Book Review: Boys Among Men

Ramon Maclin
Jul 25, 2017 · 3 min read
Crown Archetype

Very Solid. I wonder how Jonathan Abrams, the author, upbringing was. How old was he when considered himself a man. Did he meet the expectations as an individual (Mentally or Social)? With particular players such as Leon smith, Lenny Cooke, and Tony Key he expresses the daunting moments where each player met their tipping point of destruction (S/O to Malcolm Gladwell). Also, I noticed he didn’t talk about LeBron James journey to the National Basketball Association (NBA) extensively. Why even put a picture of him on the front cover or explained the stuff we as basketball stans already know (Thank you Complex).

Last, what about Stephen Jackson AKA “Stak 5”. The only time Abrams uses his name is in a segment when explaining the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers Brawl. In his Junior year in high school, he led his team a state championship(Texas).Played in the 1996 McDonalds All-American game where he and Winifred Walton led their teams in scoring with 21 points (Kobe had 13 points) Jackson was his generation version of Shawn Kemp, where personal reasons ruined their plans of playing NCAA or NJCAA basketball. After his short stint in minor and foreign leagues, he was able to get an opportunity to play with the New Jersey Nets, then joining the San Antonio Spurs subsequently to assist as a key player in the 2003 playoffs which led themselves to a championship.

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Four years later (Skipping the Pacers period), he made his “we believe” playoff run with the 2006–2007 Golden State Warriors as they beat the number 1 seed Dallas Mavericks in the 1st round in a 4–2 series victory (Dirk got punked). In his subsequent seasons, he became a journeyman until he retired at the respectful age of 37. He now works for ESPN as a Basketball Analyst, Assisting their multiple programs: Sportscenter, SportsNation, and The Jump. In 2017, Jackson and other former players decided to play in the BIG3, a 3on3 Basketball league created by Rapper/Actor Ice Cube and partner Jeff Kwatinetz, an entertainment executive.

Yahoo Sports

Overall, it’s enticing (the book). Headlines supposed to be paramount, and this one he created was honest, which can make some readers feel anxious from the beginning. It would’ve been cool if he had a video explaining and defending his work. I would love for Jonathan Abrams to make a book about one and done players. Hopefully, High school or AAU Basketball coaches will read this book then share this manuscript to their players hoping it will be on their summer reading list or “Does hoops comes first” (MESSAGE).

RATING:9/10

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