When Basketball Was a Game

By Mike Hickey

When Basketball Was a Game recounts the 60-year coaching/teaching career of Don Ryan with stories about his players who overcame hardships to become winners in life. It also documents stories of young men who failed to overcome such obstacles despite receiving unwaning support from their coaches. The book describes how Ryan was able to provide life-altering experiences that included trips to 18 states, five Canadian provinces, two US territories, two Caribbean Island nations and four European countries while never charging a cent to play for the team. It tells of the success stories such as Julius, Dr. J. Erving, American Express CEO Ken Chenault, NFL All-Pro receiver Rob Moore, New York Knick president Steve Mills as well as stories of young men gone astray who, given a second chance, turn their lives around thanks to the support of their basketball coaches, And there are heartbreaking tales of those whose troublesome difficulties were to great to overcome. Don Ryan has been cited for his good works in local and national media, is the recipient of countless awards but has done so with honest humility. His greatest gift has been his ability to inspire others to follow in his footsteps.
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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0G4FBHGDB
• ISBN13: 9798298999267
• Release Date: November 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 346 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.0" x 8.0"