"A wonderful book—not just for basketball fans but for everyone."—Earvin "Magic" Johnson A good reporter can pick up a pen and chronicle the game of basketball, from its X's and O's to its personalities. A great reporter can put down the pen and pick up the rock. Ira Berkow has been many things in his life—a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, a respected columnist, and a passionate sports fan. He also knows how to thread a pass into the paint. In this wildly entertaining chronicle of his life as both a devotee and gym rat, Berkow writes with good humor and piercing insight about talking strategy with Walt Frazier, running the court with Oscar Robertson, and seeing the game from the inside. From his youth, playing on the courts in Chicago in the ‘40's and ‘50's to growing older and using the wisdom he's gained to school players half his age, Berkow retains a competitive spirit, and a deep love of hoops. This moving tale of love for the game, for his friends and family, and for life itself is a must-read for anyone who wants the ball when the game is on the line. "An extraordinary look into the art of pickup basketball. Who would have guessed that, along with his writing talents, Ira knows how to play the game!"—Bill Bradley "Ira Berkow is one of the best sportswriters around, so it is no surprise that his basketball odyssey is one of the best sports books of this or any other year."—George Plimpton