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"I learned to play basketball off of Oscar’s first book [Play Better Basketball]. When I saw he came out with a new one I purchased it so that my children can improve their skills from Oscar just as I did… when it comes to teaching fundamentals, there’s no one better than Oscar Robertson." -Joe Niehaus, Lebanon, Ohio "Oscar Robertson's new book, "The Art of Basketball," is a joy to behold! I have coached young children in basketball for years, and Oscar's book is a wonderful primer in fundamentals, skill development and team building. Just as Oscar played the game and lives his life, he demonstrates the ability to create a team that can far exceed the sum of its parts. I look forward to bringing to a new generation what Oscar Robertson taught me about how basketball serves as a microcosm of life. Play hard, share, win and lose with dignity. Thank you Oscar for all you have done and continue to do!" -Andy Snyder, Vermont Department of Education, Montpelier, Vt. "Robertson also instructs young readers on how to condition themselves both physically and mentally so that they can perform at their maximum potential...Believing that every player can improve through practice and dedication, Robertson...encourages the reader to treat basketball as a discipline...The Hall of Famer also encourages young girls to "follow your dream"...Robertson continually points out the importance of dedication, focus and balance in basketball and life...In a book dedicated to the art of a sport called basketball, Robertson's message about the art of life could be the most valuable." -Shelly Gepfert, "Huddlin' with the Pros!" (huddlin.com), September 15 "It didn't take me long to realize [this book was] something special. On the first page of the Introduction, Oscar Robertson talks about the way an artist develops a conceptual approach to his or her art. He says, "Start with being a two-handed basketball player.That in itself puts you far ahead of everyone else, and, If you master the fundamentals, there will always be a place for you on the court, even if you play with people who have more athletic ability. How many times have I tried to get that very same message across to the 6th through 8th graders I coach? One of the real achievements of "The Art of Basketball" is that it makes the reader feel as though he or she is receiving personal lessons directly from Oscar. This book has a great conversational tone. It doesn't lose the reader in the jargon that weighs down many other instructional books. Oscar's book covers everything an aspiring player should know, both the how and the why. Youth coaches can easily extract more than enough material for a season-long course on fundamentals. At the conclusion of our season, I wanted to stress that the end, really was the beginning, that all their hard work was just the prelude to becoming really outstanding players. So, rather than give our team trophies, we gave copies of Oscar's book. A youth basketball player could hardly have a better gift." -Andy Peterson, founder of and coach in Carmel Thunder, AAU youth basketball program, Carmel, NY; also coaches CYO basketball in Carmel "I’ve coached basketball for some time and have been attending clinics, listened to a number of legendary coaches and read countless books, yet "Play Better Basketball" - and I still have my copy signed by Oscar - is the book I refer to when I have a question on the fundamentals of the game. I’m sure today’s youth will get a great deal out of "The Art of Basketball"… -Steve Garbus, Fort Lee, New Jersey "I highly recommend this book as a coaching tool. I found it very helpful in teaching young athletes the game… I especially like the way Oscar keeps the emphasis on fundamentals… every kid who plays basketball or wants to improve their game should have a copy." -Jenny Clark, Arcanum, Ohio "In order to understand the details of a painting, one seeks the advice of an artist. In order to understand the game of basketball, you may want to seek the advice of one of the game's most successful players/artists...the artist is known worldwide as The Big O. The book is entitled The Art of Basketball." - Mark Brown, Cincinnati Herald "I was touched by your references to the importance of a healthy lifestyle to achieve one’s goals. Your message to female students who aspire to be athletes was inspirational. I am sure that Milwaukee’s youth… will benefit from your gracious spirit…" -Kathleen M. Houston, City Librarian, Milwaukee Public Library "...a valuable self-improvement guide for young men and women of all ages and skill levels. Players, coaches, teachers and parents will appreciate the instruction, insights and encouragement Oscar Robertson offers on every page. Fans will enjoy learning more about the nuances of the sport from one of the greatest players ever to set foot on a court." -June 1998 Newsletter, Black Caucus of the American Library Association The Big O wants to hear from you! Did you find "The Art of Basketball" helpful in improving your skills? What kind of progress have you made? How could we make the book better? Do you have questions about anything I’ve written? Is there anything that’s confusing or otherwise difficult to understand? If you’d like to write a review of "The Art of Basketball," or if you have a question for Oscar Robertson, please use the form below.
Last Updated: 9/15/99
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