Playing for Knight

by Steve Alford

Book Overview

An Olympic gold medalist recalls his four years on Indiana University's basketball team under the brilliant but controversial coach Bobby Knight, whose volatility and manipulativeness exacted a heavy toll from his players.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671677713
• ISBN13: 9780671677718
• Release Date: November 1989
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 8 Pages
• Weight: 0.68 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Playing for knight: My six seasons with coach Knight

Steve Alford goes to Indiana University where he plays basketball for Coach Knight. He plays under Coach Knight for six years. During his six years with Coach Knight he has his ups and downs. An up is he wins a national title. A down is the war stories. The war stories are the strange ways Coach Knight gets you to understand his thinking. For instance he made two of the senior players plan how to get to the game. They had to bring all the equipment, get bus tickets, and make a starting lineup. If you like books about basketball you should read this. One reason you should read this, is you can learn many valuable lessons. One is to try the hardest you possibly can in practice. My second reason is it's a tremendous read. I loved reading this book, because I love to play basketball. My final reason is if you play for Coach Knight in the near future you can learn what not to do, such as loafing around in a game. Which means: not hustling for loose balls, not rebounding, and not getting back on defense. These are the things that get you chewed out.

A clear picture

Steve Alford offers a clear and concise picture of what it is like to play for one of the most successful yet intimidating coaches in college basketball. You'll feel the frustration he felt when in the coach's doghouse and the joy he felt when winning the national championship. Through four years of playing at Indiana, Alford was able to see thru the mind games and realize the coach's motive. A truly great book written by a truly gifted athlete.

A must-read for any Big Ten basketball fan!

Admittedly, I didn't read this book until Alford took over as head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes. But, I could not put the book down. The Knight "war stories" are enough to make you scratch your head and the complete enthusiasm Alford has for his game is very awe inspiring. Yes, Hawkeye fans will love this book, too!

This was the best sports book I have ever read.

I loved this book! It describes what Indiana basketball is all about. Plus, it shows everyone that Bobby isn't as bad as his image makes him out to be. This man really cares about each and everyone of his players. Steve Alford did a great job. Everyone should try to read this book.

Great Book!

I am a huge fan of IU basketball and Steve Alford. Steve does a wonderful job of portraying what it was like to play for basketball's most demanding coach. This book is not only about basketball, but it is a great human interest story too... This is a great book for anyone who is a basketball fan!!