"The Art of Basketball" is dedicated first to my older brothers Bailey and Henry Robertson, who encouraged and inspired me both on and off the court.

It is also dedicated to my first coach, Tom Sleet, who took an interest in me when I was a rawboned kid with no formal knowledge of the game and got me started on the road to success. Working with a group of inner-city kids who took life one day at a time and had no dreams for the future, he molded us into good citizens and gave us self-confidence, a winning attitude and the encouragement to succeed on the court and in all other facets of life.

Next, a special thank you to my high school coaches, Ray Crowe and Al Spurlock, who helped me build on the foundation Tom Sleet had constructed. Through their teaching and knowledge of the game, these men created a tradition of excellence and teamwork at Crispus Attucks High School that I feel will never be duplicated anywhere else.

Finally, I dedicate this book to all aspiring players everywhere, male and female, young and not so young, all over the world. I hope you get the same enjoyment out of becoming a better basketball player that I did. I firmly believe that the harder you work to improve your skills, the more you’ll enjoy the process. Even if you never play in organized competition, take pride in the fact that you took up the challenge to make a better player of yourself. It will serve you well in life.