Books in Basketball Biography Books series

Learn the Inspiring Story of the Utah Jazz's Legendary Guard John Stockton!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device.Limited time offer: If you buy the print edition, you can keep the Kindle edition for yourself!In John Stockton: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Point Guards, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's greatest point guards of all time, John Stockton. Stockton ran the point for the Utah Jazz through the majority of the 80s and 90s. He holds the NBA record for the most assists and steals of all time. Playing for the majority of his career alongside Karl Malone, Stockton had a highly illustrious career. By the time he retired, he was a ten-time All-Star and had led the league in assists nine times. He is one of few point guards to ever average a career double-double in points and assists. In this unauthorized biography, you'll relive Stockton's impressive career from his rookie season to his final game. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Early Life and High School CareerCollege CareerThe Legendary Class of 1984, Getting Drafted, Rookie Season, The Arrival of Karl Malone, The Beginning of the Stockton and Malone EraThe Dime-Dropping Machine, Stockton's Rise to Stardom, Historic Assists Seasons, Falling Short, The Back-to-Back Finals Appearances, Losing to the BullsThe Steady Decline, The Final Season, Retirement Stockton's International CareerStockton's Personal LifeImpact on BasketballAn excerpt from the book:It is often said that an NBA player's status as one of the all-time greats is determined by the number of championships he won during his playing days. Those considered great have won titles. Michael Jordan ended his career as a six-time champion. Bill Russell won 11 titles during the 60's. Despite all the battles he had with Russell, Wilt Chamberlain retired as a two-time NBA champion. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar spent a lifetime not only collecting points but also six NBA rings. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird combined for a total of eight championships during their rivalry years in the 80’s. And in today's league, LeBron James is continuing to carve out his legacy as one of the players that could one day be the greatest of all time as he seeks out more NBA titles.But what if those legendary players that did not have the pleasure of being called an NBA champion? Winning an NBA title was never easy no matter how good a player was because championships were always dependent on how the team played and of how tough the competition was. Some players won titles because of how completely dominant their team was during their peak years. And there were those that collected multiple championships during an era where the NBA was not at its most competitive.Though the popular belief is that a championship defines a player's career, it is never truly a measure of how great the player was. Some superstars could not get over the hump because of the era and competitive environment they played in. One of those players is the Utah Jazz's legendary point guard, John Stockton. John Stockton spent his entire NBA career as a player that reveled in seeing his teammates making baskets. It was as if the point guard position was made for him. He was a playmaker like no other. He became an All-Star by making sure his teammates had the best possible shots and looks. He played hard-nosed defense and provided the Jazz with a secondary or tertiary scoring punch because of how talented of a shooter he was. Tags: John Stockton Bio, Utah Jazz basketball, Karl Malone, Jerry West, Chris Paul, Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, Magic Johnson, Jason Kidd, Isiah Thomas

Learn the Inspiring Story of the San Antonio Spurs’ Legendary Sixth Man Manu Ginobili!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device!For a limited time, if you buy the print edition as a gift, you can keep the Kindle edition for yourself!In Manu Ginobili: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Sixth Men, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's premier players off the bench, Manu Ginobili. Since joining the NBA as the 57th overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft, Manu Ginobili has cemented his legacy as one of the most impressive sixth men to ever play the game. A four-time NBA champion, Manu’s role in the core of the San Antonio dynasty is indisputable as he played alongside Tim Duncan and Tony Parker in their championship runs in the early 2000s and more recently in 2014. When Manu retired before the start of the 2018-2019 season, he retired as one of the most beloved sixth men to play the game. In this book, we'll explore Manu’s journey into the NBA, his greatest moments, and what makes him one of the greatest role players to ever play the game.Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Early Life, Childhood, and Teenage Years Early Professional CareerManu Ginobili’s NBA Career First All-Star Appearance, Birth of the Big Three, Second NBA Title Return to Bench Duties, Third NBA Championship Sixth Man of the Year Return to the NBA Finals Fourth NBA Championship International Career Manu’s Personal Life Manu’s Impact and Legacy An excerpt from the book: When you talk about the San Antonio Spurs franchise, you will more than likely have to talk about their Big Three. The Spurs' Big Three have delivered a total of four NBA championships to San Antonio and have made multiple All-Star appearances, All-NBA Team selections, and other milestones and achievements. As is widely accepted, the centerpiece of that Big Three will always be Tim Duncan, who is also regarded as the best player in San Antonio Spurs' franchise history. Duncan has led the Spurs since the late 1990s both in the locker room and on the floor. With more MVPs and All-Star appearances than any other player on the roster, he is surely one of the greatest players to have ever graced the floor. Another piece in that San Antonio Big Three is a French point guard named Tony Parker. Parker has made a living by running the Spurs' offense night in and night out. He was thrust into that role ever since he was in his sophomore NBA season by none other than San Antonio Coach Gregg Popovich. When the other two members of the Big Three began aging, Tony Parker led the team in offense for a number of seasons before ceding that role in 2015 to the rising Kawhi Leonard and new acquisition LaMarcus Aldridge. The final member of the Big Three is Argentinean guard Manu Ginobili. Why is he regarded as only the third member? Well, it's because Ginobili is often the most overlooked player among the Spurs' Big Three. Unlike Duncan, he did not come into the NBA as an immediate impact player. He did not come with complete offensive and defensive arsenals, unlike the Big Fundamental. He did not win MVPs or make as many All-Star teams as Tim has. Compared to Tony Parker, Manu has never had the chance of leading the way for the Spurs. And unlike Parker, Ginobili did not start out the early part of his career as a trusted starter and playing a vital role in the offense.Tags: Manu Ginobili Bio, Manu Ginobili basketball, San Antonio Spurs basketball, Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green, Gregg Popovich, LaMarcus Aldridge

Learn the Inspiring Story of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Star Tight End, Rob Gronkowski!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! One of many riveting reads in the Football Biography Books series by Clayton Geoffreys.Newly updated to reflect Rob Gronkowski returning from retirement to team up with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay, Rob Gronkowski: The Inspiring Story of One of Football's Greatest Tight Ends details the inspirational story of one of football's premier tight ends, Rob Gronkowski. Often known simply as "Gronk", Gronkowski left a lasting mark on the New England Patriots franchise since joining the league in 2010. He was the first tight end in league history to lead the league in receiving touchdowns.The Brady and Gronkowski duo on offense has been a potent combination whenever the Patriots have needed to find a way to score quickly down the stretch of football games. A charismatic figure, Gronkowski has the adoration of fans beyond just Patriots fans as a player who does not take himself too seriously and is not afraid to have fun while winning. In this book, we'll learn more about Gronk's journey into the league, as well as what makes him such a great player.Pick up this unauthorized football biography today to learn the inspiring story behind star tight end, Rob Gronkowski! This is the perfect football chapter book for sports fans of all ages.This football book explores what makes Rob Gronkowski great, and what we can learn from his hard work.Here is a preview of what is inside this Rob Gronkowski book:Chapter 1: Childhood and Early LifeChapter 2: High School YearsChapter 3: Recruitment and College Years at ArizonaChapter 4: Scouting Combine and 2010 NBA DraftChapter 5: Gronkowski's NFL Career: Three Super Bowl Victories, Retirement, and MoreChapter 6: Rob Gronkowski's Personal LifeChapter 7: Gronkowski's LegacyConclusion An excerpt from this Rob Gronkowski biography:Just who is Rob Gronkowski? Well, that name is probably one of the most well-known in football today. Rob Gronkowski–or “Gronk,” his equally recognizable nickname–remains one of the most accomplished tight ends in the NFL. He has won numerous titles and individual accolades as a long-time member of the New England Patriots, and in 2020 (at the age of 30), he’s announced that he will come out of retirement and join the Tamp Bay Buccaneers–along with his friend and ex-Patriots’ quarterback, the legendary Tom Brady. Gronk is one of the most popular athletes and celebrities in all of America, not only because of his accomplished career, but also thanks to his unique and magnetic personality. When you think of a “fun, likable” player in the NFL, Rob Gronkowski comes immediately to mind. As an opponent, you might fear him on the pitch, but you definitely want to have a beer with him after the game.In truth, New England Patriots fans had no idea who Gronkowski was when the team drafted him in the second round back in 2010. Since then, he has become one of the best tight ends in the history of the sport. As much as other teams dreaded Gronkowski’s presence, they always conceded to the fact that he is an awesome physical specimen who terrorizes opposing defenses and gives defensive coordinators consistent nightmares. Watching him do his famous “Gronk Spike” in the end zone after a touchdown has become a regular occurrence. Fans and experts alike always wonder what makes Rob Gronkowski an elite athlete. Moreover, they would also like to know what has made this superstar a celebrity both on and off the field. Hope you liked this excerpt! If you did, be sure to pick up a copy of this Rob Gronkowski bio today.

Learn the Incredible Story of the Former Chicago Bulls Star Center Joakim Noah!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device!In Joakim Noah: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball’s Greatest Defensive Centers, you'll read about the inspirational story of basketball's star, Joakim Noah. This unauthorized biography of Joakim Noah highlights his rise to stardom since an early age raised by two athletic parents. Joakim Noah’s heart and passion for the game of basketball is what makes fans adore him. His fiery spirit carries over into the way his teammates play together collectively as a united front. While the Bulls experienced setbacks in the past few NBA seasons due to injuries to critical players like Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah was a rock for the franchise, demonstrating exemplary leadership on and off the court. He has moved on since that time period in joining the New York Knicks, but his time with the Bulls will likely be how he will be remembered by basketball fans around the world. Read on to learn about Joakim Noah’s upbringing in New York City and ultimate journey into the NBA from his college years at the University of Florida. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Childhood and High School Years College Years at the University of Florida Joakim Noah’s NBA Career Noah’s Personal Life Joakim Noah’s Impact on Basketball Joakim Noah’s Legacy & Future An excerpt from the book:Being from a sports family is not easy. Most people believe that those who are born into a sports families are destined for success. In fact, most of them will likely continue their family "tradition" and play a sport of some form; probably the same game as their parents. However, they often face a tougher time getting to the top because of the high expectations placed on them due to their family’s success. Joakim Noah is just one of those guys. His father was a real tennis star in the 80's, but Joakim did not have the desire to play tennis like his father. Instead, he fell in love with basketball and dedicated his time and effort into becoming a great basketball player. He is one of the most passionate players in the NBA right now and plays every game like it is his last. Bull fans adore him for stepping up his game and persevering through a foot injury after Derrick Rose was injured. Rose evolved as Chicago's superstar player and is the face of the franchise, but his injury opened up opportunities for other players on the roster to step up as leaders. Without Rose, the 2011-12 postseason caught the Bulls unprepared as they ended their season abruptly after only five games. Noah finished the series in Game 3 because of an ankle injury, but the Bulls had an entire summer to recover and think about what to do in the absence of their key player.Things were working quite well for the Bulls during the 2012-13 season, mostly thanks to the leadership that Noah showed. However, playing with only seven or eight players during the entire season was just too much for a tired Bulls team as they faced the defending Miami Heat in the second round of 2013 playoffs.Tags: Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls, Derrick Rose, Florida Gators, University of Florida, Michael Jordan, Ron Harper, Steve Kerr, Dennis Rodman, Luol Deng, Yannick Noah, Carlos Boozer, Tony Parker, Taj Gibson, Pau Gasol, Tom Thibodeau, Dwight Howard

Learn the Incredible Story of 90s Basketball Superstar Reggie Miller!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device!In Reggie Miller: The Remarkable Story of One of 90s Basketball's Sharpest Shooters, you'll read about the inspirational story of basketball's premier shooting guard, Reggie Miller. Reggie Miller broke the record books during his incredible eighteen-year NBA career. In an age filled with greats like Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, Patrick Ewing, Hakeem Olajuwon and John Stockton, Reggie played in one of the most exciting eras of modern basketball. While the Indiana Pacers failed to win a ring during Reggie’s tenure, they played some of the most spectacular playoff series in NBA history and made it to the NBA Finals in 1999-2000 before ultimately falling to the Los Angeles Lakers. A hall of famer, Reggie Miller had one of the smoothest strokes that basketball has ever seen. While newer players like Steph Curry may statistically be the best shooters to play the game, Reggie Miller still easily remains a top shooting guard in NBA history.Here is a preview of what is inside this book:Early Life and ChildhoodCollege Years at UCLAReggie Miller’s NBA CareerMiller’s Personal LifeReggie’s Impact on Basketball and BeyondReggie Miller’s LegacyAn excerpt from the book:The NBA has two kinds of star players. There are those who are always in the ear of their opponents, teammates, referees, fans, and anybody near the basketball court, telling everyone how good they are. Those types of players have a knack of getting opponents out of their rhythm and pumping their team up. Other players would rather lead by example and let their game do the talking for them, believing that sinking a buzzer-beating three-point shot says more than telling someone that you have got skills. They’d rather methodically kill you on the court by destroying your defense and by making you look silly while trying to guard them. Then there is Reggie Miller.Perhaps no other player in NBA history has combined the two types of players more so than Miller. One cannot think of Miller without harkening back to some of his more famous on-court escapades, such as his back-and-forth banter with movie director Spike Lee in Madison Square Garden, overtly giving the choke sign by visibly wrapping his hands around his neck for everyone to see, bowing to all sides of the arena in a mocking manner and even head-butting a player (see Starks, John, 1993 NBA Playoffs). Miller relished road games and playing the role of the villain so much that his 1999 autobiography was titled I Love Being the Enemy. That’s simply the type of player Miller was. Some players try to mentally block out road crowds. Reggie loved hearing the boos, and he fed off that negativity.But focusing on Miller’s flamboyance would be a disservice to his hard work, dedication to his craft, and high basketball intelligence. It would also ignore the clutch play that became a signature of Miller’s game; the blood running through his veins was perhaps colder than any basketball player not named Michael Jordan. If there was a player who had ice-cold poisonous blood running through his veins, it was Reggie Miller.Tags: reggie miller, indiana pacers, cheryl miller, ray allen, patrick ewing, larry bird, charles barkley, john starks, karl malone, michael jordan

Learn the Incredible Story of the Los Angeles Clipper’s Star Power Forward Blake Griffin!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device!Newly revised for the 2017-2018 NBA season, Blake Griffin: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball’s Most Dominant Power Forwards details the inspirational story of basketball's star, Blake Griffin. This unauthorized biography of Blake Griffin highlights incredible ascent to almost winning the Most Valuable Player award in the 2013-2014 NBA season. The arrival of Blake Griffin for the Los Angeles Clippers marked the turning point for a traditionally bottom-feeder franchise. Now that Chris Paul has left the franchise, the Clippers organization has doubled down on Griffin, making him the new undisputed leader of the team.Read on to learn about Blake Griffin’s journey into the league from his childhood growing up alongside a talented brother, to his college years at Oklahoma before ultimately propelling into the NBA.If you're a Blake Griffin fan curious about what has made Griffin such a dominant player today, get this book now.Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Childhood and High School Years College Years at Oklahoma Blake Griffin’s NBA Career Getting Drafted Rookie Season The Birth of Lob City Enter Doc Rivers, the Best Record in Franchise History New Ownership, Playoff Meltdown The Injury Seasons, the End of Lob City Griffin’s Personal Life Blake Griffin’s Impact on Basketball Blake Griffin’s Legacy & Future An excerpt from the book:What makes the game of basketball so fun to watch is not just the competition you see from some of the world's top athletes every single night. Mostly, if not so often, the showmanship and highlight reel plays attract more viewers and fans than what basketball itself has to offer. And among all of the exciting plays to watch in basketball, no play electrifies a crowd more than a highlight dunk from a world class athlete.Dunkers in the NBA have been beloved and revered not only because of the efficiency they have in dropping those high percentage shots through the basket, but also because of the showmanship they provide the fans. While basketball may be a sport, it is also a business that markets itself through its athletes. No athlete attracts more attention than a high flier willing to power dunks through the basket on a nightly basis, whether it is in a wide open lane to the basket or on top of some of the best rim defenders in the league. Throughout the history of the NBA, dunkers have become some of the most popular players in the league. From the original high-flyer Julius Erving and the first rim breaker Darryl Dawkins, other dunkers have paved the way to improve the creativity and the showmanship aspect of the game of basketball. You have Michael Jordan, who won the Slam Dunk Contest by dunking from the free throw line. There is also Shawn Kemp, who was rising over players his size inside the shaded lane. Then there is Vince Carter, who dunked over a seven-footer during the 2000 Olympics to complete what is widely considered the best in-game dunk in the history of basketball. Tags: Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers, Chris Paul, Doc Rivers, Oklahoma Basketball, DeAndre Jordan, Steve Ballmer, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Tim Duncan, Serge Ibaka, Kenneth Faried, Dwight Howard, Chandler Parsons, Kevin Durant, James Harden

Learn the Inspiring Story of the Houston Rockets' Legendary Center Yao Ming!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device!In Yao Ming: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Most Dominant Centers, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's greatest ambassadors, Yao Ming. Yao Ming was the face of the Houston Rockets franchise alongside Tracy McGrady. Throughout the 2000s, the duo led the Rockets in a tough Western Conference. While Yao ultimately was forced to retire early due to injuries, the impact he left on the game at an international level was profound.Yao served in many ways as the bridge for the NBA to gain a viewership in China. Millions would tune into Rockets games to watch the dominant center overpower his peers. In this short unauthorized biography, you'll learn Yao's inspirational story into the league. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Childhood and Early YearsChinese Basketball Association Career and Yao’s Road to the NBANBA CareerEntering the Draft, Rookie Season, The Rise of Yao MingTeaming Up with T-Mac, The Injury-Plagued Seasons, the Falling Great WallThe Return from Injury, Breaking Past the First RoundMissing an Entire SeasonShort-lived Return, Final NBA SeasonYao Ming’s International Career Yao Ming’s Personal LifeYao Ming’s Impact on BasketballYao Ming’s LegacyAn excerpt from the book:The east and the west have always been worlds apart in every aspect. Culturally, Eastern countries have always been a lot different from their western. People eat different food, wear different clothes, speak different languages, and have various views about life in general. In the world of sports, the gap only grows larger. Eastern countries enjoy soccer and cricket among other sports, compared to the Americans who prefer basketball and football. However, one man dared to cut the gap between the east and the west, particularly in basketball as his larger-than-life frame acted as the bridge between the two different worlds. Yao Ming is the sole reason that basketball became the language which united the sporting worlds of the east and the west. Historically in China, the Great Wall was constructed to protect the nation’s capital from foreign invasion. As long as the Great Wall stood, the country remained secure and harmonious, safe from any outside interference or influence that could have disrupted the people’s daily lives. However, the great wall called Yao, as tall and as long as he is, did not shield the country of China away from the foreign influence of basketball. Instead, the wall opened its gates up and allowed a bridge to be created between China and the United States as far as basketball was concerned. The sport has never been as popular in China as it is today thanks to the influences of Yao Ming.While Yao has long acted as a basketball ambassador of Asia to other Western countries, he was a dominated figure in the game itself, just as the Great Wall of China stood as a symbol of strength and dominance for the great eastern powerhouse. From the moment he first stepped foot on an NBA court, and to the final second he played in the league, Yao was always a towering and fearsome figure in the game of basketball.Tags: Yao Ming Bio, Yao Ming basketball, Houston Rockets basketball, tracy mcgrady, shaq, yi jianlian, jeremy lin, allen iverson, michael jordan, kobe bryant, shawn bradley, dikembe mutombo

Learn the Inspiring Story of the Detroit Pistons’ Star Center Andre Drummond!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device!In Andre Drummond: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Dominant Centers, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's premier emerging centers, Andre Drummond. Andre Drummond has played a pivotal role in the reemergence of the Detroit Pistons as a threat in the Eastern Conference under the direction of Stan Van Gundy.While still a young center in the league, Andre Drummond has already established himself as a dominant big man in the paint, who often commands the attention of double teams and opposing defenses to prevent him from scoring easy buckets. In this unauthorized biography, you'll learn Drummond's inspirational story into the league.Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Childhood and Early LifeHigh School CareerCollege CareerNBA Career: Getting Drafted, Rookie Season Andre Drummond, the Double-Double Machine, All-Star SeasonPlayoff Debut, Continued GrowthAndre Drummond's Personal Life Drummond's Impact and Legacy An excerpt from the book:The traditional center has become a lost position in today’s era of the NBA. In the past, centers such as Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Moses Malone, David Robinson, and Shaquille O’Neal, among others, have lorded the paint to score inside points, rebound misses, and block shots. Championship teams almost always needed those type of centers to win titles. But in today’s game, the center has become a thing of the past. While rebounding the ball and defending the paint are still within their job descriptions, centers have evolved into frontcourt players that specialize in stretching the floor, hitting outside shots, and even defending guards on switches. You would rarely see centers looming inside the paint waiting for passes at the post or drop passes whenever guards drove into the key. The faster pace and reliance on the three-pointer of today’s era have rendered the traditional center an endangered species. Nevertheless, a few players in today’s game still play like the giants of old. They still take advantage of their size and strength at the post and inside the paint. They still rebound buckets at a dozen or more. And they still loom inside the key to block shots or intimidate smaller opponents. One such player goes by the name of Andre Drummond. At 6’11” and sporting an enormous muscular frame, Andre Drummond is the prototypical traditional center. He has both the height and strength to punish smaller defenders in the paint as well as the athleticism and explosiveness to finish strong at the basket. In line with his physical attributes, he reminds the world of how great of a rebounder Moses Malone was back in the day. Drummond uses his massive frame to get inside position and box opposing players out to get rebounds in bunches. Ever since he became a starter in the league, Andre Drummond never averaged below 13 rebounds a game and has been a double-double machine for as long as he has been in the league.Tags: Andre Drummond Bio, Andre Drummond basketball, Detroit Pistons basketball, Reggie Jackson, Stan Van Gundy, Anthony Davis, DeAndre Jordan, DeMarcus Cousins, Marcus Morris, Tobias Harris, Hassan Whiteside

Learn the Inspiring Story of the Boston Celtics’ Star Power Forward Al Horford!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device!In Al Horford: The Inspirational Story of One of Basketball’s Most Well-Rounded Power Forwards, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's premier power forwards, Al Horford. When Horford entered the league, he was already a two-time champion as a member of the 2006 and 2007 Florida Gator teams led by Billy Donovan. As the third overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft, Horford entered the league with many setting high expectations for him. He more than delivered in his nine years with the Atlanta Hawks as one of their most consistent players.More recently in the 2016-2017 offseason, Horford decided to sign with the Boston Celtics as the Celtics have returned as a dominant force in the Eastern Conference. It will be exciting to see what Horford and the Celtics are able to accomplish together as they seek to add another NBA Championship to the franchise, a feat that was last accomplished during the Big 3 era of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen.Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Childhood, Early Life, and High School CareerCollege CareerGetting Drafted, Rookie Season, Rising With AtlantaFirst All-Star Season, Another All-Star Season, Another Second Round ExitThe Injury Season, Return to Form and Career BestsAnother Injury Season, Return to All-Star Glory, Dominating the East and Conference Finals AppearanceFinal Year in Atlanta and Signing with the CelticsInternational CareerAl Horford's Personal LifeHorford's Impact, Legacy, and FutureAn excerpt from the book:Alfred “Al” Horford was born on June 3, 1986, in San Felipe de Puerto Plata, Puerto de Plata in the Dominican Republic. Al was born to parents Alfredo William “Tito” Horford and Arelis Reynoso. Tito Horford himself was once a basketball star, having played in the NBA for three seasons. At 7’1”, he was a large center and was the first player from the Dominican Republic to play in the NBA after getting selected 39th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks back in 1988 when Al was only two years old.Tito, who started playing basketball at a young age in the Dominican Republic, was recruited by a Houston-based high school until he was good enough to get a spot on Louisiana State University’s basketball team before getting cut without playing a single minute. He then spent the next two years with the University of Miami where he averaged 14.2 points and 9.3 rebounds over the course of the next two seasons. Tito then played limited minutes in his stint with the Bucks in the NBA. He played 60 games for them while barely playing over 6 minutes a night. Then, during the 1993-94 season, he was signed by the Washington Bullets after a few seasons of playing overseas. However, he would only play three games that year. Al Horford’s mother, Arelis Reynoso, is a journalist by profession, and she has always been a staunch supporter of her son’s basketball dreams ever since the eldest Horford child was in his early years. For the young Al Horford, life as a young boy was not so easy considering all the travels he had to make while Tito was playing professionally in the USA and other foreign basketball leagues around the world.Tags: Al Horford Bio, Al Horford basketball, Boston Celtics basketball, isaiah thomas, paul millsap, jeff teague, kyle korver, avery bradley, jae crowder, jaylen brown, marcus smart, dwight howard

Learn the Inspiring Story of the Phoenix Suns’ Legendary Power Forward Amar'e Stoudemire!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device!In Amar'e Stoudemire: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Most Dominant Power Forwards, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's premier power forwards of the twenty-first century, Amar'e Stoudemire. Amar'e Stoudemire played a huge role during the Suns' early 2000s playoff runs as he ran alongside two-time MVP, Steve Nash, in a fast-paced offense led by Mike D'Antoni. During that time period, few teams in the league could play at an equal pace to the Suns' "7 Seconds or Less" offense.A high school standout from Florida, Amar'e Stoudemire jumped immediately into the league, but it was not without a good amount of hard work. In this book, we'll learn more about Stoudemire's journey into the NBA, his impact on the game, and his everlasting legacy as one of the greatest power forwards to play in the early 2000s.Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Childhood and Early LifeHigh School CareerGetting Drafted, Rookie Season, Breakout SeasonPartnering with Steve Nash, the Run-and-Gun Suns, and First All-Star AppearanceThe Injury Season, Return from Injury and Losing to the Suns AgainFinal Season of the Run-and-Gun, Eye Injuries, Final Season in Phoenix, Beating the Spurs, the End of the RunThe New Big Man in the Big Apple, Teaming Up With Melo, The Start of the Fall, Plagued With InjuriesEmbracing the Decline, Final Games as a Knick, Moving Over to Dallas, Signing With the HeatFinal Season in the NBA and RetirementAmar'e Stoudemire's Personal LifeStoudemire's Impact and LegacyAn excerpt from the book:The NBA is a league that puts a lot of premium on the athleticism and explosiveness of their superstars. Some of the league’s best superstars have always been athletic and explosive on their way to forging careers worthy of the Hall of Fame. The first highflier, Julius Erving, started this trend. He was then followed by the likes of Dominique Wilkins, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter, and LeBron James, among others. At one point in those players’ careers, they defined the league with their jaw-dropping dunks and high-flying athletic moves that all seemed impossible for the human body. While those players have made careers that could fill up the all-time highlight reel, they were all wingmen that were at the apex of perfection concerning speed, quickness, and leaping abilities. They were neither too small to make high-flying moves impossible to do, nor were they too big and bulky to seem like reaching the rim was a difficult task. As time passed, the high-flying wingman became a commodity. The league made superstars out of the players that utilized their athletic capabilities to the fullest as evolution and genetics have gifted them the optimum combination of size, speed, agility, and leaping ability. But while those players may already seem like freaks of nature as far as athleticism goes, there have been bigger genetic miracles that have entertained the league with their explosive dunks and high-flying maneuvers.Tags: Amare Stoudemire Bio, Amare Stoudemire basketball, Phoenix Suns basketball, New York Knicks basketball, carmelo anthony, steve nash, lebron james, shawn marion, dwyane wade, carlos boozer, tyson chandler

Learn the Incredible Story of Green Bay Packer and Football Legend Aaron Rodgers!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device! One of many riveting reads in the Football Biography Books series by Clayton Geoffreys.In Aaron Rodgers: The Inspiring Story of One of Football’s Greatest Quarterbacks, you'll read about the inspirational story of football’s star, Aaron Rodgers. This short unauthorized biography of Aaron Rodgers highlights the greatest moments of his career since starting in the league as the backup to the great Brett Favre. Aaron Rodgers remains one of the most effective quarterbacks to play professional football, and an inspiring leader for the Packers. In this book, we’ll explore Aaron Rodgers’s journey to the NFL, as well as his impact on the game.We’ll learn about the influence of religion on Aaron Rodgers, Rodger’s leadership skills, as well as why nobody predicted how great Aaron Rodgers would become.Pick up a copy of this football chapter book today if you're looking for a riveting read for sports fans of all agesHere is a preview of what is inside this Aaron Rodgers biography book: Childhood and Early Life High School Years College Years at University of California-Berkeley Rodger’s NFL Career Aaron Rodgers and Religion Rodgers’ Leadership Skills Why Nobody Predicted How Great Rodgers Would Be Aaron Rodger’s LegacyAn excerpt from this Aaron Rodgers biography:When Aaron Rodgers finally got to take on the position as starting quarterback in 2008, nobody imagined he would become a two-time MVP quarterback player. In fact, it was almost a miracle in itself that Aaron was able to join the NFL at all. Today, Aaron Rodgers is one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL after he signed a very lucrative $110 million contract for five years with the Green Bay Packers, which pays him an average of $22 million per year. Aaron Rodgers grew up with football in his blood. His father played amateur football, so Aaron grew up loving the sport. Even at a young age, Aaron had a strong throwing arm. Aaron Rodgers’ passion for the game of American football is what ultimately helped him become one of the greatest players of all time. Aaron Rodgers began breaking records as soon as he started playing football in high school, throwing more yards in passes than anyone on his team. Despite the fact that he was already proving himself to be a promising NFL recruit in high school, no college saw his potential and every Division One college turned him down during the recruiting process. However, Aaron Rodgers wanted to play for the NFL more than anything else in his life. Somehow Aaron Rodgers was able to break through every barrier and prove to the world that he belonged in the NFL. He attributes his current success to his parents, who not only instilled in him a love for playing sports but also taught him the core Christian values that have made him the disciplined man that he is today. Without the support and discipline that he received from his parents, Aaron believes he could not have achieved the success that he has as a quarterback today. At one point, a professor of Aaron Rodgers even bluntly told him that he would never make it to the NFL. He proved that teacher wrong by not only being drafted into the NFL in 2005 but by becoming a starting quarterback who ranked in the 2014 season as the most valuable player for the second time. Tags: Aaron Rodgers, Eli Manning, Tom Brady, Andrew Luck, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers, Super Bowl MVPs, NFL Champions, NFL books, football books

Learn the Inspiring Story of the Brooklyn Nets' Point Guard Jeremy Lin!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device.Limited time offer: If you buy the print edition, you can keep the Kindle edition for yourself!In Jeremy Lin: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball's Greatest Underdog Stories, you will learn the inspirational story of one of basketball's grittiest point guards, Jeremy Lin. Once left with few options than sleeping on a teammate's couch, Jeremy Lin has had an incredible journey to get to where he is today as a highly capable starting point guard. Most known for his impressive performance in February through March of 2012, Jeremy Lin has since solidified himself as a top point guard in the league.Despite his successes, Jeremy Lin remains incredibly humble and a role model for aspiring basketball players around the world. He has become a global icon, especially within the Asian American community. In this unauthorized biography, you'll learn the story of what makes Jeremy so great and why it should be no surprise why he is successful today.Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Childhood and Early LifeHigh School and College CareerGetting Drafted, Detour to the NBA, Rookie Season, The Birth of Linsanity, Skyrocketing with the RocketsThe Short Stop in Los Angeles, Linsanity to Charlotte, The Injury Years in BrooklynPersonal LifeImpact on BasketballLegacy and FutureAn excerpt from the book:What makes the world of professional sports beautiful is that everyone goes through a unique journey towards relevance and stardom. The path towards the life of a professional athlete, particularly in the NBA, takes many forms and shapes. Others have had it easy since they were young. Some showed potential early on but could not live up to it. And there are even some that never showed any hint of greatness within them but would eventually turn out to be better than advertised.Because journeys differ, not everyone gets to experience the full-frontal media-exposed life towards stardom that heralded basketball stars such as Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O'Neal, and LeBron James had ever since they showed potential for stardom at an early age. Similarly, not everyone goes through the process of long-term development that late-blooming players such as Jimmy Butler, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Draymond Green have had to undergo. But there are those types of journeys that are as rare as they come. One case in point was how Jeremy Lin was able to make a name for himself in the NBA when the rest of the league thought he was merely a novelty player. Born in the United States to Taiwanese parents, Jeremy Lin is as Asian as they come, but grew up as an American. With that in mind, Lin was practically a basketball ambassador for Asia, where more than half of the world's population resides. His Taiwanese roots made him a similar player to that of Yao Ming because of how they bridged America with the Asian market. However, what made him more unique was that he was raised in an American setting whereas some of the other international ambassadors of the NBA grew up in their respective home countries. Because of this, Lin became the very first American of Chinese or Taiwanese descent that made it as far as the NBA.Tags: Jeremy Lin Bio, Jeremy Lin basketball, Kobe Bryant, Yao Ming, D'Angelo Russell, James Harden, Brook Lopez, Stephen Curry, Carmelo Anthony, Asian American basketball players, Taiwan basketball, Linsanity