Centered: Autism, Basketball, and One Athlete's Dreams

by Anthony Ianni, Rob Keast, Tom Izzo

"They don't know me. They don't know what I'm capable of." Diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder, a form of autism, as a toddler, Anthony Ianni wasn't expected to succeed in school or participate in sports, but he had other ideas. As a child, Ianni told anybody who would listen, including head coach Tom Izzo, that he would one day play for the Michigan State Spartans. Autism, Basketball, and One Athlete's Dreams is the firsthand account of a young man's social, academic, and athletic struggles and his determination to reach his goals. In this remarkable memoir, Ianni reflects on his experiences with both basketball and the autism spectrum. Centered , an inspirational sports story in the vein of Rudy , reveals Ianni to be unflinching in his honesty, generous in his gratitude, and gracious in his compassion. Sports fans will root for the underdog. Parents, teachers, and coaches will gain insight into the experience of an autistic child. And everyone will triumph in the achievements of Centered.

Genres: Memoir

344 pages, Hardcover

Published September 7, 2021

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryan read an article about Anthony Ianni, a Michigan State basketball player with autism, so I put a hold on his book. I’d like points for reading a book with so much basketball in it, please and thank you. Even though many of his stories are about struggle— with understanding school and social concepts, with bullies, with teammates who didn’t know about his autism— this book and AI’s story are so inspiring. At his Kindergarten IEP, expert after expert said he’d live in a group home, might not graduate from high school, and on and on with the low expectations. But starting in middle school, AI started to dream about playing basketball for Tom Izzo at MSU. It took a ton of work and a ton of resources, all of which he maximized, but he did it. And as a mom of one and probably two boys with autism, I want them to dream big. I’ll be telling them about AI when the going gets rough. Autism doesn’t have to limit you. It could be what makes you extra special.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book about sports written by a guy on the autistic spectrum. It's focus is how his struggle with autism affected his driving passion, sports. Well written, Ianni's story is at times difficult to read with all the mistreatment he received by his peers. However he was extremely lucky to have a supportive family and education system. Wanting to read a book about autism, I was frustrated with Ianni's singular focus on sports, did he learn to read? How did he do with math? How did he interact with people outside the sports world? While this book is a great addition to all the other books about autism, it is not one I would recommend to most people. Ianni's driving passion overwhelms the rest of the story, which is the part about surviving and succeeding in normal life.

[Amanda Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to goodreads giveaways for giving me the chance to read this book. Anthony Ianni’s story and perspective on life is so inspiring and encouraging. As a special education teacher whose heart lies with students with autism, it was great to hear not only the good experiences Anthony had with school, but how you can overcome anything anyone says about your future-that every kid can strive for every dream.

[Jbauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anthony Ianni brought his presentation to my elementary school a few years ago, so I was excited to read this book. Just like his visit with my students, this book does not disappoint! It is amazing to see his life from his own viewpoint. It made me laugh and cry, and celebrate his victories along with him. His insights into his own actions and feelings are amazing. I highly recommend this book!

[Jordan Opperman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this book a few months after my oldest son's autism diagnosis. Anthony's story is pretty inspiring and it was helpful in my journey to start understanding ASD. Even though it is different in every person, I already saw some of my own kids in the struggles Anthony wrote about his childhood. As an avid basketball fan, I enjoyed that aspect of the story as well, but even non-basketball fans could take something away from his story.

[Aranka]

I just didn’t feel right giving this book a rating. I was really hit hard by how poorly AI was treated by his peers growing up. This man doesn’t deserve anymore judgement!

I did enjoy the book. I probably would have liked it even more if I understood more about basketball. I’m glad he proved his critics and educators wrong and achieved his dream.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

[Landon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving account, engagingly told

[Paul Mashack · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5