Pipeline to the Pros

by Ben Kaplan, Danny Parkins

Jeff Van Gundy. Brad Stevens. Frank Vogel. Mike Budenholzer. Tom Thibodeau. Sam Presti. Leon Rose. Before you knew his name, before he drafted your favorite player, before he guided your team to a championship, he had a playing career of his own at an NCAA Division III college. He didn’t play for fortune – the NBA was out of reach, and his school didn’t even give athletic scholarships. He didn’t play for fame – his games weren’t televised, and the stands were rarely full. Whatever the motivation, he simply couldn’t give up the game of basketball. And that didn’t change after graduation, when it was time to pick a career path.

For the first time in league history, NBA coaches and general managers are just as likely to have played Division III basketball as they are to have played in the NBA. While the number of former D3 players working in the NBA is higher than ever, small college alums have served in leadership positions since the league’s founding. They shaped the NBA into what it is today, playing integral roles in the Lakers’ initial success in Los Angeles, the inception of several expansion franchises, the creation of the popular All-Star Weekend dunk contest, the globalization of the league, and more.

Their improbable and inspiring journeys tell a bigger story – the history of small college athletics, the evolution of coaching and management in the NBA, and the hiring practices in the most competitive fields. Their alma maters were small, but their impact on the game, and the implications of their success, loom large.

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Basketball

272 pages, Hardcover

Published April 16, 2024

Reviews

[Stephen Halstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and the context of how D3 basketball players and coaches have had success in the NBA. Parts two, three, and four flew by as I didn’t realize all of the connections across the league. 6 current coaches are former D3 players and 6 GM’s are former D3 players!

[Matthew Otero · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at the impact of division 3 schools in the development of not only NBA athletes but also the coaches and front office executives in today's modern NBA. There were times in which it could be a bit dry with so many details but it was remarkable to see how close knit the division three world is and how it truly has taken hold of today's NBA ecosystem. it made me wonder what it would have been like to go to one of those schools for college and experience the intimate nature those schools foster.

[Justin Hauter · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a P1 670 The Score listener I’m admittedly the target audience for this book; that aside Danny and Ben did a good job of going deep on an interesting trend that I was unaware of as an NBA fan.

The breadth of sources and narratives that were woven into the book made for bite size chapters - the ideal bedside or vacation companion. You could tell there was a lot of time and primary source legwork put into fleshing out the initial premise and the authors were able to illustrate the progression and archetype of multiple iterations of D3 players and their respective paths to the NBA. I also appreciated how the book was able to place D3 contributors in relation to key basketball figures (oftentimes one and the same) so I could track D3 to D1 and NBA milestones.

I haven’t spent much time considering D3 athletics but after reading this book I’m very open to catching a game!

[Ells Boone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty solid book on the history of D3 hoopers breaking to the business side of the NBA. Some interesting stories for sure but also a twinge of the authors thinking that D3 hoopers are holier than the rest.

[Mitchell Haskins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent. Some pretty cool networking advice in here, as well as good interview quips. Dragged in the beginning for me, but once the names sounded familiar it became an easier read.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: Please note that I received a Audio ARC from Netgalley and the Tantor Audio, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Pipeline to the Pros” by Ben Kaplan and Danny Parkins is an absolute slam dunk of a book that sheds light on the incredible journeys of NBA coaches and general managers who got their start at NCAA Division III colleges.

This captivating read not only chronicles the rise of iconic figures like Jeff Van Gundy, Brad Stevens, and Frank Vogel, but also delves into the historical context of the NBA’s early struggles to attract viewership and confronts the issue of racism in basketball—a stark reminder of how far the league has come.

What truly sets this book apart is its exploration of the transformative power of mentorship and positive leadership in the world of sports. Kaplan and Parkins highlight the influence of coaches and management who prioritized player development and instilled values of teamwork and perseverance, contrasting them with the outdated coaching tactics still prevalent in many sports today.

The book’s synopsis perfectly encapsulates the essence of “Pipeline to the Pros,” showcasing the remarkable journeys of these individuals from humble beginnings to the pinnacles of success in the NBA. Their stories not only celebrate the triumphs of small college athletics but also underscore the profound impact of their success on the evolution of coaching and management in professional basketball.

Overall, “Pipeline to the Pros” is a must-read for any basketball fan, offering a captivating blend of history, inspiration, and insight into the inner workings of the world of Basketball. It’s a testament to the resilience and determination of individuals who dared to dream big and paved the way for future generations in the world of sports.

Get it at…

📗 - Hard Copy -📗

Your Local Canadian Book Seller

Indigo

Amazon Canada

📱 - Digital - 📱

Kobo - (Not Available at Time of Review)

Kindle - (Not Available at Time of Review)

🎧 - Audio - 🎧

Audible

Libro.FM

[Stone Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Path to the Pros does an incredible job of melding countless D3 stories together. My friend Justin (who lent me this book) put it perfectly “Felt like if Malcolm Gladwell wrote a sports book”.

As a Pacers fan I had almost no knowledge of Bob Whitsitt’s efforts to save the Pacers from bankruptcy or relocation, from brilliant marketing and business practices to negotiating Clark Kelloggs first contract. I was also unaware of his work with both the SuperSonics and Trailblazers thereafter. What a resume.

I have some major beef with the authors on one particular line. “Indiana, the Basketball capital of the Midwest”??? Try THE basketball capital fam. Fixed it for you.

I found it deeply interesting the journey of both Van Gundy brothers, who followed in their father’s footsteps into coaching. I found it relatable and interesting that (according to The NY Times), when a father works in particular field, their sons are three times as likely to work in that field.

The Popovich chapter was unbelievable. Just the sheer number of talented coaches and executives to come out of the D3/Spurs pipeline is shocking. Mike Budenholzer, Sam Presti, etc.

The book drags on at times, as each story varies in its level of intrigue. I did find the Vogel and Brad Stevens chapter most interesting, as a Hoosier and Pacers fan, it’s fun to hear those stories.

The authors did a good job weaving all of these countless D3 stories together, and were able to tell a lot of stories cohesively in a very Gladwell-esc way. Overall, an enjoyable read, but a bit detail laden at times. Sometimes they needed to move through some of the content quicker than they did, but overall a great story.

[David Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The life of a Division III athlete little resembles that of a Division I counterpart. The D3 player often plays in front of a handful of people in forgettable gyms rather than in state-of-the-art facilities before roaring thousands. Those at small-time colleges often wash their own uniforms; no equipment staff is waiting to clean them like at major universities. And for D3 competitors, studying is more than an occasional pursuit. In fact, that’s the main reason they’re attending college, as a pro career is nearly always out of reach.

Yet surprisingly and almost counterintuitively, D3 athletes have made a tremendous impact on at least one pro sports league: the NBA. Granted, they’re not executing tomahawk dunks, but they have become successful head coaches, front-office executives and more.

That’s the focus of Pipeline to the Pros, a truly engaging book co-authored by Chicago-area natives Ben Kaplan and Danny Parkins. Published by Triumph Books in Chicago, the authors describe how by working hard, being humble and forgoing any sense of entitlement – all characteristics of D3 athletes – gym rats from Jeff Van Gundy to Tom Thibodeau ascended to the NBA’s most coveted positions.

[Kaden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super informative book about how D3 players and coaches went from being “nobodies” in the NBA world, to being represented throughout the modern game. Had no idea so many prominent execs and coaches got their start in the lower levels of college basketball. Loved reading about how important diversity of background, experience, and perspective was to so many of the league’s most successful franchises and that they’re actively looking for ways to increase that diversity. If you love the NBA or just basketball in general, this is a great book to pick up to understand one under the radar reason for how the current league got to this point!

[Joe Scala · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredibly well written book. I’m admittedly not a huge basketball fan, but this was still a super interesting look at a trend in the NBA that even hardcore fans might not be aware is happening. I enjoyed all the anecdotes/quotes, as well as seeing the many connections between people across various levels of basketball and how they all tie to the wider developments throughout the League’s history.

I keep coming back to just how well this was written - witty, informative, and humorous throughout … you can feel the joy they have for the subject and basketball in general. A must read for basketball fans, a fascinating read for everyone else.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A first rate discourse on the surprisingly large number of former Division 3 players and coaches making their mark on the sidelines in the NBA. The authors argue that a strong knowledge of the game coupled with a great work ethic and a humility born out of the absence of being highly recruited makes these athletes well suited for the NBA grind. It was shocking too how much luck and serendipity factors in to achievement at the highest level of basketball.

[Marietere T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to be a nerd and read as many sports non fiction books as I can.

This one was a subject I don't know much about and I was so intrigued by it. I like leaning new things about the different league division of Basketball. The pacing is goo d and it didn't feel like info dump.

I got an alc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jake Cooper]

Very readable. I couldn't name 10 current NBA players*, so my main takeaway was what a large machine each NBA franchise is, and the D3 angle was a bonus.

*So why'd I read this? Because author Kaplan was my neighbor growing up. He was always shooting hoops in the driveway (in a diligent, intentional, Practice with a capital P way), and it makes me smile that his fire for basketball still burns.

[Parker Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal read — as someone who aspires to work in sports, it was unbelievable to gather the perspective and to see the work ethic it takes to work in the NBA. Also so cool to see the paths of the NBA’s most successful leaders.

[Chris Nicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a big fan of Danny Parkins on FS1 and an avid NBA fan, I really enjoyed learning more about some of the names in the NBA landscape who have traversed the Division 3 route.
Thoroughly researched and easy to read, this book is a lot of fun.

[Zac Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating read shining a light on the impact Division III basketball alums have had on the NBA throughout its history and especially today. A must-read for any basketball fan!

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. Great Father’s Day gift or birthday gift for anyone who enjoys sports.

[Paul Ramsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fun book- bounced around a lot, probably only reason it’s not a 5. For anyone that enjoys basketball, well worth the read!

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, but tried to tell too many stories at once. And it took awhile to explain *why* D3 has such a sizable presence in the NBA. Second to last chapter gets into it a bit.

[James Cross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting. Cool to see how much work people are putting in to be able to work even entry-level jobs at the highest level, inspiring stuff.

[Skyler Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book - Was cool to see how many connections were made from the D3 ranks to the NBA. Enjoyed the stories in the book, but it seemed to drag on more than I liked.

[Jason · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like what I have seen from Parkins on the talking head sports shows, but this was incredibly slow and dry.

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book if you are a basketball junkie. Great stories and insights gathered by the authors.

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an audio ARC of Pipeline to the Pros. This is a must read for any basketball fan and the audio is great.