup basketball? With NBA and NCAA team rosters constantly changing, what does it mean to play for the “same team”? What can coaching legends Dean Smith, Rick Pitino, Pat Summitt, and Mike Krzyzewski teach us about character, achievement, and competition? What makes basketball such a beautiful game to watch and play? Basketball is now the most popular team sport in the United States; each year, more than 50 million Americans attend college and pro basketball games. When Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, first nailed two peach baskets at the opposite ends of a Springfield, Massachusetts, gym in 1891, he had little idea of how thoroughly the game would shape American—and international—culture. Hoops superstars such as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Yao Ming are now instantly recognized celebrities all across the planet. So what can a group of philosophers add to the understanding of basketball? It is a relatively simple game, but as Kant and Dennis Rodman liked to say, appearances can be deceiving. Coach Phil Jackson actively uses philosophy to improve player performance and to motivate and inspire his team and his fellow coaches, both on and off the court. Jackson has integrated philosophy into his coaching and his personal life so thoroughly that it is often difficult to distinguish his role as a basketball coach from his role as a philosophical guide and mentor to his players. In Basketball and Philosophy, a Dream Team of twenty-six basketball fans, most of whom also happen to be philosophers, proves that basketball is the thinking person’s sport. They look at what happens when the Tao meets the hardwood as they explore the teamwork, patience, selflessness, and balanced and harmonious action that make up the art of playing basketball.
A riveting glimpse into the life and legacy of the legendary basketball coach “that will intrigue knowledgeable college hoop fans” (Kirkus Reviews). Immerse yourself in the riveting memoir of Bob Knight, a titan in the world of college basketball, whose towering success and public controversies epitomize a storied career spanning over three decades. Embodying both triumph and turmoil, Knight: My Story goes beyond headlines, offering an intimate, first-hand account of a sports legend. From his humble beginnings as the youngest head coach at Army to constructing a formidable dynasty at Indiana University, Knight’s journey is a testament to resolute determination and undying passion. Drawing from his experiences, Knight provides a rare glimpse into the winning strategies and philosophies that kept top players lining up to play under his guidance. From winning an unprecedented 700 plus games and becoming National Coach of the Year four times to meeting unparalleled success on the national and international stage, Knight’s contributions to college basketball are truly unmatched. Knight is a must-read for college basketball fans and anyone captivated by the timeless power of leadership, dedication, and college sports. “There is a fascinating man hiding in these pages, a man whose multisided personality, startling depth, and undeniable intelligence may surprise many.” —Booklist “The text is a lively read flavored with scores of anecdotes involving famous athletes, coaches, politicians, and other public figures with whom Knight has come into contact.” —Library Journal “They say there are two sides to every story. In Knight, Bob Knight presents his, well told.” —Book Page
ESPN's rise is one of the most remarkable stories about business and sports in our time, and nobody can tell it better than George Bodenheimer. It may be hard to believe, but not long ago, getting sports updates was difficult and frustrating. ESPN changed everything. George Bodenheimer knows. Initially hired to work in the mailroom, one of Bodenheimer's first jobs was to pick up sportscaster Dick Vitale at the Hartford airport and drive him to ESPN's main campus--a couple of trailers in a dirt parking lot. But as ESPN grew, so did George's status in the company. In fact, Bodenheimer played a major part in making ESPN a daily presence not just here, but all over the world. In this business leadership memoir--written with bestselling author Donald T. Phillips--Bodenheimer lays out ESPN's meteoric rise. This is a book for business readers and sports fans alike. A Best Business Book of 2015, Strategy Business
