Nothing but Net: Just Give Me the Ball and Get Out of the Way [Paperback]

Bill Walton (Author), Gene Wojciechowski (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1995

For more than 20 years, Bill Walton has been one of the National Basketball Association's greatest and most outspoken players and commentators. Now, the NBA Showtime host sounds off on his own turbulent career, other players, and the cutthroat world of the NBA.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Former Portland Trailblazers and Boston Celtics star Walton offers an outspoken look at professional basketball.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

In recalling the highs and lows of his career, Walton has plenty to choose from, both on and off the basketball court. The standout center played on two college and two professional championship teams while garnering a slew of awards. On the downside were the nagging foot injuries that hampered his play, his less-than-pleasant parting with the Portland Trailblazers, and his refusal to compete in the 1972 Olympics. On private matters Walton is more restrained, particularly when discussing the revolutionary image he appeared to have adopted in his younger days. Nonetheless, his overall observations on the game reflect the same intensity and enthusiasm he brought to the court. For popular collections. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 10/1/93.
- William H. Hoffman, Ft. Myers-Lee Cty. P.L., Fla.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion Books (Adult Trd Pap); Rpt edition (February 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786880783
• ISBN-13: 978-0786880782
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,208,317 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars honest and thought provoking, March 26, 2002

By 

Mark S. Rudd (Valparaiso, IN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nothing but Net: Just Give Me the Ball and Get Out of the Way (Paperback)

I liked this book. I had the pleasure of meeting Bill Walton a few months ago and I subsequently read his book.

What you get in the book is an honest discussion of basketball and life. It is not written so much to "entertain" you with juicy gossip or snide remarks as it is to explain what it is really like. What are the pressures of big time college basketball and the pros? That is the insight that I appreciated.

Bill clearly conveys his experiences, the successes and the failures. As a person of similar age, I found it fun to remember what I saw and thought and compare it to someone who was experiencing it first hand.

Bill Walton is a man of principle and honor. He doesn't necessarily say the popular or the politically correct thing. But, he speaks his mind and he makes a lot of sense.

Read this book with an open mind. If you approach it as a conversation, not a logical, step by step lesson, you will find yourself like I did, listening, reflecting, and thinking. Isn't that what you really want in a book?

I have seen Bill Walton go to great efforts to speak to ordinary people he meets on the street. I have seen him personally provide motivational materials and notes of encouragement to Special Olympics kids that he will never meet. I have seen the real Bill Walton. It is someone that you should meet. Your life will be all the richer for it.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars THE RED HEAD SCORES, November 1, 2004

By 

COOL JEWEL (MACEDONIA, OHIO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nothing but Net: Just Give Me the Ball and Get Out of the Way (Hardcover)

I ENJOYED THIS BOOK. I FOUND BILL TO BE HONEST, REFRESHING AND OPINIONATED. I DON'T AGREE WITH SOME BUT HE MAKES MANY GOOD POINTS. HE DOES NOT GET INTO HIS PRIVATE LIFE TOO MUCH BUT THAT IS WHY IT IS CALLED PRIVATE. I ENJOYED HIS STORIES AND PHILOSOPHIES OF JOHN WOODEN AND THE OTHER COACHES HE PLAYED FOR. WALTON WAS A REBEL IN HIS YOUNGER DAYS BUT HAS CALMED DOWN. HIS FEET INJURIES TOOK AWAY A GREAT CAREER. HE WAS THE BEST PASSING CENTER I HAVE SEEN. THIS BOOK IS FOR BASKETBALL FANS AND DEADHEADS. (GROUPIES OF THE GRATEFUL DEAD)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Maybe more like 3.5 stars, January 31, 2006

By 

John "J-Cokes" (Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nothing but Net: Just Give Me the Ball and Get Out of the Way (Paperback)

Bill Walton has lead an interesting life, an ideal life for autobiographical purposes. He has always been reflective and opinionated. He has always marched to the beat of his own drum. He was also one of the greatest collegiate basketball players. He very well could have become one of the greatest pro players, too, if not for continual foot problems. Still, he managed to win 2 NBA titles.
Walton discusses all of these things in his book. Unfortunately, he also leaves a lot out of this book. Not much is said about his private life. Not enough is said about the Patty Hearst incident. Perhaps most important for a basketball autobiography, not enough basketball stories are told.
Walton discusses his love and admiration for legendary coach John Wooden. He also talks about Larry Bird and Kevin McHale. Still, Walton played with so many great players and characters, I expected more interesting stories. Walton is known for doing his own thing, yet at too many points in this book, he comes off as restrained. That is the real shame of this book.
Overall, basketball fans will enjoy the book. To be honest, I ended up being a bigger fan of Walton after reading it. You will probably gain a bit of respect for him along the way as well or at least you will enjoy the journey.