Here Is A Good Read For All You Hoopaholics

[Marcskit]

This is a book report I published on the Web site years ago when I wrote for NCP.

I usually choose books about places and teams, rather than individual players. I like the historical aspect of the game rather than statistics and the like.

I grew up in Brooklyn and got to watch Connie Hawkins play in our park. Even the Rabbi’s would stop playing chess to come check him out.

Boy’s High played against our City Championship Junior High School team, in a showcase scrimmage.
Our school went to the 9th grade, and this was the era when kids got left back one, two, or even three years. I had a 17 year old kid in my 9th grade class. Believe it.

Anyway, I digress.

FALL RIVER DREAMS: The author is Bill Reynolds, noted sports writer.

It’s another book about place and time. The book is mainly focused in the early 1990s, Durfee high school, and Chris Herren, from Fall River Massachusetts.

Chris Herren made it to the pros and has his own book “Basketball Junkie”, about his rise , fall, and rise again, dealing with addiction.

“Fall River Dreams” gives us that feeling when High School basketball was everything for hard scrabble small towns.

The grandfather played, then the son, then the grandson. Generations, going to games, building on history, bragging rites and heartbreak.

The author becomes inspired to start attending the local games. One night while making conversation he asks an older fan, which did he think had been the best all-time Durfee team? The guy says I can’t answer that. And the reporter asks why not? The guy says, because I’ve only seen every team since 1962. Now how’s that for some perspective?

What can I say, I love me some hoops. If you take the chance, I hope you enjoy this read

Here’s wishing you great hoops

 

[laidbackcoach]

I read Fall River Dreams years ago. Very good book. Chris Herren was quite a talent in high school.

 

[Bitter Branson Fan]

Hi Marcskit, I asked my dad (he grew up in the Bronx) about Connie Hawkins and he immediately started talking about "dumping games" with Roger Brown.

He says his favorite player from Brooklyn was Sihugo Green - "an excellent ballplayer"

 

[Marcskit]

Hi Marcskit, I asked my dad (he grew up in the Bronx) about Connie Hawkins and he immediately started talking about "dumping games" with Roger Brown.

He says his favorite player from Brooklyn was Sihugo Green - "an excellent ballplayer"

Those rumors of tanking were put to rest. He suffered many years of being blackballed. He was later vindicated after proving he did 'NOT' take money or shave points. He eventually made it back to the pros.
You can read his life story, which in itself is a great read. Lots of New York basketball history, It's called " The Hawk "

Here's wishing you great hoops