Customer Reviews

Breaking Through: John B. McLendon, Basketball Legend and Civil Rights Pioneer

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This book is great reading not only for anyone interested in the game of basketball, or in learning how to be a better coach (of any sport), but also for anyone interested in the Civil Rights movement and all those looking for a story that inspires. Coach McLendon has a lot to teach all of us about courage and integrity. Author Milton Katz shares story after story that illustrate these points in his highly readable narrative. This book would make a great holiday gift for just about anybody.

Breaking Through: John B. McLendon, Basketball Legend and Civil Rights Pioneer-The ESPN presentation, "Black Magic" prompted me to purchase this book to learn more about John B. McLendon. Being an African American college student at an HBCU when TN State won the three NAIA chanpionships, I knew a little about Coach McLendon and TN State. The book made me aware of many of the things that McLendon accomplished during his life, both on and off the court, and how little credit he has been given for doing so. I strongly recommend it to all basketball fans and coaches at all levels.

I very much enjoyed reading this book, and having the honor to meet Mr. Katz, the author.

I was also honored to know Mr. McClendon as a boy. His house was on my brother's paper route! He was very kind to my brother and I. I knew he was a great basketball coach, but I did not know the depth of his influence until reading this book.

Many thanks to Mr. Katz for his beautiful telling of this great story! [...]

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It is a story about an underdog. A man fulfilling his dreams and facilitating the same for the many people he came in contact with. The story of John McLendon's life is a shining example of how sports and entertainment can be a microcosm for the rest of society and perhaps an easier barrier to elicit change. Many times, society remembers the culmination of a chain of events. In the case of John McLendon, he was the pioneer that paved the way for the likes of Glory Road and Jackie Robinson.

Milton Katz has humor, integrity, and wisdom to spare. He is one of the finest individuals I know. Those who cannot enjoy him in person can at least enjoy him in print. Mr. Katz knows how to tell a great story -- and like everything he does, he does it with a lot of heart. You can learn from this man -- and you'll probably have fun along the way...