Customer Reviews

A Coach's Life

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

For years we've all wondered just how he does it -- from telling freshman Michael Jordan to "knock it down" in the final seconds of the Georgetown game to resting his starters in the final minutes of the '93 national championship. How does he know? This book offers outstanding insight into the man and the game he mastered. If you care at all about college basketball, you must read this book. There will never be another Dean Smith.

Dean Smith once again shows why he is the best coach of all time. "A Coach's Life" is not only an indepth look into Carolina Basketball, but a humorous, moving and inspirational look inside the man. A book for the true Carolina Fan! Thanks Coach Smith!

Dean Smith shares his thoughts on Carolina basketball and his life with extreme candor, and warmth to all readers. His candor still today can be heard on occassion on the Road to the Final Four where he isn't afraid to point out who he feels is bad and what he feels about college basketball today. If your a fan of basketball this to me is a Must Read!

This is what every die-hard Carolina basketball fan has been waiting years for-an opportunity to hear in-depth from Dean Smith. This book is a wonderful example of what a great teacher Smith is. The stories are great and we finally get to learn a little about the personal side of Coach Smith. A must read for all North Carolina enthusiasts.

This memoir is consistent with what I have observed of Smith over the years: intelligent, organized, interested in the world outside of basketball, publicly reserved, and loyal to a fault. The last two characteristics make the book a little frustrating to read: Smith will not name names or criticize his former players or coaches, though if you are fan of Carolina basketball you will know the names to fill into the anecdotes and incidents he describes (e.g. J.R. Reid's suspension from the 1989 ACC tournament semifinal for missing curfew.) Nevertheless, it is far better than most other sports memoirs (i.e. he actually had a life off the court)and should broadly appeal to people not especially interested in basketball in general or Carolina in particular.

You don't have to be a UNC fan to appreciate this autobiography. All you need to be is appreciative of college hoops and about a coach and school that did things the right way for over 33 years. In the days of boosters, offering anything under the sun, and players leaping from high school or after their freshamn year to the NBA, it is refreshing to read about a coach whose players would do anyhting for their beloved coach and a coach who would still do anything for his former players.

college basketball's greatest coach chronicles his life and details the philosophy and principles which governed his life and his approach to basketball. after reading the book you will understand why many consider him not only the greatest college basketball coach,but an even greater man.

This book is wonderful. I respected Coach Smith as a basketball legend. After reading this book, I respect him more as a great human being.

"A Coach's Life" details the interesting facts of Dean Smith's story - from his childhood memories to his first coaching job to reaching the pinnacle of his career (winning the NCAA titles in 1982 and 1993). Along the way, you meet many people who enriched Dean's life and who, in turn, were enriched by him...there's Michael Jordan, of course, but Dean also reveals details of his relationships with a number of his players, associates and opponents, including John Thompson, James Worthy, and Frank McGuire, to name a few.

To his credit, he avoids speaking negatively about others. It seems that he was operating under the axiom, "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything." This would explain the virtual omission of Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski - glaring by its absence. So be warned - those looking for a mud-slinging expose' will be disappointed.

But that's OK - Dean showed that he didn't have to write a "tell-all" in order to write a good book. It's just a story of a simple Kansas boy who found a way to make a difference in people's lives. And what's wrong with that?

Rating: 4 stars.

This is the best book that I have ever read! I am a huge Tarheel fan and I totally loved this book! This is a must read! Anyone who likes Carolina will love this book!