The Word of God

by God Shammgod

A cinematic and candid memoir from your favorite basketball players’ favorite basketball player, God Shammgod. Perfect for fans of Becoming Kareem, Straight Shooter, and Where Tomorrows Aren’t Promised.

A street ball legend from 1980s and ’90s New York City, a college basketball phenom, and one of the first players whose moves went viral in the digital age, God Shammgod drew a crowd everywhere he played because of his obsessive dribbling skills. He was a peer and eventually a mentor for everyone from Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Kobe Bryant, Stephon Marbury, Chauncey Billups, and Vince Carter to name a few. His signature move—the Shammgod crossover—is legendary.

But when Sham’s own NBA dream eventually faltered, he had to face a life without his beloved game—only to unexpectedly return as a coach. Sham became a guide to several rising college stars before he eventually made the leap to the NBA, where Mark Cuban brought him onto the Dallas Mavericks staff as the league’s first ball-handling coach.

Told through the relationships Sham has built over a lifetime of goodwill, The Word of God is not only a reflection of an unforgettable NBA career and a nostalgic look at ’90s Harlem, but ultimately a love letter to basketball and a celebration of the game.

288 pages, Hardcover

Published September 9, 2025

Reviews

[Jeff Wait · Rating 5 out of 5]

God Shammgod is one of the coolest and most fascinating hoopers of all time. He only played 20 games in the NBA but he’s still a basketball legend. His mythology, as chronicled here, is full of tales that feel too tall to be true, but I think most of them are. His voice really shines in this one, giving the reading experience an extra level and immersion. And there’s also just some really funny stuff mixed with incredible basketball insight. Fun, informative, unforgettable.

[Zack Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — A Must-Read from a Legend and a Friend

I’ve been lucky enough to know ShamGod personally for the last 5-7 years, and it’s been an honor to call him a friend. I’ve coached his kid, spent time with some of the guys mentioned in the book, and, of course, always knew about the ShamGod move and his legendary status on the court.

But reading The Word of God showed me a side of him I didn’t fully know before. Now I understand even more why he’s always smiling, always full of joy and wisdom. The stories, lessons, and reflections in this book hit home for me in a deep way. Growing up, I went through a lot of similar things — the struggles, the grind, and how basketball became a sanctuary. The fact that this man is a LEGEND and so humble is true. If I call him, text him, FaceTime him he always picks up or hits me back, and I’m a nobody! But that’s Sham dude is REAL AND PURE AND LOVE

This isn’t just a basketball story — it’s a life story. It’s about faith, resilience, and purpose. Honestly, this is one of the best books I’ve ever read, and I read a lot. Not just saying that because he’s my friend, but because it truly resonated with me.

Can’t wait to text Shamgod tomorrow and tell him how incredible this book was. I love this book, man — and I encourage everyone to read it.


EARTH SPINS TWICE

[Kathleen Currie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve followed God Shammgod since he was at Providence College. As a PC alum (I graduated a couple years before Shammgod played), I thought I knew all about his background but WOW was this book eye opening! He grew up in the same neighborhoods with many big name rappers and gangsters. I liked how he talked about how society’s villains are can also be heroes (see story about KC).

Shammgod discusses his faith and how his childhood experiences motivated him to avoid a life in the streets. He was determined that basketball was his way out and worked tirelessly in pursuit of his dream to be able to provide for his family. Shammgod recounts his journey and encounters with other young unknown basketball players like a guy named Kobe.

As a high school librarian I will be buying multiple copies and recommending this book a lot! There are a lot of f-bombs because it is written in God’s vernacular and that is what I think will make it compelling to teens, it talks TO readers not at them.

Thank you @netgalley for the ARC.

[Jeremy Enfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Word of God, basketball legend and coach God Shammgod tells his remarkable story with honesty, humility, and heart. Best known for inventing the iconic “Shammgod” crossover, he uses this memoir to explore how creativity, faith, and perseverance shaped both his game and his life. Shammgod recounts his Harlem upbringing, brief NBA career, and later success as a mentor and coach, offering insight into the discipline and resilience required to stay grounded when fame fades.

The book balances streetball swagger with thoughtful reflection, making it both inspiring and deeply human. It’s less about glory and more about growth — how setbacks can lead to purpose. For fans of basketball, urban culture, or redemption stories, The Word of God is a powerful and uplifting read.

[Corbin Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cobi

Shoutout to God Shammgod for releasing a beautiful book and telling his story to the world. This book was amazing to read. Being able to visualize his back story of Harlem, reading the details of Shammgod growing up with legends and meeting legends along his journey made the story interesting. If you are a pure basketball fan, this is a must read.

[M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a good read.

[Justin Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

God Shammgod’s story is truly unbelievable. You read it and you can’t believe the people this man grew up with. In the book he calls himself the Hood Forrest Gump and it’s so true. Name after name, story after story and the paths Shammgod crossed are amazing. I knew the legend of Shammgod, but to hear the story from his perspective was amazing and you learned so much from his life. Every basketball fan should read this book.