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The Boys of Dunbar: A Story of Love, Hope, and Basketball
As the crack epidemic swept across inner-city America in the early 1980s, the streets of Baltimore were crime ridden. For poor kids from the housing projects, the future looked bleak. But basketball could provide the quickest ticket out, an opportunity to earn a college scholarship and perhaps even play in the NBA. Dunbar High School had one of the most successful basketball programs, not only in Baltimore but in the entire country, and in the early 1980s, the Dunbar Poets were arguably the best high school team of all time. Four starting players-Muggsy Bogues, Reggie Williams, David Wingate, and Reggie Lewis-would eventually play in the NBA, an unheard-of success rate. In The Boys of Dunbar, Alejandro Danois takes us through the 1981-1982 season with the Poets as the team conquered all its opponents. But more than that, he takes us into the lives of these kids, and especially of Coach Bob Wade, a former NFL player from the same neighborhood who knew that the basketball court, and the lessons his players would learn there, held the key to the future.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 3, 2016
“The Boys of Dunbar” by Alejandro Danois, published by Simon and Schuster.
Category – Sports (Basketball) Publication Date – September 13, 2016.
There are many stories about Sports figures but few that tell the story of an entire team that captured not only fans but an entire city.
Dunbar High School in Baltimore, Maryland in the 1980’s brought together a basketball team like no other. The starting lineup saw four of the five players go to the NBA.
A large amount of credit belongs to their coach, Bob Wade, who challenged these young men and did everything he could to see that they stayed out of trouble, no easy thing to do in the Baltimore ghetto at that time, and realize their potential.
The four members of the team were Muggsy Bogues, Reggie Williams, David Wingate, and Reggie Lewis. This team, arguably, may be the best High School Basketball team to hit the courts.
This is a story that should be an inspiration to all young people and coaches participating in High School sports.
It is also a tribute to hard work, teamwork, sportsmanship, and clean living.
Category – Sports (Basketball) Publication Date – September 13, 2016.
There are many stories about Sports figures but few that tell the story of an entire team that captured not only fans but an entire city.
Dunbar High School in Baltimore, Maryland in the 1980’s brought together a basketball team like no other. The starting lineup saw four of the five players go to the NBA.
A large amount of credit belongs to their coach, Bob Wade, who challenged these young men and did everything he could to see that they stayed out of trouble, no easy thing to do in the Baltimore ghetto at that time, and realize their potential.
The four members of the team were Muggsy Bogues, Reggie Williams, David Wingate, and Reggie Lewis. This team, arguably, may be the best High School Basketball team to hit the courts.
This is a story that should be an inspiration to all young people and coaches participating in High School sports.
It is also a tribute to hard work, teamwork, sportsmanship, and clean living.
March 5, 2017
4.5 stars!
I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway. As a casual viewer of basketball, I was somewhat afraid that I would have difficulty getting into this book or understanding the terminology. That, however, was not an issue. This is a really good story and easily held my attention. Aside from Muggsy Bogues, I was not very familiar with any of the Dunbar players prior to reading this book, but I enjoyed learning about their time growing up in Baltimore.
I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway. As a casual viewer of basketball, I was somewhat afraid that I would have difficulty getting into this book or understanding the terminology. That, however, was not an issue. This is a really good story and easily held my attention. Aside from Muggsy Bogues, I was not very familiar with any of the Dunbar players prior to reading this book, but I enjoyed learning about their time growing up in Baltimore.
February 5, 2017
Great basketball story that illustrates, under the watchful eyes of an enigmatic coach and the insatiable drive of his players, the power found in hard work and dedication to the details. Danois brings to life not only the drama of game action, but also the lives of the players and coaches who helped to embody the spirit of a city.
June 29, 2017
Pretty cool story
July 16, 2018
SIX WORD REVIEW: Look up Muggsy Bogues clips now.
April 27, 2024
This is an excellent story about a remarkable team. Alejandro Danois has clearly done his research, and seems to have gotten extensive interviews with the most important people on the team: Coach Bob Wade, stars Muggsy Bogues, Reggie Williams, David Wingate, assistant coach Lynn Badham and what seems to be nearly the entire team. (Danois went to school with Toure, who advised on this book- who knew?)
The thesis here is that the 81-82 Dunbar Poets of Baltimore, MD are the greatest high school basketball team of all time. Six players played major college basketball and four had significant NBA careers. Muggsy Bogues is arguably the most identifiable Charlotte Hornet of all time. Reggie Lewis succeeded Larry Bird as captain of the Boston Celtics before his untimely death due to a heart issue. Danois does a great job of chronicling the stories of the team, the coaches and the players. Each gets their own backstory and recollection of what made the season so successful.
Danois does not give into the modern inclination to make this a story of greater societal significance, though he certainly could have. What makes Friday Night Lights one of my favorite books of all times is Buzz Bissinger's dedication to letting the story of Permian football tell the story of a community and to a certain extent, a country. Danois does not go to that length. Perhaps it is unfair, because this book is written nearly 30 years after the Poets put together back to back undefeated seasons, while the cowards of Calvert Hall ducked them. (A quick shaming for the prep school jerks and their cowardly coach Mark Amatucci is worthwhile.) Danois doesn't shy away from recognizing the issues facing East Baltimore at the time, or why it was a predominantly Black neighborhood or any of that. Still, he focuses on the team and the athletes, and their accomplishments and that makes for a tight, fast-paced read.
I struggled between four and five stars. Do you rate a book on "What was it?" or "How much will someone else enjoy this?" Short version: no one thinks that Will Ferrell movies are actually good. But they are funny for what they are. I enjoyed this more than I enjoy most Will Ferrell movies. But if you aren't interested in basketball, there isn't much else to enjoy. If you are a hoop head, or love high school sports, this is something you can probably knock out in a few days- don't let the length scare you. The font is large and the margins are generous.
I would definitely check out other books by Danois based on this experience.
The thesis here is that the 81-82 Dunbar Poets of Baltimore, MD are the greatest high school basketball team of all time. Six players played major college basketball and four had significant NBA careers. Muggsy Bogues is arguably the most identifiable Charlotte Hornet of all time. Reggie Lewis succeeded Larry Bird as captain of the Boston Celtics before his untimely death due to a heart issue. Danois does a great job of chronicling the stories of the team, the coaches and the players. Each gets their own backstory and recollection of what made the season so successful.
Danois does not give into the modern inclination to make this a story of greater societal significance, though he certainly could have. What makes Friday Night Lights one of my favorite books of all times is Buzz Bissinger's dedication to letting the story of Permian football tell the story of a community and to a certain extent, a country. Danois does not go to that length. Perhaps it is unfair, because this book is written nearly 30 years after the Poets put together back to back undefeated seasons, while the cowards of Calvert Hall ducked them. (A quick shaming for the prep school jerks and their cowardly coach Mark Amatucci is worthwhile.) Danois doesn't shy away from recognizing the issues facing East Baltimore at the time, or why it was a predominantly Black neighborhood or any of that. Still, he focuses on the team and the athletes, and their accomplishments and that makes for a tight, fast-paced read.
I struggled between four and five stars. Do you rate a book on "What was it?" or "How much will someone else enjoy this?" Short version: no one thinks that Will Ferrell movies are actually good. But they are funny for what they are. I enjoyed this more than I enjoy most Will Ferrell movies. But if you aren't interested in basketball, there isn't much else to enjoy. If you are a hoop head, or love high school sports, this is something you can probably knock out in a few days- don't let the length scare you. The font is large and the margins are generous.
I would definitely check out other books by Danois based on this experience.
September 23, 2016
It is often said that sports teams can provide hope to those who are talented enough to play. Usually this refers to a high school football team, but in the winter of 1981-82, the Dunbar Poets in Baltimore’s roughest section put together an amazing team and amazing season that not only united the team but also showcased the talent of their coach Bob Wade.
How this coach and his players made this team one of the greatest in the history of high school basketball is captured in this well researched book by Alejandro Danois. The book explores the lives and tribulations of not only Coach Wade, but also has significant passages on the four Dunbar players whose careers took them all the way to the NBA: Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues, David Wingate, Reggie Williams and Reggie Lewis. The reader will get to know these players almost like they are long-lost friends. Coach Wade is portrayed as a tough-as-nails father and coach who values his players’ accomplishments in the classroom as well as on the court. The reader will have the same feelings for the coach as he or she does for the players by the end of the book.
The story is made more special because of the situation in Baltimore at the time this team won the hearts of the city. Crime was rampant as the crack epidemic took hold of Baltimore and other cities. There wasn’t much hope for escaping that life, but through hard work, smarts and tough love from an excellent basketball coach, that happened to many of the young men on that Poets team – and not just the NBA stars. An uplifting book that even non-basketball fans will enjoy.
I wish to thank Simon and Schuster for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
http://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/201...
How this coach and his players made this team one of the greatest in the history of high school basketball is captured in this well researched book by Alejandro Danois. The book explores the lives and tribulations of not only Coach Wade, but also has significant passages on the four Dunbar players whose careers took them all the way to the NBA: Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues, David Wingate, Reggie Williams and Reggie Lewis. The reader will get to know these players almost like they are long-lost friends. Coach Wade is portrayed as a tough-as-nails father and coach who values his players’ accomplishments in the classroom as well as on the court. The reader will have the same feelings for the coach as he or she does for the players by the end of the book.
The story is made more special because of the situation in Baltimore at the time this team won the hearts of the city. Crime was rampant as the crack epidemic took hold of Baltimore and other cities. There wasn’t much hope for escaping that life, but through hard work, smarts and tough love from an excellent basketball coach, that happened to many of the young men on that Poets team – and not just the NBA stars. An uplifting book that even non-basketball fans will enjoy.
I wish to thank Simon and Schuster for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
http://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/201...
December 11, 2016
Basketball in the '80s was special. Without internet and ESPN just getting started, you heard about certain players and teams through word of mouth. I knew somewhat of the story of Dunbar High School in Baltimore but this book brought it to life.
April 19, 2017
If you like high school b-ball like I do, then this book is for you. I was a high schooler when these guys were tearing up the courts in Baltimore. Living in NY, I followed them from a distance, but really paid attention when Reggie Williams and Wingate went to Georgetown.
February 4, 2020
Outstanding first person interviews with incredible story lines. One of my favorite basketball books ever. Great job by the author in capturing the essence of the Dunbar Poets journey to the championship.
November 8, 2017
Great book giving some of the background of an iconic team and group of players as well as the community that rallied behind them!
July 21, 2020
Basketball fans should read this! I’ve never heard of this team but I enjoyed every last page!
June 6, 2023
I don’t remember where I saw this book advertised, but when I clicked on it and read the description, I was totally blown away by the names of the players on that Dunbar High School basketball team. Four of them, I am very familiar with – Reggie Lewis, Reggie Williams, David Wingate, and Muggsy Bogues.
Reggie Lewis, he played for the Boston Celtics and unfortunately, he passed away at age 27 due to some heart issues. Of all of them, Lewis had the most success in the NBA. Even though I wasn’t a fan of the Celtics, I can still clearly see his number 35 jersey playing for the Celtics. I enjoyed his overall game.
Reggie Williams, played for Georgetown with John Thompson as the head coach. I read the autobiography of Thompson and Williams was mentioned a lot. Williams was the 4th pick in the 1987 NBA draft, and ended up playing for a few teams, including the San Antonio Spurs.
Man, I was just looking at the 1987 NBA Draft class, and number 1 was David Robinson who was selected by the San Antonio Spurs. Kenny Smith, whom I just read his book a few weeks aga, was picked number 6 by the Sacramento Kings. Muggsy was selected number 12 by the Washington Bullets. Reggie Lewis was selected number 22 by the Boston Celtics. So, three of the players from that Dunbar team were selected in 1987.
David Wingate, also played at Georgetown and played for a few teams in the NBA, again including the San Antonio Spurs. He was drafted in the 1986 NBA draft in the second round.
Lastly, we got Muggsy Bogues. I read his book last year. Most of his NBA experience was with the Charlotte Hornets. Several years ago, when the Charlotte Bobcats got their Hornets team name back, I purchased a t-shirt with a player’s name and number and I really wanted it to be Muggsy, but they didn’t have any. So, I settled on Alonzo Mourning.
I was a fan of the San Antonio Spurs up until my son was born in 2016, and then afterwards, I just stopped paying attention to the Spurs, sports in general, and television. I also enjoyed the NBA in general. I did have the NBA League Pass a few times, and always enjoyed it.
Now, let’s get to the book.
In addition to the players listed above and a brief bio of them, Alejandro Danois also talked about the rest of the team, and how they got involved with basketball at different places in the Baltimore area. They all grew up together, and that helped them achieve great success on the basketball court.
How can I leave out the most important person on the Dunbar basketball team, and that is the head coach, Bob Wade. Everything starts with him, and along with his coaching style, coaching influences, and his athletic career, he was like a dad to the players.
I really enjoyed it, and the flow was easy to follow. I am glad, that when specific games were mentioned, it wasn’t drawn out to 10 pages and a possession by possession walk through!
I am glad I stumbled upon this book.
Reggie Lewis, he played for the Boston Celtics and unfortunately, he passed away at age 27 due to some heart issues. Of all of them, Lewis had the most success in the NBA. Even though I wasn’t a fan of the Celtics, I can still clearly see his number 35 jersey playing for the Celtics. I enjoyed his overall game.
Reggie Williams, played for Georgetown with John Thompson as the head coach. I read the autobiography of Thompson and Williams was mentioned a lot. Williams was the 4th pick in the 1987 NBA draft, and ended up playing for a few teams, including the San Antonio Spurs.
Man, I was just looking at the 1987 NBA Draft class, and number 1 was David Robinson who was selected by the San Antonio Spurs. Kenny Smith, whom I just read his book a few weeks aga, was picked number 6 by the Sacramento Kings. Muggsy was selected number 12 by the Washington Bullets. Reggie Lewis was selected number 22 by the Boston Celtics. So, three of the players from that Dunbar team were selected in 1987.
David Wingate, also played at Georgetown and played for a few teams in the NBA, again including the San Antonio Spurs. He was drafted in the 1986 NBA draft in the second round.
Lastly, we got Muggsy Bogues. I read his book last year. Most of his NBA experience was with the Charlotte Hornets. Several years ago, when the Charlotte Bobcats got their Hornets team name back, I purchased a t-shirt with a player’s name and number and I really wanted it to be Muggsy, but they didn’t have any. So, I settled on Alonzo Mourning.
I was a fan of the San Antonio Spurs up until my son was born in 2016, and then afterwards, I just stopped paying attention to the Spurs, sports in general, and television. I also enjoyed the NBA in general. I did have the NBA League Pass a few times, and always enjoyed it.
Now, let’s get to the book.
In addition to the players listed above and a brief bio of them, Alejandro Danois also talked about the rest of the team, and how they got involved with basketball at different places in the Baltimore area. They all grew up together, and that helped them achieve great success on the basketball court.
How can I leave out the most important person on the Dunbar basketball team, and that is the head coach, Bob Wade. Everything starts with him, and along with his coaching style, coaching influences, and his athletic career, he was like a dad to the players.
I really enjoyed it, and the flow was easy to follow. I am glad, that when specific games were mentioned, it wasn’t drawn out to 10 pages and a possession by possession walk through!
I am glad I stumbled upon this book.
July 15, 2020
The Covid-19 basketball book reading spree continues with this interesting story from the Boys of Dunbar. The Dunbar Poets were one of the great high scool teams ever assembled and i took it upon myself to see if i could find some inspiring storylines in it. I found one in Muggsy's.
I was a bit too young to follow the career path of Tyrone 'Muggsy' Bogues but i always enjoyed watching snippets from his time with the Charlotte Hornets. The smallest guy in the league being one of the most entertaining guys out there and becoming a huge fan favorite. In this book he's being spotlighted as the underdog proving everybody wrong. Everyone, from high school coaches and rival players to opposing fans, thought he can't play with the 'big' boys and were even making fun of him. This only fueling him so he could be one of the most dominant high school point guards ever to be seen and carving out a path for him in the NBA.
It made a nice story following this team for a playing year and seeing the hurdles some had to overcome to being a good basketball player and person. I picked this one up after reading The Miracle of St. Anthony: A Season with Coach Bob Hurley and Basketball's Most Improbable Dynasty, which was a more indepth and a incredible read of a New Jersey high school team, and it certainly did not disappoint if you are looking for a quick read on a good basketball team. It showed that the individual was not more important than the team, which sadly is not often the case anymore in this egodriven basketball society.
I was a bit too young to follow the career path of Tyrone 'Muggsy' Bogues but i always enjoyed watching snippets from his time with the Charlotte Hornets. The smallest guy in the league being one of the most entertaining guys out there and becoming a huge fan favorite. In this book he's being spotlighted as the underdog proving everybody wrong. Everyone, from high school coaches and rival players to opposing fans, thought he can't play with the 'big' boys and were even making fun of him. This only fueling him so he could be one of the most dominant high school point guards ever to be seen and carving out a path for him in the NBA.
It made a nice story following this team for a playing year and seeing the hurdles some had to overcome to being a good basketball player and person. I picked this one up after reading The Miracle of St. Anthony: A Season with Coach Bob Hurley and Basketball's Most Improbable Dynasty, which was a more indepth and a incredible read of a New Jersey high school team, and it certainly did not disappoint if you are looking for a quick read on a good basketball team. It showed that the individual was not more important than the team, which sadly is not often the case anymore in this egodriven basketball society.
May 26, 2020
1.) My reading experience with this book was very enjoyable. Although, at some points the story was dragged on and felt slow. Even though it was slow at times the story was very interesting and it kept me thinking. One part of the book that stayed with me was when it showed how much of an impact someone can have on a child early in their life.
2.) This book helped me answer the question of how individuals develop values and beliefs. This is shown throughout the book when all of the players that went on to be successful were coached and taught the beliefs of their coach during their high school years and that is what made them become successful. These kids would have most likely gotten involved in drug activity and ended up in jail if it wasn't for their coach teaching them values. People are shown values and beliefs by people when they are young and they adopt their own version of what they were taught.
3.) "8 of those players went on to play division 1 basketball, 4 of them went to the NBA" (Danois 26). This quote shows that these kids were taught the work ethic and they were steered in the direction of success by their coach. What their coach taught them completely changed their lives and helped them become successful.
4.) I would definitely recommend this book because it is such a good story about how a single high school basketball coach can change these kids' lives forever. It is a good book to read during quarantine. I would also recommend reading this book if you enjoy watching basketball because many of these players were very widely known professional basketball players.
2.) This book helped me answer the question of how individuals develop values and beliefs. This is shown throughout the book when all of the players that went on to be successful were coached and taught the beliefs of their coach during their high school years and that is what made them become successful. These kids would have most likely gotten involved in drug activity and ended up in jail if it wasn't for their coach teaching them values. People are shown values and beliefs by people when they are young and they adopt their own version of what they were taught.
3.) "8 of those players went on to play division 1 basketball, 4 of them went to the NBA" (Danois 26). This quote shows that these kids were taught the work ethic and they were steered in the direction of success by their coach. What their coach taught them completely changed their lives and helped them become successful.
4.) I would definitely recommend this book because it is such a good story about how a single high school basketball coach can change these kids' lives forever. It is a good book to read during quarantine. I would also recommend reading this book if you enjoy watching basketball because many of these players were very widely known professional basketball players.
February 20, 2018
I am not a basketball fan, but I read this book in one day. It's a truly remarkable story. I live in Baltimore and Dunbar HS was still a basketball powerhouse when we moved here in the mid-80s, and I remember hearing about these boys.
I wish I learned more about the boys, families, and coaches. Because I'm not a basketball fan, I would get lost in the descriptions of the basketball games from that season. I loved reading the authors thoughts about the cities problems, but I would have also liked learning what he thought about Baltimore today and whether basketball is still the savior it once was for these young boys. Because I read an eBook, it was difficult to see the pictures of the boys.
I also watched ESPN's 30 for 30 documentary about the Dunbar team. It was an excellent companion to this book.
I wish I learned more about the boys, families, and coaches. Because I'm not a basketball fan, I would get lost in the descriptions of the basketball games from that season. I loved reading the authors thoughts about the cities problems, but I would have also liked learning what he thought about Baltimore today and whether basketball is still the savior it once was for these young boys. Because I read an eBook, it was difficult to see the pictures of the boys.
I also watched ESPN's 30 for 30 documentary about the Dunbar team. It was an excellent companion to this book.
October 27, 2017
The main characters in The Boys of Dunbar are the players on the team along with the head coach. They all distinctly have heart and never give up during the 1980-’81 season. The team has to face some tough competition throughout the schedule. There were also times when the team faced problems such as being arrogant to one another. The story takes place in the inner city of Baltimore.
The story was very inspiring, like in the time when they played a team ranked better than them. The whole team had to overcome something greater for more reasons than just winning. To be that strong willed to overcome so much really emphasises the heart of team to achieve a greater purpose.
The story was very inspiring, like in the time when they played a team ranked better than them. The whole team had to overcome something greater for more reasons than just winning. To be that strong willed to overcome so much really emphasises the heart of team to achieve a greater purpose.
Want to read
November 27, 2018my novel is about a basketball team that was working hard at practice everyday so that they can win another national championship. the coaches was very hard on his players especially OJ and Muggsy because they was one of his top players on the team and he wanted them to be better and great. Also, dunbar was the best schools that all the teams had trouble beating. I will recommend this book for people to read because its based on a true story about a high school that was competing for the national championship and its a good book to read I think people will enjoy reading this book.
personal review
personal review
July 20, 2020
Ali Danois is a gifted storyteller! He weaves the real-life story of these "neighborhood" basketball players into the troubled East Baltimore section of the city in the early 80s.
The coach of Dunbar High, Bob Wade is as fascinating as his players. The chemistry and work ethic of these "boys" winds up into an unmatched team with countless accolades.
Danois includes funny and poignant vignettes on and off the court. Clearly, he has done extensive research for this book. I cannot wait to see what he comes up with next.
The coach of Dunbar High, Bob Wade is as fascinating as his players. The chemistry and work ethic of these "boys" winds up into an unmatched team with countless accolades.
Danois includes funny and poignant vignettes on and off the court. Clearly, he has done extensive research for this book. I cannot wait to see what he comes up with next.
January 3, 2026
So awesome!!! Great telling of such an inspiring and meaningful story. Truly the best thing about sports is the connections it forges and places it can take you. Shame that sports culture seems to be changing. Also, those guys in the 80s/90s had WAY more ball knowledge than pros nowadays. As high schoolers these Dunbar kids had basketball IQ off the charts.
I saw a comment on a muggsy highlight video that said “Put Muggsy Bogues in today’s NBA and LeBron is destroying him” dude these high school teams had multiple guys who were 6’8 and Muggy blasted them all!! His game was different.
I saw a comment on a muggsy highlight video that said “Put Muggsy Bogues in today’s NBA and LeBron is destroying him” dude these high school teams had multiple guys who were 6’8 and Muggy blasted them all!! His game was different.
October 23, 2016
I'm not even much of a sports fan and I enjoyed this book. Well written, flowed well. The team and individual stories were interesting and endearing. Made me wish I had been at Dunbar High back then so I could watch the team play. Was happy that the book included an epilogue which gave a blurb on each person's story as it continued after high school. Well done. Thanks GoodReads for this giveaway win!
July 5, 2018
Excellent book on not just basketball, but growing up in the ghetto; the tough street life of Baltimore, and the adults who push the kids to excellence. I didn't know Dunbar had four NBA guys on their team, but I knew Muggsy Bogues and Reggie Williams played for this team; I didn't know David Wingate and Reggie Lewis also were on the squad. Very inspiring and the author's writing style is excellent. I read a lot of sports books and this is one of the best!
September 3, 2019
An absolutely incredible sports novel that illustrates the Dunbar HS basketball team of 1981-82. This team was filled with talent (4 future NBA players) but more importantly they shared a strong bond from growing up in Baltimore dreaming of playing for the Poets as young kids. The stories throughout the book make the reader become invested not only in the team’s success but the success of the individual players on the team and where their careers take them. Highly recommend for any sports fan.
October 23, 2018
(Audiobook) I finished this book in one sitting. It was so much fun. I was interested because it was about some local history, but this book would be fun/interesting for anyone. Characters are larger than life, story is unreal, and writing is pretty good. Nice job Bmore!
Agree with the other reviews that recommend binging on Mugsy Bogue YouTube highlights.
Agree with the other reviews that recommend binging on Mugsy Bogue YouTube highlights.
August 20, 2019
3.5 stars almost a four - I love this style of book, Boys in the Boat is my favorite book ever. But something about this particular story or the way it was told took a very long time to captivate me. I wanted to stick with it as I’m from Baltimore so I love local stories, and by the last 75 pages this book was a huge page turner. It just took a while for me to fall in love with it.
April 20, 2020
I loved this book. A well-written history of a team I knew nothing about, but did know about, and watched, many of its players once they reached the NBA. Highly recommended for anyone that played or watched high school basketball and likes to read about how teams form through individual adversity into success as a group.
January 19, 2021
I grew up in this time frame though far from this story's centerpiece of Baltimore, Maryland. Many claim this to be the best high school basketball team of all time and boy, do I wish the author would do a follow up with the next season which was even better! If you like sports biographies, this is the book for you.
July 6, 2017
For basketball and Baltimore junkies. What better tale than a high school basketball book set in the early '80's in Baltimore featuring 4 future NBA players, one of whom is the smallest player ever to play in the NBA?
October 17, 2017
Since there is not a 4.5 star option, I opted to just go ahead and give five stars. For the type of book it is, it is very well-written and interesting and commands your attention throughout. A must-read for basketball fans, and, actually, for any sports fan. Very enjoyable.
July 4, 2022
Very good book with great storyline. Covered lot about Muggsy Bogues as well as about coach Wade whose leadership helped paved the way for these champions. If you like reading about college basketball you will love this story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews