Cousy

Author : Bill Reynolds
Publisher : Simon and Schuster
Page : 384 pages
File Size : 45,5 Mb
Release : 2010-05-11
Category : Sports & Recreation
ISBN : 9781439117422

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Cousy by Bill Reynolds Pdf

Bob Cousy is one of the greatest figures in American sports history. He was a first-team All-NBA player ten years in a row, the MVP of the 1957 season. He led the NBA in assists for eight straight years. He played in six NBA championships with the Boston Celtics. In a sense, he was the first modern player and flashy playmaker, the first improviser, the first player to look inside the boundaries of a basketball court and see endless possibilities -- jazz musician as point guard. To teammates, coaches, and opponents, he was the greatest basketball player of all time. But to millions of fans, he was simply "Cooz." In Cousy: His Life, Career, and the Birth of Big-Time Basketball, veteran sportswriter Bill Reynolds -- with the full cooperation of Bob Cousy -- reveals the man often called "the Babe Ruth of basketball," the dazzling athlete who brought "showtime basketball" to the NBA and changed the game forever. Bob Cousy, the originator of the behind-the-back dribble and the no-look pass, joined the Boston Celtics in 1950, when the fledgling NBA was still competing with rodeo and professional wrestling for column inches in the sports pages. When Cousy retired thirteen years later, the NBA had joined baseball and football as a premier American entertainment. This absorbing portrait not only recounts Cousy's record-breaking career but also reveals the superstar's little-known personal life -- from his impoverished childhood in New York City, when he was ironically cut from his high school basketball team in both his freshman and sophomore years, to his eventful life after his playing career, when he coached Boston College and the Cincinnati Royal in the NBA. Readers will discover the mind of a man so tortured by the fear of failure that he had recurring nightmares, walked in his sleep, and developed a nervous tic. Before Jerry West and Oscar Robertson, before Kareem and Dr. J., before the Lakers brought showtime basketball to the national stage, the Celtics dominated the NBA for more than a decade. And Cousy was the team's biggest star. As Reynolds examines the inner workings of a truly one-of-a-kind athlete, Cousy: His Life, Career, and the Birth of Big-Time Basketball examines as never before an era of basketball largely unknown to modern fans, with portraits of many of the NBA's vintage superstars, such as Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Elgin Baylor, as well as perhaps the greatest basketball coach of all time -- the Boston Celtics' Red Auerbach.

Author : Terry Pluto
Publisher : U of Nebraska Press
Page : 420 pages
File Size : 45,5 Mb
Release : 2000-10-01
Category : Sports & Recreation
ISBN : 0803287666

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Tall Tales by Terry Pluto Pdf

An account of the NBA from 1956 to 1966, after the introduction of the 24-second shot clock, highlights those who dominated the sport during its "glory days," including Red Auerbach, Wilt Chamberlain, and the Boston Celtics.

Author : Gary M. Pomerantz
Publisher : Penguin
Page : 386 pages
File Size : 51,5 Mb
Release : 2018-10-23
Category : Sports & Recreation
ISBN : 9780735223622

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The Last Pass by Gary M. Pomerantz Pdf

The New York Times Bestseller Out of the greatest dynasty in American professional sports history, an intimate story of race, mortality, and regret About to turn ninety, Bob Cousy, the Hall of Fame Boston Celtics captain who led the team to its first six championships on an unparalleled run, has much to look back on in contentment. But he has one last piece of unfinished business. The last pass he hopes to throw is to close the circle with his great partner on those Celtic teams, fellow Hall of Famer Bill Russell, now 84. These teammates were basketball's Ruth and Gehrig, and Cooz, as everyone calls him, was famously ahead of his time as an NBA player in terms of race and civil rights. But as the decades passed, Cousy blamed himself for not having done enough, for not having understood the depth of prejudice Russell faced as an African-American star in a city with a fraught history regarding race. Cousy wishes he had defended Russell publicly, and that he had told him privately that he had his back. At this late hour, he confided to acclaimed historian Gary Pomerantz over the course of many interviews, he would like to make amends. At the heart of the story THE LAST PASS tells is the relationship between these two iconic athletes. The book is also in a way Bob Cousy's last testament on his complex and fascinating life. As a sports story alone it has few parallels: An poor kid whose immigrant French parents suffered a dysfunctional marriage, the young Cousy escaped to the New York City playgrounds, where he became an urban legend known as the Houdini of the Hardwood. The legend exploded nationally in 1950, his first year as a Celtic: he would be an all-star all 13 of his NBA seasons. But even as Cousy's on-court imagination and daring brought new attention to the pro game, the Celtics struggled until Coach Red Auerbach landed Russell in 1956. Cooz and Russ fit beautifully together on the court, and the Celtics dynasty was born. To Boston's white sportswriters it was Cousy's team, not Russell's, and as the civil rights movement took flight, and Russell became more publicly involved in it, there were some ugly repercussions in the community, more hurtful to Russell than Cousy feels he understood at the time. THE LAST PASS situates the Celtics dynasty against the full dramatic canvas of American life in the 50s and 60s. It is an enthralling portrait of the heart of this legendary team that throws open a window onto the wider world at a time of wrenching social change. Ultimately it is a book about the legacy of a life: what matters to us in the end, long after the arena lights have been turned off and we are alone with our memories. On August 22, 2019, Bob Cousy was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom

Author : David L. Porter
Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing USA
Page : 614 pages
File Size : 53,7 Mb
Release : 2005-07-30
Category : Sports & Recreation
ISBN : 9780313061974

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Basketball by David L. Porter Pdf

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.

Author : Anonim
Publisher : Simon and Schuster
Page : 719 pages
File Size : 42,8 Mb
Release : 2022-10-25
Category : Sports & Recreation
ISBN : 9781683584407

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The Basketball Maniac's Almanac by Anonim Pdf

Part reference, part trivia, part brain teaser, and absolutely the most unusual and thorough compendium of basketball stats and facts ever assembled! Did you know that Wilt Chamberlain and Wes Unseld are the only two players in basketball history to win both the Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards in the same season? Or that Mark Jackson had more than 10,000 assists in his career, but is not in the Hall of Fame? How about that Kevin Love has the longest consecutive streak of double-doubles, with 53? Inspired by The Baseball Maniac’s Almanac—first created by legendary sportswriter Bert Randolph Sugar—The Basketball Maniac’s Almanac includes thousands of fascinating lists, tables, data, and stimulating facts never before compiled in one place! Inside, you’ll find all of the big name basketball heroes like Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, LeBron James, Rick Barry, Kevin Durant, Jerry West, Ray Allen, Kobe Bryant, and a lot of information that will be new to even the most devoted fans: Hall of Famers drafted #1 overall Points leaders by state of birth Most blocked shots by players under six-feet tall Career leaders in four-points plays Oldest player selected to an All-Star Game Players with career Quadruple-Doubles Former ABA players leading the NBA in 3-pointers Most career technical fouls Fathers and sons both drafted in the first round Coaches winning Coach of the Year award and championship in the same season And so much more! Not just a collection of facts or records, this is a book of glorious fun that will astound even the most bookish basketball fan. Read up and amaze your friends, family, and anyone who loves the game of basketball!

Author : Lew Freedman
Publisher : Rowman & Littlefield
Page : 253 pages
File Size : 47,7 Mb
Release : 2008
Category : Electronic
ISBN : 9781599217567

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Dynasty by Lew Freedman Pdf

Author : Chris Russo,Allen St. John
Publisher : Crown
Page : 342 pages
File Size : 52,6 Mb
Release : 2006-05-02
Category : Sports & Recreation
ISBN : 9780385519120

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The Mad Dog Hall of Fame by Chris Russo,Allen St. John Pdf

Many athletes are SUPERSTARS. Many coaches are LEGENDS. Many moments are CLASSICS. But which are the best of the best? Which ten will make THE MAD DOG HALL OF FAME? “Opining about sports in a spirited fashion is Chris Russo’s specialty.” – Bob Costas The All-Time Top-Ten Players in Baseball, NFL Football, NBA Basketball, College Basketball, College Football The Top-Ten Coaches of All Time The All-Time Top-Ten Movers and Shakers in Sports The Top-Ten Sports Moments in History of All Time The Top-Ten Sports Venues of All Time It’s The Big Question in the world of sports: Who’s number one? Which player? Which coach? Which team? Now, the authors of the acclaimed New York Times bestseller, The Mad Dog 100: The Greatest Sports Arguments of All Time, get down and dirty to tackle the central issue that consumes every sports fan: Which players, teams, venues, and moments would make the top-ten list of all time? With characteristic candor, explosive energy, and unquestioned expertise, top-rated sports talk radio personality Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo tackles the tough questions head-on and creates his own personal Hall of Fame. But the Mad Dog sets the bar much higher than usual—only ten honorees are inducted in each category—so plenty of all-time greats will find themselves on the outside looking in. Russo ranks Lou Gehrig, Willie Mays, and Walter Johnson…and one of them doesn’t even make the cut. He ranks Jerry Rice and Dick Butkus and Mean Joe Greene…and try telling one of them he’ll have to pay admission to get into this Hall of Fame. He takes sides and ranks Fenway Park ahead of Yankee Stadium…or will it be the other way around? He names the single greatest sports moment of all time, across all sports…and no, it’s not what you think. Each enticing chapter is packed full of intriguing facts and sidebars, including tidbits that will surprise even the most seasoned sports fan. The magic of Russo’s analysis is not just an explanation of who makes the cut and who does not–but why. THE MAD DOG HALL OF FAME is essential reading–the kind of book every sports enthusiast will want to have on hand as a quick reference guide to the best of the best. Russo and St. John have crafted an entertaining, fast-paced, and provocative tour of the world of sports, chock-full of close calls and tough choices designed not to end arguments…but to start them.

Author : Murry R. Nelson
Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing USA
Page : 1678 pages
File Size : 42,5 Mb
Release : 2013-05-23
Category : Sports & Recreation
ISBN : 9780313397530

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American Sports [4 volumes] by Murry R. Nelson Pdf

America loves sports. This book examines and details the proof of this fascination seen throughout American society—in our literature, film, and music; our clothing and food; and the iconography of the nation. This momentous four-volume work examines and details the cultural aspects of sport and how sport pervasively reflects—and affects—myriad aspects of American society from the early 1900s to the present day. Written in a straightforward, readable manner, the entries cover both historical and contemporary aspects of sport and American culture. Unlike purely historical encyclopedias on sports, the contributions within these volumes cover related subject matter such as poetry, novels, music, films, plays, television shows, art and artists, mythologies, artifacts, and people. While this encyclopedia set is ideal for general readers who need information on the diverse aspects of sport in American culture for research purposes or are merely reading for enjoyment, the detailed nature of the entries will also prove useful as an initial source for scholars of sport and American culture. Each entry provides a number of both print and online resources for further investigation of the topic.

Author : Bob Cousy,Edward Linn,Robert Riger
Publisher : Simon & Schuster
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 45,6 Mb
Release : 2016-02-27
Category : Sports & Recreation
ISBN : 150114264X

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The Last Loud Roar by Bob Cousy,Edward Linn,Robert Riger Pdf

Discover the enormous pressures for one man as he is driven to be the best player in his game as Bob Cousy recounts his days as a player for the Boston Celtics with a focus on his final game. Beginning the journey of writing a book with a focus on his final game as a legendary point guard for the Celtics, Bob Cousy’s autobiography and basketball story will resonate with players and game-lovers everywhere. Cousy shares an endearing and inspiring look back on his memories of preparing for game six of the 1963 NBA Finals, the same game that would lead to the Celtics’ fifth straight winning title.

Author : Sam Smith
Publisher : Triumph Books
Page : 256 pages
File Size : 48,8 Mb
Release : 2017-11-01
Category : Sports & Recreation
ISBN : 9781633197466

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Hard Labor by Sam Smith Pdf

Oscar Robertson is known as one of the best players in NBA history, a triple-double machine who set the stage for the versatility of today's NBA superstars like LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and Draymond Green. But The Big O's larger legacy may lie in spearheading the fight for his fellow players' financial equity and free agency, joined by fellow stars John Havlicek, Bill Bradley, Wes Unseld, and more. In Hard Labor, Sam Smith, best-selling basketball scribe emeritus and author of The Jordan Rules, unearths this incredible and untold fight for players' rights and examines the massive repercussions for the NBA and sports in the United States in the 40 years since. Diving into how "The 14" paved the way for the record-setting paydays for today's NBA players - stars and role players alike - as well as the harsh consequences faced by those involved in the lawsuit against the NBA, Hard Labor is an essential read for both NBA and sports fans alike.

Author : Robert W. Cohen
Publisher : Rowman & Littlefield
Page : 507 pages
File Size : 42,9 Mb
Release : 2013
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : 9780810887442

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Pro Basketball's All-time All-stars by Robert W. Cohen Pdf

Examines the best professional basketball players from each of the five distinct periods and ranks the five greatest players at each position throughout the history of the game.

Author : Brendan Bowers,Ryan Jones
Publisher : Triumph Books
Page : 256 pages
File Size : 45,6 Mb
Release : 2017-11-15
Category : Sports & Recreation
ISBN : 9781633199200

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LeBron James vs. the NBA by Brendan Bowers,Ryan Jones Pdf

Showcasing one of professional basketball's best players, this book spotlights the life and career of hardcourt superstar LeBron James. More than just a biography, it relates James' story while also establishing his prominent place in NBA history. By examining his skills and statistics in a variety of categories and comparing him to other NBA legends—including Magic Johnson, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and more—the guide makes a strong case for James as basketball's greatest. Along the way, his best and most memorable moments are revisited, from his days as a high school stand-out in Akron, to his first stint with the Cavaliers, to "The Decision" to join the Miami Heat, and the show-stopping performance in the 2016 Finals to bring an NBA title back to Cleveland. LeBron James vs. The NBA is certain to stir up lively debate and is a must-have for Cavs fans and basketball buffs alike.

Author : Mike Bonner
Publisher : iUniverse
Page : 258 pages
File Size : 41,9 Mb
Release : 1999
Category : Antiques & Collectibles
ISBN : 9781583486153

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Collecting Basketball Cards by Mike Bonner Pdf

Author : Aram Goudsouzian
Publisher : Univ of California Press
Page : 462 pages
File Size : 48,5 Mb
Release : 2010-05-01
Category : Sports & Recreation
ISBN : 9780520945760

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King of the Court by Aram Goudsouzian Pdf

Bill Russell was not the first African American to play professional basketball, but he was its first black superstar. From the moment he stepped onto the court of the Boston Garden in 1956, Russell began to transform the sport in a fundamental way, making him, more than any of his contemporaries, the Jackie Robinson of basketball. In King of the Court, Aram Goudsouzian provides a vivid and engrossing chronicle of the life and career of this brilliant champion and courageous racial pioneer. Russell’s leaping, wide-ranging defense altered the game’s texture. His teams provided models of racial integration in the 1950s and 1960s, and, in 1966, he became the first black coach of any major professional team sport. Yet, like no athlete before him, Russell challenged the politics of sport. Instead of displaying appreciative deference, he decried racist institutions, embraced his African roots, and challenged the nonviolent tenets of the civil rights movement. This beautifully written book—sophisticated, nuanced, and insightful—reveals a singular individual who expressed the dreams of Martin Luther King Jr. while echoing the warnings of Malcolm X.

Author : John Taylor
Publisher : Ballantine Books
Page : 432 pages
File Size : 49,8 Mb
Release : 2006-09-26
Category : Sports & Recreation
ISBN : 9780812970302

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The Rivalry by John Taylor Pdf

A BRILLIANTLY WRITTEN ACCOUNT OF THE NBA’S GLORY DAYS, AND THE RIVALRY THAT DOMINATED THE ERA In the mid-1950s, the NBA was a mere barnstorming circuit, with outposts in such cities as Rochester, New York, and Fort Wayne, Indiana. Most of the best players were white; the set shot and layup were the sport’s chief offensive weapons. But by the 1970s, the league ruled America’s biggest media markets; contests attracted capacity crowds and national prime-time television audiences. The game was played “above the rim”–and the most marketable of its high-flying stars were black. The credit for this remarkable transformation largely goes to two giants: Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain. In The Rivalry, award-winning journalist John Taylor projects the stories of Russell, Chamberlain, and other stars from the NBA’s golden age onto a backdrop of racial tensions and cultural change. Taylor’s electrifying account of two complex men–as well as of a game and a country at a crossroads–is an epic narrative of sports in America during the 1960s. It’s hard to imagine two characters better suited to leading roles in the NBA saga: Chamberlain was cast as the athletically gifted yet mercurial titan, while Russell played the role of the stalwart centerpiece of the Boston Celtics dynasty. Taylor delves beneath these stereotypes, detailing how the two opposed and complemented each other and how they revolutionized the way the game was played and perceived by fans. Competing with and against such heroes as Jerry West, Tom Heinsohn, Bob Cousy, John Havlicek, and Elgin Baylor, and playing for the two greatest coaches of the era, Alex Hannum and the fiery Red Auerbach, Chamberlain and Russell propelled the NBA into the spotlight. But their off-court visibility and success–to say nothing of their candor–also inflamed passions along America’s racial and generational fault lines. In many ways, Russell and Chamberlain helped make the NBA and, to some extent, America what they are today. Filled with dramatic conflicts and some of the great moments in sports history, and building to a thrilling climax–the 1969 final series, the last showdown between Russell and Chamberlain–The Rivalry has at its core a philosophical question: Can determination and a team ethos, embodied by the ultimate team player, Bill Russell, trump sheer talent, embodied by Wilt Chamberlain? Gripping, insightful, and utterly compelling, the story of Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain is the stuff of sporting legend. Written with a reporter’s unerring command of events and a storyteller’s flair, The Rivalry will take its place as one of the classic works of sports history.