Abrams, Jonathan. Boys Among Men: How the Prep-to-Pro Generation Redefined the NBA and Sparked a Basketball Revolution. Crown Archetype. Mar. 2016. 336p. ISBN 9780804139250. $28; ebk. ISBN 9780804139267. SPORTS

Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Kevin Garnett are among the best players in the history of the NBA (National Basketball Association); all three made the leap to professional directly from high school. Journalist Abrams (Grantland sports blog) examines this generation of prep-to-pro players, and their impact on all aspects of the sport as they face the psychological and physical challenges of competing with grown men. In addition to the superstar success stories, Abrams’s work also explores cautionary tales of players who fail to make the transition, most notably Leon Smith. From detailing the astronomical rise of NBA salaries to reports of shoe manufacturers paying high school and college coaches, this account illuminates the inner workings of the industry, including the process by which young athletes are scouted and drafted. Especially intriguing are the behind-the-scenes maneuvers that ultimately led to Kobe playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. Abrams further scrutinizes the decision to increase the NBA’s minimum age to 19 and questions whether there is compelling evidence for its continuation. VERDICT Especially timely considering Kobe’s recent retirement announcement, this essential, well-researched book will appeal to readers interested in basketball’s business side as well as the factors that have helped shape the modern NBA.

Feinstein, John. The Legends Club: Dean Smith, Mike Krzyzewski, Jim Valvano, and an Epic College Basketball Rivalry. Doubleday. Mar. 2016. 416p. index. ISBN 9780385539418. $27.95; ebk. ISBN 9780385539425. SPORTS

Sportswriter Feinstein (Where Nobody Knows Your Name) explores the rivalry and relationship among three coaches—University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Dean Smith, North Carolina State University’s Jim Valvano, and Duke University’s Mike Krzyzewski—both on and off the court. Extensively researched with interviews from players, colleagues, family, and Krzyzewski himself, the book traces how these legendary coaches led their teams to eight NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) championships, highlighting winning seasons, major games, milestones, and iconic plays. The author points out each coach’s triumphs as well as their defeats. For example, Krzyzewski met early criticism at Duke as the team struggled to win games, while an academic scandal and NCAA investigation resulted in Valvano’s resignation from North Carolina State. The heart of the title is the evolution of their relationships: the professional bond between ­Krzyzweski and ­Valvano morphed into brotherly love as Valvano battled cancer; and the tense, contemptuous relationship between Krzyzweski and Smith transitioned into one of respect over time. Although Johnny Moore and Art Chansky’s The Blue Divide and Joe Menzer’s Four Corners have previously covered these Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) rivals, Feinstein’s volume adds depth to these coaches that extends beyond games and recruiting. ­VERDICT A must for college basketball history fans, especially those fascinated by the ACC.

Glockner, Andy. Chasing Perfection: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the High-Stakes Game of Creating an NBA Champion. Da Capo. Mar. 2016. 288p. illus. notes. bibliog. ISBN . $25.99; ebk. ISBN 9780306824036. SPORTS

Why do the Houston Rockets take so many three-point shots? How did the Phoenix Suns resurrect Grant Hill’s injury-plagued career? Sportswriter Glockner answers these questions as he examines the way in which analytics are revolutionizing basketball, focusing on the 2014–15 NBA season. Teams are embracing technology in order to build “perfect” players and win championships. Court cameras allow teams to track player movement to help improve offensive and defensive sets, yet there is no singular stratagem to championship success as illustrated by the four 2015 conference finalists. The Houston Rockets relied on superstar James Harden, while the Atlanta Hawks have succeeded with a “no-star system.” As players’ salaries steadily increase, analytics play a pivotal role in sports medicine as teams seek to maximize players’ performance while avoiding injuries. The three-point sharpshooter Kyle Korver, whom Glockner calls the “most perfected” player, benefited from motion capture technology and new training regimens to enhance his strength and shooting mechanics. Glockner’s balanced account also notes limitations, such as when coaches or players refuse to buy into the idea of analytics. VERDICT Highly recommended for NBA junkies who scour box scores.

Walton, Bill. Back from the Dead. S & S. Mar. 2016. 336p. illus. ISBN 9781476716862. $27; ebk. ISBN 9781476716886. SPORTS

Hall of Famer Walton chronicles his professional basketball career and a life plagued by chronic pain and surgeries. Having won two NCAA championships with UCLA, the author also provides insight into how legendary coach John Wooden led young athletes to dominate college basketball in the 1960s and 1970s, including an 88-game ­winning streak. He then reviews his achievements with multiple NBA franchises, with triumphs for the Portland Trailblazers and Boston Celtics. Born with defects in his feet, Walton suffered injuries to his legs and spine, resulting in 37 orthopedic procedures. In 2008, a spinal collapse left him barely able to move for two years and contemplating suicide. He describes the painful journey of a difficult surgery and the long recovery process. Postretirement, Walton became a broadcaster after overcoming a lifetime stuttering problem. Walton excels in writing about his basketball experience but drifts toward sentimentality when discussing his childhood, the Grateful Dead, and the 1960s. VERDICT This memoir is ­defined by trials as much as successes and will appeal to readers who ­appreciated Walton as player and commentator.

Chris Wilkes is an Adult Services Librarian at Tazewell County Public Library (VA) specializing in collection management. He has perfected an ugly jump shot and mastered an unseemly crossover.