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From the Outside: My Journey Through Life and the Game I Love – The New York Times Bestseller from the Hall of Fame Two-Time NBA Champion
The record-holding two-time National Basketball Association champion reflects on his work ethic, his on-the-court friendships and rivalries, and what it takes to have a long and successful career in this thoughtful, in-depth memoir
Playing in the NBA for 18 years, Ray Allen won championships with the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat and entered the record books as the original king of the three-point shot. Known as one of the hardest-working and highest-achieving players in NBA history, this most dedicated competitor was legendary for his sharp shooting. From the Outside is his story in his words: a no-holds-barred look at his life and career, filled with behind-the-scenes stories and surprising revelations about the game he has always cherished.
Allen talks openly about his fellow players, coaches, owners, and friends, including LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Garnett. He reveals how, as a kid growing up in a military family, he learned about responsibility and respect—the key to making those perfect free throws and critical three-point shots.
From the Outside is the portrait of a gifted athlete and a serious man with a strongly defined philosophy about the game and the right way it should be played—a philosophy that, at times, set him apart from colleagues and coaches, while inspiring so many others, and lead to the most pivotal shot of his career: the unforgettable 3-pointer in the final seconds of Game 6 of the 2013 NBA finals against the San Antonio Spurs. Throughout, Allen makes clear that success in basketball is as much about what happens off the court as on, that devotion and commitment are the true essence of the game—and of life itself.
Playing in the NBA for 18 years, Ray Allen won championships with the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat and entered the record books as the original king of the three-point shot. Known as one of the hardest-working and highest-achieving players in NBA history, this most dedicated competitor was legendary for his sharp shooting. From the Outside is his story in his words: a no-holds-barred look at his life and career, filled with behind-the-scenes stories and surprising revelations about the game he has always cherished.
Allen talks openly about his fellow players, coaches, owners, and friends, including LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Garnett. He reveals how, as a kid growing up in a military family, he learned about responsibility and respect—the key to making those perfect free throws and critical three-point shots.
From the Outside is the portrait of a gifted athlete and a serious man with a strongly defined philosophy about the game and the right way it should be played—a philosophy that, at times, set him apart from colleagues and coaches, while inspiring so many others, and lead to the most pivotal shot of his career: the unforgettable 3-pointer in the final seconds of Game 6 of the 2013 NBA finals against the San Antonio Spurs. Throughout, Allen makes clear that success in basketball is as much about what happens off the court as on, that devotion and commitment are the true essence of the game—and of life itself.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published March 27, 2018
70 people are currently reading
977 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
July 28, 2021
Ray Allen has to be one of my VERY favorite basketball players....Not only is he able to shot the lights out, I absolutely love the balance he brings to the teams he played for with his calm laid back demeanor. The book was actually a glimpse into his life and how he fell in love with the game of basketball. I really enjoyed this story and his perspective about the game and the players he encountered. Although, I must admit he surprised me with some some of the interactions he had with other players who also happen to be some of my favorites and the interactions were disappointing. You expected people to behave better...but, realistically people are people and they act usually they way they were trained....Ray Allen Always the Professional and the Peace keeper....I really enjoyed this story and the narration was excellent.
April 16, 2018
I won this book through GoodReads First Read Program.
I am a sports fan but not a huge basketball fan. As a kid I followed all sport intensely and had favorite teams I followed with a passion. Due to life this has narrowed to baseball. I pay attention to other sports and watch occasional games but my intense following is now limited.
That being said, I truly enjoyed Ray Allen's autobiography in which he tells the reader about growing up the son of an Air Force Technician. He started out in California and spent his high school days in South Carolina. He explains how he fell in love with basketball and perfected his game. He also give you a glimpse of what it was like being a college recruit. He ends up going to Connecticut and spends three years there before going to the NBA.
The bulk of the book is Allen's description of Allen's 18 year career with the Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle, Supersonics, Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat. He gives you an up-close, in-the-locker-room view of what it is like to be in the NBA. He gives you glimpses into coaches and players who he liked and those he didn't like. He tells you about things he did great such as setting the record for most three point shots made and winning two NBA championships and he tells you about the time he messes up.
What I wish we would have heard more about was his life away from basketball. He does tell us about having a baby girl when he was still in high school, his marriage, and 5 kids including one who has diabetes and the problems his wife and he face with that. You don't hear much about his family though. Are his parent's alive? Did he ever rebuild the relationship with his father? What about his siblings? What about his faith? His political leanings? This book focuses on his NBA career, which is great, but I would like to get to know who Ray Allen the man is.
I am a sports fan but not a huge basketball fan. As a kid I followed all sport intensely and had favorite teams I followed with a passion. Due to life this has narrowed to baseball. I pay attention to other sports and watch occasional games but my intense following is now limited.
That being said, I truly enjoyed Ray Allen's autobiography in which he tells the reader about growing up the son of an Air Force Technician. He started out in California and spent his high school days in South Carolina. He explains how he fell in love with basketball and perfected his game. He also give you a glimpse of what it was like being a college recruit. He ends up going to Connecticut and spends three years there before going to the NBA.
The bulk of the book is Allen's description of Allen's 18 year career with the Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle, Supersonics, Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat. He gives you an up-close, in-the-locker-room view of what it is like to be in the NBA. He gives you glimpses into coaches and players who he liked and those he didn't like. He tells you about things he did great such as setting the record for most three point shots made and winning two NBA championships and he tells you about the time he messes up.
What I wish we would have heard more about was his life away from basketball. He does tell us about having a baby girl when he was still in high school, his marriage, and 5 kids including one who has diabetes and the problems his wife and he face with that. You don't hear much about his family though. Are his parent's alive? Did he ever rebuild the relationship with his father? What about his siblings? What about his faith? His political leanings? This book focuses on his NBA career, which is great, but I would like to get to know who Ray Allen the man is.
November 15, 2020
look at ray allen, man, so inspirational.
January 17, 2023
Most memoirs from current or past professional basketball players will follow a certain pattern as they are read, from the less than desirable conditions, for whatever reasons, the subject went through in their formative years. Then because a certain person or persons believed in them, they achieved success on the basketball in youth leagues or high school and they were able to take that newfound success into a career in the NBA. This memoir by former NBA All-Star Ray Allen follows the same path, but reads differently in a few ways.
One is that Allen was a child of a military member, so when he talks of his father not always being there for him, it was due to his father’s military commitments, not because he was absent from his children’s life. However, due to this, Allen obtained much of his personal traits from the women in his life, starting with his mother. He mentions that frequently through the book. Another difference is that when he became a teenage father, he remained in the child’s life even though he and the child’s mother did not marry (although they did attempt to keep their relationship going when Allen went to college). That experience made a difference in how Allen lived his family life when he married and had children with his wife.
This type of writing is not the main point of the book, however, as it is very basketball-centric as Allen describes his experience in high school basketball in South Carolina, his college career at the University of Connecticut and his NBA career in which he played for four teams – the Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle SuperSonics, Boston Celtics and Miami Heat. The last two teams are the ones he speaks most fondly of, mainly because that was with whom he won his championships. Throughout his basketball career, no matter what level, there is one constant theme that worked well for him – his work ethic. He always wanted to be the first one at the gym and he would always be working toward improving his game, especially his shooting.
That last aspect is what he became most noted for, especially his accuracy with three-point shots. He made one of the most memorable three-point shots in NBA history, a game tying 3 point shot at the end of regulation in game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals with the Heat. That shot not only sent the game into overtime, but it catapulted the Heat to win that game and the championship over the San Antonio Spurs. I enjoyed this section of the book (including the description of that shot in Chapter 1) along with his stories about his championship team in Boston. On that 2008 team, he bonded well with Kevin Garnett who like Allen, was a key off-season acquisition by the Celtics to build that championship team.
The last aspect of the book that should be mentioned is that Allen never comes across as angry or bitter, even when describing issues that if they did, would be understandable. Of course, he was subjected to racism but other incidents such as with his Milwaukee coach George Karl or when he was told several times that he would not succeed, he always wrote in a tone that suggested that he was glad he overcame whatever obstacles that situation or person made him endure. It’s a very good read for those who enjoyed watching Allen become one of the better shooters of his era.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
One is that Allen was a child of a military member, so when he talks of his father not always being there for him, it was due to his father’s military commitments, not because he was absent from his children’s life. However, due to this, Allen obtained much of his personal traits from the women in his life, starting with his mother. He mentions that frequently through the book. Another difference is that when he became a teenage father, he remained in the child’s life even though he and the child’s mother did not marry (although they did attempt to keep their relationship going when Allen went to college). That experience made a difference in how Allen lived his family life when he married and had children with his wife.
This type of writing is not the main point of the book, however, as it is very basketball-centric as Allen describes his experience in high school basketball in South Carolina, his college career at the University of Connecticut and his NBA career in which he played for four teams – the Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle SuperSonics, Boston Celtics and Miami Heat. The last two teams are the ones he speaks most fondly of, mainly because that was with whom he won his championships. Throughout his basketball career, no matter what level, there is one constant theme that worked well for him – his work ethic. He always wanted to be the first one at the gym and he would always be working toward improving his game, especially his shooting.
That last aspect is what he became most noted for, especially his accuracy with three-point shots. He made one of the most memorable three-point shots in NBA history, a game tying 3 point shot at the end of regulation in game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals with the Heat. That shot not only sent the game into overtime, but it catapulted the Heat to win that game and the championship over the San Antonio Spurs. I enjoyed this section of the book (including the description of that shot in Chapter 1) along with his stories about his championship team in Boston. On that 2008 team, he bonded well with Kevin Garnett who like Allen, was a key off-season acquisition by the Celtics to build that championship team.
The last aspect of the book that should be mentioned is that Allen never comes across as angry or bitter, even when describing issues that if they did, would be understandable. Of course, he was subjected to racism but other incidents such as with his Milwaukee coach George Karl or when he was told several times that he would not succeed, he always wrote in a tone that suggested that he was glad he overcame whatever obstacles that situation or person made him endure. It’s a very good read for those who enjoyed watching Allen become one of the better shooters of his era.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
April 25, 2018
Should the NBA let kids jump straight to the league from high school? Should they require a year of college?
Allen attended 3 ears at UConn. He recommends others do likewise. His reasoning is, it gives the player time to develop and mature. All while having a support system. I disagree. I think the only requirement should be the player's ability. If a high school kid can play, let him play. Let him get paid. If the team wants to protect their investment, they'll catch on. They put in the support systems the kids need.
As for the book, it was quite good. Read it in a single sitting. I've long respected Ray Allen, even before he came to the Heat. He's smart. He's cool under pressure. Doesn't hurt that he hit perhaps the most important shot in Finals history. Worth mentioning for Heat fans. He was critical of Eric Spoelstra's practices.
Allen attended 3 ears at UConn. He recommends others do likewise. His reasoning is, it gives the player time to develop and mature. All while having a support system. I disagree. I think the only requirement should be the player's ability. If a high school kid can play, let him play. Let him get paid. If the team wants to protect their investment, they'll catch on. They put in the support systems the kids need.
As for the book, it was quite good. Read it in a single sitting. I've long respected Ray Allen, even before he came to the Heat. He's smart. He's cool under pressure. Doesn't hurt that he hit perhaps the most important shot in Finals history. Worth mentioning for Heat fans. He was critical of Eric Spoelstra's practices.
February 16, 2018
Whether you recognize his name or not, read this inspiring journey reaching professional basketball.
January 3, 2024
This was fine, nothing terribly eye opening or insightful beyond a few nuggets. Ray Allen comes across as someone, like many high performing athletes, who often saw and interpreted people and conditions being against him and used those slights for motivation. It pops up more in the pre-NBA part of his life, but continues in varying degrees after.
Very fair as an observer doling out praise and criticism in a fair and mature way to teammates, coaches, and himself. Capable of seeing a whole person and not letting his personal experiences or emotions cloud his judgment. Perhaps some of that is with the benefit of hindsight, but either way, lot of people hold grudges but not their tongue and Allen does well to do the reverse.
The only place it felt like there may have been some personal coloring to the narrative was the Miami Heat section contrasting with the end of the Boston section. A lot of the praise given to Miami, Bron and the organization feels like a shot at Boston, but Allen's so even-handed throughout the book that even this is probably more of a reach on my side than a subtle shot at the Celtics.
Only three guys came out with ultimately critical portrayals:
1. Anthony Mason - comes off as a ball-hogging bully for the one year he spent with Ray in Milwaukee.
2. Rajon Rondo - he didn't have a stellar reputation outside of Allen's book, but Ray paints an immature, selfish, sensitive young man whose pride preceded all.
3. Rip Hamilton - Allen is mostly praiseworthy of the one-time Piston rival, but talks extensively (using that word in a relative sense here) about how Rip would intentionally grow out his fingernails and slice people up. For anyone who's played or plays ball, this is hilarious and hella poor etiquette.
Additionally, a couple trades that didn't quite happen that I hadn't previously been aware of:
1. Rondo to the Pelicans/Hornets for CP3 - allegedly Doc wouldn't pull the trigger because "he couldn't do that to Monty Williams" - a one time mentee. CP3 with Boston's Big3 is something.
2. Allen to Memphis for OJ Mayo - heh
Worth the time if you're a b-ball junky, an Allen fan or fan of the teams Ray played for, but if you're just looking for a hoops book, you can probably do better.
Very fair as an observer doling out praise and criticism in a fair and mature way to teammates, coaches, and himself. Capable of seeing a whole person and not letting his personal experiences or emotions cloud his judgment. Perhaps some of that is with the benefit of hindsight, but either way, lot of people hold grudges but not their tongue and Allen does well to do the reverse.
The only place it felt like there may have been some personal coloring to the narrative was the Miami Heat section contrasting with the end of the Boston section. A lot of the praise given to Miami, Bron and the organization feels like a shot at Boston, but Allen's so even-handed throughout the book that even this is probably more of a reach on my side than a subtle shot at the Celtics.
Only three guys came out with ultimately critical portrayals:
1. Anthony Mason - comes off as a ball-hogging bully for the one year he spent with Ray in Milwaukee.
2. Rajon Rondo - he didn't have a stellar reputation outside of Allen's book, but Ray paints an immature, selfish, sensitive young man whose pride preceded all.
3. Rip Hamilton - Allen is mostly praiseworthy of the one-time Piston rival, but talks extensively (using that word in a relative sense here) about how Rip would intentionally grow out his fingernails and slice people up. For anyone who's played or plays ball, this is hilarious and hella poor etiquette.
Additionally, a couple trades that didn't quite happen that I hadn't previously been aware of:
1. Rondo to the Pelicans/Hornets for CP3 - allegedly Doc wouldn't pull the trigger because "he couldn't do that to Monty Williams" - a one time mentee. CP3 with Boston's Big3 is something.
2. Allen to Memphis for OJ Mayo - heh
Worth the time if you're a b-ball junky, an Allen fan or fan of the teams Ray played for, but if you're just looking for a hoops book, you can probably do better.
January 21, 2020
The book From the Outside is an autobiography about Ray Allen's life throughout his childhood and his NBA career. In the beginning, he was a quiet boy that didn't have many friends due to his dad being in the army and them having to move every couple of years. He decided to play basketball and he would play with whoever would join him despite the abundant racism in his neighborhood. Later, when he went to college he became more outspoken and a leader in his community. His ego later caused him difficulties during his time on the Boston Celtics as his top teammates also had big egos that opposed his.
Ray Allen had many conflicts throughout his life, however, his main conflict could be his ego. It builds through always being the best on his basketball team as a child and the praise that his coaches always gave him. His ego got him in trouble in college when he butted heads with his coach as Ray Allen thought that he was too good to watch the film on the other team and learn tips from his coach. His ego is later brought down when he is given a low salary contract by the Miami Heat.
The Climactic scene of the book was when the Celtics star young player, Rajan Rondo, and Ray Allen had some disagreements on how the team should be run and who should get to be the team ball handler. Rondo did not pass Ray Allen the ball and Rondo promised Allen that he would be off of the team by the end of the season. Allen was lowballed by his contract and was benched causing him to leave for the Miami Heat.
I liked the book as Ray Allen is one of my favorite players ever and I wanted to learn more about his life and how the locker rooms of NBA teams actually are behind closed doors. Ray Allen is one of the most interesting players due to the number of times he has been traded and how he has been a leader on all of the teams that he has played for in his career.
Ray Allen had many conflicts throughout his life, however, his main conflict could be his ego. It builds through always being the best on his basketball team as a child and the praise that his coaches always gave him. His ego got him in trouble in college when he butted heads with his coach as Ray Allen thought that he was too good to watch the film on the other team and learn tips from his coach. His ego is later brought down when he is given a low salary contract by the Miami Heat.
The Climactic scene of the book was when the Celtics star young player, Rajan Rondo, and Ray Allen had some disagreements on how the team should be run and who should get to be the team ball handler. Rondo did not pass Ray Allen the ball and Rondo promised Allen that he would be off of the team by the end of the season. Allen was lowballed by his contract and was benched causing him to leave for the Miami Heat.
I liked the book as Ray Allen is one of my favorite players ever and I wanted to learn more about his life and how the locker rooms of NBA teams actually are behind closed doors. Ray Allen is one of the most interesting players due to the number of times he has been traded and how he has been a leader on all of the teams that he has played for in his career.
December 10, 2020
If you are a fan of the NBA or basketball, in general, this is a good book. Ray Allen goes through his whole life through his career in the NBA and what it took to get there. Ray Allen talks about his upcoming life in a small town in the south where he encountered racism and people that doubted him. He also gives details of his home life and what it was like going through college. He also talks about his two championship 4 teams NBA career. Not only does he talk about his life but he brings up important lessons that everyone can learn from. One of the biggest lessons he conveyed to the people reading this book, is you can accomplish anything with the right mindset and work ethic. He shows this by coming to practice two hours early every day and staying an hour after, this is a hard task and it's not fun or easy but it's what got him better and got him to the NBA. This book follows Allen through every aspect of his life from where he was from Dalzell, South Carolina. This place is where he experienced poverty and racism and it molded him to be tough, this made him to where he was tough and he wouldn’t listen to anyone’s negativity he would feed on it to prove them wrong. This is a factor that led him to his life in the NBA and to where he leads us to raise a kid in college and how he balanced life and his career. Another thing about this book is its strong theme. The theme throughout his whole is perseverance, the whole reason Ray Allen was successful and even made it in life from his poverty and the small-town uprising was because of perseverance. He worked through the adversity and accomplished his dreams because of his perseverance, determination, and hard work. This is the main theme of the whole book and it is an important message that Ray Allen teaches us. I enjoyed this book and I recommend it to other people trying to read it.
April 21, 2018
Ray Allen could have been a spoiled NBA brat, a prima donna rich kid. Instead, he became a team leader with wisdom, patience and humility. Those characteristics show in his autobiography and its what makes this a decent read. He touches on some issues, like racism that he dealt with in his career, arguments with other players and coaches, lazy teammates, superstars who only want the ball and don't think about teamwork and the massive amounts of money players get in the NBA, but he's fair and doesn't go overboard. His clashes with George Karl, the Milwaukee coach, were explained well and gave me a different opinion of Karl after reading Allen's book.
I was surprised I enjoyed this book as much. I read a lot of sports books and find a lot of bios are just quickly written things about a player's career with little info on other players who cross the subject's path. This was an easy read, but it was also informative. It was a good book on a great player and worth the reader's time to dig into it... especially if you are an NBA fan of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
I was surprised I enjoyed this book as much. I read a lot of sports books and find a lot of bios are just quickly written things about a player's career with little info on other players who cross the subject's path. This was an easy read, but it was also informative. It was a good book on a great player and worth the reader's time to dig into it... especially if you are an NBA fan of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
May 28, 2023
Excellent read! A great deal of insight and inspiration is provided throughout this outstanding memoir. I especially appreciate the amount of discipline he knew he needed from a very young age, and how well he maintained that commitment, to accomplish his dreams. I also loved how he was willing to ask questions and accept constructive criticism to keep getting better. Ray Allen should be celebrated for the way he has carried himself as well as for everything he represents. His is a truly amazing story!
September 7, 2018
most memorable quote:
You become a champion the day you commit to giving your best no matter what the obstacles may be. Will you be judged? You better believe it, and the judgment might be harsher than you deserve. But that’s no excuse to give anything less.
You become a champion the day you commit to giving your best no matter what the obstacles may be. Will you be judged? You better believe it, and the judgment might be harsher than you deserve. But that’s no excuse to give anything less.
November 30, 2024
Not enough Boston from Jesus Shuttlesworth.
The best part was when Ray Allen put dirty dishes on his roommate Travis Knight's bed because he kept leaving them all over the place.
The best part was when Ray Allen put dirty dishes on his roommate Travis Knight's bed because he kept leaving them all over the place.
May 12, 2018
One of my all time favorite players but this book was as dry as his jumper was wet.
April 7, 2023
RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: “WHAT SUCCESS HAS ALWAYS REQUIRED... COMMITMENT… DAY… AFTER DAY… YEAR… AFTER YEAR”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As a career long admirer of eighteen-year NBA veteran … and two-time NBA Champion… and portrayer of Jesus Shuttlesworth… in Hollywood… Ray Allen… this autobiography… has been a long time coming. The author’s writing style… is straight forward… and lean… in the area of “pomp-and-circumstance”… not unlike the author’s ball playing persona.
Ray was an Air Force “brat”… which meant… home was here… home was there. This added to Allen’s inability to fit in and feel accepted. This is one of the two main perspectives… or mantras… that are the ongoing cores of his story. The author felt… unaccepted… for many reasons. Being far from rich… and having a very limited wardrobe… being black… and even “criticized”… for sounding “white”… when he talked. Additionally… whenever I hear or read about someone who says “My Father never told me he loved me”… I get a feeling that is deeper than being sad. Even all these years since my childhood… and being a Father and Grandfather… and always being open with my love… it strikes me… as almost a sin against humanity. Ray… states he was such a deprived child.
The second repetitive mantra… is probably the biggest reason… Ray was almost like a machine at the three-point-line…
Ray never took any basketball accomplishment for granted… he was ready for every challenge to be a success… when he states words that should be chiseled in the walls of eternal success… “IT REQUIRES WHAT SUCCESS HAS ALWAYS REQUIRED: COMMITMENT, DAY AFTER DAY. YEAR AFTER YEAR.” Ray came to practice earlier… and left later… than just about everyone else. From day one… he never took success for granted… he put in the sweat AND time AND unrelenting effort! Ray admits mistakes made along the way… from recounting his college recruiting trips… where he found he was more immature than he had originally admitted. From being slighted by Rick Pitino… on a visit to Kentucky… to making a premature commitment to Alabama. After committing to UConn… (Decency… Integrity… Honesty)… the enormous personal growth under Coach Calhoun… and his unwavering dedication to getting better… even if it meant sitting in his room alone… while his less dedicated teammates went out and partied.
Ray’s long NBA career included many accolades and awards… but perhaps… the most meaningful… didn’t appear in the newspapers… or on plaques… or trophies. They were the private words of awe and respect… and understanding… by competing teams owners… coaches… players… trainers… and teammates… when they years later would tell Ray… that unbeknownst to him… they were watching him… in awe… from the shadows… while he day by day… year by year… pushed… AND… demanded… to put himself… through hundreds of extra shots… extra exercises… so it would be… second-nature… when it was all on the line… like it was in game six of the 2013 NBA Championship series for the Miami Heat… against the San Antonio Spurs. One of the greatest… most clutch shots in NBA history… led to the Heat being able to survive for a seventh game and a Back-To-Back-Championship. Ray reminds the world in this book… that he was getting ready for that moment… that second in time… ever since he was a youngster and saw Michael Jordan on TV. (Though his favorite player was Michael Cooooooppppeeeerrrr on the Showtime Lakers)
Note: The Foreword to this book by Spike Lee… is perhaps the “weakest” forward to a book I’ve ever read. Spike comes across like a sixty-one-year old man… trying to act like he’s a cool young hipster. Luckily… he doesn’t waste too much space in the book… since the forward is about ¾ of a page long… and even in such limited space… Spike uses the word “Da”… six times!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As a career long admirer of eighteen-year NBA veteran … and two-time NBA Champion… and portrayer of Jesus Shuttlesworth… in Hollywood… Ray Allen… this autobiography… has been a long time coming. The author’s writing style… is straight forward… and lean… in the area of “pomp-and-circumstance”… not unlike the author’s ball playing persona.
Ray was an Air Force “brat”… which meant… home was here… home was there. This added to Allen’s inability to fit in and feel accepted. This is one of the two main perspectives… or mantras… that are the ongoing cores of his story. The author felt… unaccepted… for many reasons. Being far from rich… and having a very limited wardrobe… being black… and even “criticized”… for sounding “white”… when he talked. Additionally… whenever I hear or read about someone who says “My Father never told me he loved me”… I get a feeling that is deeper than being sad. Even all these years since my childhood… and being a Father and Grandfather… and always being open with my love… it strikes me… as almost a sin against humanity. Ray… states he was such a deprived child.
The second repetitive mantra… is probably the biggest reason… Ray was almost like a machine at the three-point-line…
Ray never took any basketball accomplishment for granted… he was ready for every challenge to be a success… when he states words that should be chiseled in the walls of eternal success… “IT REQUIRES WHAT SUCCESS HAS ALWAYS REQUIRED: COMMITMENT, DAY AFTER DAY. YEAR AFTER YEAR.” Ray came to practice earlier… and left later… than just about everyone else. From day one… he never took success for granted… he put in the sweat AND time AND unrelenting effort! Ray admits mistakes made along the way… from recounting his college recruiting trips… where he found he was more immature than he had originally admitted. From being slighted by Rick Pitino… on a visit to Kentucky… to making a premature commitment to Alabama. After committing to UConn… (Decency… Integrity… Honesty)… the enormous personal growth under Coach Calhoun… and his unwavering dedication to getting better… even if it meant sitting in his room alone… while his less dedicated teammates went out and partied.
Ray’s long NBA career included many accolades and awards… but perhaps… the most meaningful… didn’t appear in the newspapers… or on plaques… or trophies. They were the private words of awe and respect… and understanding… by competing teams owners… coaches… players… trainers… and teammates… when they years later would tell Ray… that unbeknownst to him… they were watching him… in awe… from the shadows… while he day by day… year by year… pushed… AND… demanded… to put himself… through hundreds of extra shots… extra exercises… so it would be… second-nature… when it was all on the line… like it was in game six of the 2013 NBA Championship series for the Miami Heat… against the San Antonio Spurs. One of the greatest… most clutch shots in NBA history… led to the Heat being able to survive for a seventh game and a Back-To-Back-Championship. Ray reminds the world in this book… that he was getting ready for that moment… that second in time… ever since he was a youngster and saw Michael Jordan on TV. (Though his favorite player was Michael Cooooooppppeeeerrrr on the Showtime Lakers)
Note: The Foreword to this book by Spike Lee… is perhaps the “weakest” forward to a book I’ve ever read. Spike comes across like a sixty-one-year old man… trying to act like he’s a cool young hipster. Luckily… he doesn’t waste too much space in the book… since the forward is about ¾ of a page long… and even in such limited space… Spike uses the word “Da”… six times!
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October 17, 2022It is a story about how young African American boy from South Carolina became one of the top shouting guards in USA between 1996 - 2014. Within his 18 years continuous career, commitment (Day after day. Year after year) was a key to his success.
As an African American youngest, he faced racism from both black and white people. Since his father was in military, he was able to see a lot, develop mentally, grow unique prespective, but at the same time he did not have nothing to hold on to because their family had to move around different locations in short period of time.
He loved to play basketball and expressed himself through basketball. In high school years, while playing in National Collegiate Athletic Association, he found out that the basketball was a sign of light and hope in a dark in young African Americans' confusing world.
While he was growing up as young man, he had challenges such as he had to deal with people who belittle him and not to get too excited about your infront of others. All those things happened in South Carolina make him to be grateful for discovering the courage he was not sure he had.
As a basketball player, they have to imagine and play the game as the ball is a part of their hand. Many players lose because they do not know it. Also if player focuses too much on the next level, they will not succeed at the current level. Being present in the game mentally and physically is crucial to win. It is not enough to just arrive early. They must stick around until their work is done. In addition, God does not care if player can shoot a basketball.
As young athlete, he played in a film "He got Game". Quote of this chapter: "If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything."
Overall, he played several teams including Milwaukee Bucks, Seatle Supersonics, Boston Celtics and Miami Heat in NBA while he had 4 sons and 1 daughter. In his careers high, he won championship within Celtics in 2008 and afterwards within Heats in 2013, also broke the record of 3PTM which used to be held by Reggie.
As an African American youngest, he faced racism from both black and white people. Since his father was in military, he was able to see a lot, develop mentally, grow unique prespective, but at the same time he did not have nothing to hold on to because their family had to move around different locations in short period of time.
He loved to play basketball and expressed himself through basketball. In high school years, while playing in National Collegiate Athletic Association, he found out that the basketball was a sign of light and hope in a dark in young African Americans' confusing world.
While he was growing up as young man, he had challenges such as he had to deal with people who belittle him and not to get too excited about your infront of others. All those things happened in South Carolina make him to be grateful for discovering the courage he was not sure he had.
As a basketball player, they have to imagine and play the game as the ball is a part of their hand. Many players lose because they do not know it. Also if player focuses too much on the next level, they will not succeed at the current level. Being present in the game mentally and physically is crucial to win. It is not enough to just arrive early. They must stick around until their work is done. In addition, God does not care if player can shoot a basketball.
As young athlete, he played in a film "He got Game". Quote of this chapter: "If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything."
Overall, he played several teams including Milwaukee Bucks, Seatle Supersonics, Boston Celtics and Miami Heat in NBA while he had 4 sons and 1 daughter. In his careers high, he won championship within Celtics in 2008 and afterwards within Heats in 2013, also broke the record of 3PTM which used to be held by Reggie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2018
Ray Allen is one of my favorite players. He has that silky smooth jumper that ALWAYS looks like it will go in. Knock down shooters seem like the most psychotic players when it comes to routine and work ethic. I've heard Ray Allen and J.J. Redick talk about how obsessive they both got when it came to preparation. Kyle Korver had an off season workout routine that involved diving under water and moving a boulder across the ocean floor. Larry Bird used to get up thousands of shots in an empty gym with a ball boy, security guard, ANYBODY rebounding for him.
The book was fine. Allen is a pretty decent writer. His personality alone makes me believe he put in a lot of work and effort to this book. As a big Boston Celtics fan, I must admit that I was most intrigued to hear some behind the scenes details on that title year and the few years surrounding it. With all the Rondo anecdotes, I was not disappointed.
One lasting memory that I always think of when I think of Ray Allen is an old Celtics promo. I don't recall the year in particular. It starts off with fast highlights of Pierce scoring at will, cheerleaders, KG screaming and beating his chest, a Rondo behind the back dish, shots of fans in the Garden going nuts, etc. Pump up music blaring the whole time. Then at the very end, the music fades out and there is a 5-7 second shot of a huge, empty practice facility. All the lights are out except for a couple on the 2nd level. The only sound you hear is the 'whap, whap, whap, whap' of Ray Allen running on a treadmill. That is Ray Allen to me. The epitome of the 'first one in and last one to leave' cliche. I love that. That makes for such a great story. I appreciate knowing that behind every buzzer beater or big shot that Jesus knocked down and made me jump out of my seat for, there were 100,000 jumpers in an empty gym somewhere in Storrs, Boston, Seattle...
The book was fine. Allen is a pretty decent writer. His personality alone makes me believe he put in a lot of work and effort to this book. As a big Boston Celtics fan, I must admit that I was most intrigued to hear some behind the scenes details on that title year and the few years surrounding it. With all the Rondo anecdotes, I was not disappointed.
One lasting memory that I always think of when I think of Ray Allen is an old Celtics promo. I don't recall the year in particular. It starts off with fast highlights of Pierce scoring at will, cheerleaders, KG screaming and beating his chest, a Rondo behind the back dish, shots of fans in the Garden going nuts, etc. Pump up music blaring the whole time. Then at the very end, the music fades out and there is a 5-7 second shot of a huge, empty practice facility. All the lights are out except for a couple on the 2nd level. The only sound you hear is the 'whap, whap, whap, whap' of Ray Allen running on a treadmill. That is Ray Allen to me. The epitome of the 'first one in and last one to leave' cliche. I love that. That makes for such a great story. I appreciate knowing that behind every buzzer beater or big shot that Jesus knocked down and made me jump out of my seat for, there were 100,000 jumpers in an empty gym somewhere in Storrs, Boston, Seattle...
June 12, 2020
Swoosh ... from doooownntoooownnn !
Оп , поредната нба биографийка в коша ( баскетболния такъв ). Ако някой ме пита , кои баскетболисти смятам за модели на подражание ( без задължително да съм фен на такъв тип ) , несъмнено бих казал Рей Алън, като към него бих добавил Грант Хил и може би Дейвид Робинсън за топ 3 класация. Биографията му от 2018г доказва това ! Рей Рей или известен също като Джийзъс Шътълсоурт ( от фима " He Got Game " ) разказва за живота си от първо лице в тази сбита и горе-долу кратка биографийка, като набляга на по-интересните случки в ка��иерата си и дава бледа яснота по някои въпроси вълнуващи баскетболната общност. Като цяло съм го харесвал като баскетболист, но не ми допада, когато някой постоянно се оправдава за това или онова, особено в минало свършено време, когато се хвърля кал върху бишви съотборници или треньори без да се чуе и отсрещната страна. Общо взето похвали единствено последния отбор, в който беше - Маями Хийт, тяхната съблекалня и сплотеност, хвърляйки сянка върху това ,което постигна с Бостън до известна степен, за Милуоки дори няма да коментирам. Няма да го хуля , защото навремето така хулих Дейвид Бекъм заради това какъв се беше изкарал в биографията си, а впоследствие чрез инстаграм разбрах ,че наистина е такъв модел за подражание като баща, съпруг и гражданин. Същото се отнася и за Рей Алън, който също съм последвал и мога да твърдя, че е един отдаден добър човек на семейството си ( 5 деца ) и обществото, но въпреки това и на двамата биографиите не ми допаднаха много. Едно е сигурно, Алън ще остане един от най-великите стрелци в играта с изящна и перфектна постановка!
Оп , поредната нба биографийка в коша ( баскетболния такъв ). Ако някой ме пита , кои баскетболисти смятам за модели на подражание ( без задължително да съм фен на такъв тип ) , несъмнено бих казал Рей Алън, като към него бих добавил Грант Хил и може би Дейвид Робинсън за топ 3 класация. Биографията му от 2018г доказва това ! Рей Рей или известен също като Джийзъс Шътълсоурт ( от фима " He Got Game " ) разказва за живота си от първо лице в тази сбита и горе-долу кратка биографийка, като набляга на по-интересните случки в ка��иерата си и дава бледа яснота по някои въпроси вълнуващи баскетболната общност. Като цяло съм го харесвал като баскетболист, но не ми допада, когато някой постоянно се оправдава за това или онова, особено в минало свършено време, когато се хвърля кал върху бишви съотборници или треньори без да се чуе и отсрещната страна. Общо взето похвали единствено последния отбор, в който беше - Маями Хийт, тяхната съблекалня и сплотеност, хвърляйки сянка върху това ,което постигна с Бостън до известна степен, за Милуоки дори няма да коментирам. Няма да го хуля , защото навремето така хулих Дейвид Бекъм заради това какъв се беше изкарал в биографията си, а впоследствие чрез инстаграм разбрах ,че наистина е такъв модел за подражание като баща, съпруг и гражданин. Същото се отнася и за Рей Алън, който също съм последвал и мога да твърдя, че е един отдаден добър човек на семейството си ( 5 деца ) и обществото, но въпреки това и на двамата биографиите не ми допаднаха много. Едно е сигурно, Алън ще остане един от най-великите стрелци в играта с изящна и перфектна постановка!
February 27, 2019
“CB grabbing the ball, throwing it to me near the corner, the game the season, hanging in the balance. I jumped straight up as if I were in a phone booth and let it go.”(Allen 7) This is how Ray Allen describes the shot of a lifetime, in his first ever book From the Outside. Before getting into - the specifics, you first need to know who Ray Allen is if you already don’t. Ray Allen, who is the record holder for most three-point shots made in NBA history and a winner of two NBA championships played 18 seasons in the NBA which is no small accomplishment. I was given, the book last year as an award from Brooks School. It stayed in my drawer for months. If I am being completely honest I don’t particularly like reading, and if it wasn’t for my personal narrative class I might not have ever touched the book. However I am glad that I did, a captivating work of art, Ray Allen teaches the reader extremely valuable lessons throughout the book. Integrating themes of perseverance, family, as well as racism, Ray Allen hits all the criteria, in my opinion, a reader needs when reading about a person's life. Of course, it is difficult to be enticed by just different events a person goes through, but Ray Allen greatly embodies his author side and allows the reader to feel as if they too experienced the same things he has. Ray Allen, being the talented man he was, never forgotten who brought him to where he was. It wasn’t a family member, or a mentor, or even a coach no, it was God. Ray’s faith in God and the way he talks about his relationship with him was the deal breaker for me.
September 9, 2025
This book was decent, but my main issue is that I already knew most of the story. As a diehard basketball fan, the background on his teams and his conflicts with certain players wasn’t new to me. The more insightful parts were when Ray discussed his philosophy and shooting methodology.
Ray was always one of my favorite players—quiet, reserved, and with one of the best-looking jump shots in NBA history. His unique, well-rounded skill set was undeniable. What stood out most in the book was his discussion of how his game evolved as he got older. Early in his career with Milwaukee and Seattle, he was the first option: athletic, versatile, and an all-around scorer. Later, with Boston and Miami, he transitioned into a role player—an off-ball mover and spot-up shooter rather than the primary scorer.
This reminded me of Michael Jordan’s trajectory. While Ray is obviously not MJ, the comparison is there: early years defined by athleticism, later years by precision, discipline, and refined skill. As someone who grew up playing competitively, I always appreciate when players adapt as their athleticism declines. Those with fundamentals to fall back on can extend their careers, and hearing Ray reflect on that process—something I had seen with my own eyes—was the most fascinating part of the book.
Ray was always one of my favorite players—quiet, reserved, and with one of the best-looking jump shots in NBA history. His unique, well-rounded skill set was undeniable. What stood out most in the book was his discussion of how his game evolved as he got older. Early in his career with Milwaukee and Seattle, he was the first option: athletic, versatile, and an all-around scorer. Later, with Boston and Miami, he transitioned into a role player—an off-ball mover and spot-up shooter rather than the primary scorer.
This reminded me of Michael Jordan’s trajectory. While Ray is obviously not MJ, the comparison is there: early years defined by athleticism, later years by precision, discipline, and refined skill. As someone who grew up playing competitively, I always appreciate when players adapt as their athleticism declines. Those with fundamentals to fall back on can extend their careers, and hearing Ray reflect on that process—something I had seen with my own eyes—was the most fascinating part of the book.
March 22, 2019
The story of the life of Ray Allen is a very interesting one. He was a good basketball star in high school, good enough to get a scholarship to the University of Connecticut. Everybody thought that Ray was going to be a good college athlete, but they believed that was where the talent would get him. College. Not the NBA or overseas, just college. Ray wanted to prove them wrong, and he did just that. Not only did he shoot the lights out during his time as a Huskie, he also could dunk at any given moment. From there on, Ray's basketball career is simple history. After getting drafted, he played like a man possessed his rookie year. Heck, he played like a man possessed in his twilight years too, hitting enough three pointers to be known as one of the best three point shooters in the entirety of the NBA. What might be his most memorable moment is how he hit, "The Shot". In the NBA Finals, with the whole series on the line with seconds left, as the ball was being bounced around, it somehow got passed out to Ray standing in the corner. With only seconds left and elimination on the line, he shoots, and he scores, tying Game 6. Ray was truly a legend, on and off the court, and his story is quite humbling to read.
April 1, 2018
Ray Allen recalls the difficulties of growing up in Dalzell, South Carolina, a troubled neighborhood where kids do not have an aspirational figure to emulate. He highlights how basketball kept him on the straight and true, and how it was the one constant during his nomadic childhood. This was the guy that SLAM once projected to “fade into obscurity”. Allen candidly shares experiences that brought out the best and worst of the people around him. A noticeable pattern was how he would hit it off well with new teammates and coaches at the beginning, only for the relationship to sour as time went by. I was a bit disappointed that he never mentioned Rashard Lewis when they won the 2013 NBA championship with the Miami Heat. After all, it was a culmination of their work together during their tenure with the Seattle Supersonics. All in all, we see a man who preaches routine, and that the truly great players are not only determined by the number of points they scored but by their all-around impact in the game.
May 2, 2018
It has been my pleasure & privilege to have had conversations with Ray over the years. This book made me feel like I was having another, albeit one sided conversation with him as I was reading it. I have always found Ray to be inspirational, inciteful, & wise beyond his years. I became a fan of Ray's not for his work ethic, his amazing talent on the court or even for his charity work. I have been following Ray's career since he was a UCONN student & would bring his toddler to with him to watch the UCONN women's games. I thought that spoke volumes about his values & priorities. God may not care that a person can make a jump shot, but He certainly cares about what kind of parent you are.
If you are a fan of Ray's (like I am), you won't be disappointed. He doesn't answer all of the questions I had., but like He Got Game", I am hoping for a sequel. Congratulations on your upcoming induction to the Hall of Fame, Ray. Looking forward to see what happens next. Thank you for this amazing journey!
If you are a fan of Ray's (like I am), you won't be disappointed. He doesn't answer all of the questions I had., but like He Got Game", I am hoping for a sequel. Congratulations on your upcoming induction to the Hall of Fame, Ray. Looking forward to see what happens next. Thank you for this amazing journey!
July 13, 2018
Ray Allen is a Hall of Fame basketball player with two championships. Allen's memoir starts at a young age all the way to the end of his basketball career. Allen was never an eye-catching celebrity on or off the court. Allen also stayed married to the same woman and had four kids. Overall, Allen had an impressive career. For many this book will not have the juicy gossip or slander that most celebrity memoirs seems to follow.
This is an inspiring book for teens looking for role-models. For avid sports fans, Allen gets into the detail on specific games and playoff scenarios. His comments on training routine and practice schedule is interesting. Allen also provides snippets about coaches and players who he liked and lessons he learned. Allen recommends players to develop and mature in college instead of going straight to the pros. You will respect Ray Allen more after reading this book.
This is an inspiring book for teens looking for role-models. For avid sports fans, Allen gets into the detail on specific games and playoff scenarios. His comments on training routine and practice schedule is interesting. Allen also provides snippets about coaches and players who he liked and lessons he learned. Allen recommends players to develop and mature in college instead of going straight to the pros. You will respect Ray Allen more after reading this book.
May 2, 2020
Quick, easy, enjoyable read for any basketball lover. Ray had the sweetest stroke in the game. Period. Not MJ. Not Kobe. Not Reggie Miller. Ray Allen’s jump shot was a thing of beauty.
I lived a few doors down from Ray in Belden Hall his freshman year at UCONN. So my rating might be biased. He was a cool dude. Quiet, humble, and a smooth character.
It was fun to learn more about his upbringing and especially enjoyed his summary of the NBA years. He opens up more about his relationships in the back third of this book. I love how he calls out players and coaches. He tells the good, bad and gives a fair assessment of his teammates. I always new some of those guys were just not cool. Ray Allen is and always will be cool. Wish he would have added more tales from his college days, but that is me being selfish. Go Huskies!
I would recommend this book for NBA and college hoops fans.
I lived a few doors down from Ray in Belden Hall his freshman year at UCONN. So my rating might be biased. He was a cool dude. Quiet, humble, and a smooth character.
It was fun to learn more about his upbringing and especially enjoyed his summary of the NBA years. He opens up more about his relationships in the back third of this book. I love how he calls out players and coaches. He tells the good, bad and gives a fair assessment of his teammates. I always new some of those guys were just not cool. Ray Allen is and always will be cool. Wish he would have added more tales from his college days, but that is me being selfish. Go Huskies!
I would recommend this book for NBA and college hoops fans.
December 29, 2019
Entertaining read as a basketball fan and player. Follows Ray Allen from a kid through his NBA retirement. I just read the Andre Iguodala book before this so interesting to see the parallels and differences. One surprising theme is that they both talk about really talent players (more talented then them) coming up that never made it like they did due to having the wrong attitude or work ethic or other circumstances. Iguodala talked about Rashard McCants as being one of the top 5 basketball players he's ever seen, to this day. And Allen echoes these sentiments about other players - Allen credits having a extremely consistent routine as key to his success, which other players were lacking. Both he and Iguodala vent a bit but notably for Iguodala it was about the fans and media and Allen about teammates and coaches. Overall, fun to see behind the scenes.
October 25, 2021
From the "Outside" Ray Allen always seemed stoic and reserved, so I found the book refreshing because he let's us in on how he truly feels. Ray opens up about KG, Paul, Raja Rondo, Doc, the Celtics, and LeBron James. I loved how this story was told. It was honest and didn't seem like he threw anyone under a bus. He even takes ownership of some of his mistakes in life and with his teammates in basketball. Ray seems like a really mature man. He puts his family first and basketball second. Ray was a professional who did his job well. However, sometimes when you are mature and others aren't, you may come across as if you are better than they are, but I am glad Ray never became anyone he was not in order to please others or to fit in. No doubt his upbringing had a lot to do with his manners and the respect he shows for others.
June 12, 2019
First a disclaimer I am a basketball fan. I love the game and the players so this review might be a little bias.
So I found this book to be a great read. I have read some sporting biographies that contain so so much filler and therefore feel like they get you nowhere fast. I am not interested in what colour the fan in the 4th row shirt was, or I had this for lunch before I did this. If you like that sort of then this is not the book for you.
"From the outside" is not one of those books. It was so fast paced and kept me engaged all the way through and I found it easy to read, with Ray's insights into his career were wonderful. From starting out to playing his last game Ray looks at what some might consider to be his career defining moments.
well worth the read
So I found this book to be a great read. I have read some sporting biographies that contain so so much filler and therefore feel like they get you nowhere fast. I am not interested in what colour the fan in the 4th row shirt was, or I had this for lunch before I did this. If you like that sort of then this is not the book for you.
"From the outside" is not one of those books. It was so fast paced and kept me engaged all the way through and I found it easy to read, with Ray's insights into his career were wonderful. From starting out to playing his last game Ray looks at what some might consider to be his career defining moments.
well worth the read
October 1, 2018
Ray Allen is my favorite basketball player and his life's story is presented in sufficiently compelling terms, yet the potential is there for something far greater. Many chapters in his life (namely starring in Spike Lee's He Got Game) are underdeveloped and the writing hops between using and avoiding contractions, sometimes within the same page, making for a disjointed read. I realize not every sports memoir can be on the level of Andre Agassi's (and J. R. Moehringer's) Open, but even though Allen's experiences aren't nearly as dramatic as the tennis star's, he still deserves a better co-author to present them in their best possible condition.
March 6, 2019
Great book great book great book
I loved hearing the story of Ray Allen from his childhood through his almost 20 years in the nba
He neatly outlined his insecurities being a military kid growing up in different places along with his want for affirmation and security
He also clearly showed how he became successful through keeping the same routine every single day from college through the pros
Lastly he outlined his family dynamics from never receiving love and attention from his father to not always being their for his wife and kids because he was on the road playing games
Overall I well written book and one I will share with many people
I loved hearing the story of Ray Allen from his childhood through his almost 20 years in the nba
He neatly outlined his insecurities being a military kid growing up in different places along with his want for affirmation and security
He also clearly showed how he became successful through keeping the same routine every single day from college through the pros
Lastly he outlined his family dynamics from never receiving love and attention from his father to not always being their for his wife and kids because he was on the road playing games
Overall I well written book and one I will share with many people
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews