More of a history than a how to, and there's not really a common thread between everyone featured except their matriculation at a D3 school.
That said, I liked seeing all of the basketball coaches and GMs who'd had those relatively humble beginnings and it did hammer ho,me the lesson of needing to network and work hard and get yourself out there.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for an audiobook ARC of Pipeline to the Pros. This is a must read for any basketball fan, discussing how division three college basketball has turned out many success stories. With good pacing and a great narrator, this is great listen.

Pipeline to the Pros

Ben Kaplan, Danny Parkins

Available April 16/2024

Check it Out on Goodreads!!

Disclaimer: Please note that I received a Audio ARC from Netgalley and the Tantor Audio, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Pipeline to the Pros” by Ben Kaplan and Danny Parkins is an absolute slam dunk of a book that sheds light on the incredible journeys of NBA coaches and general managers who got their start at NCAA Division III colleges.

This captivating read not only chronicles the rise of iconic figures like Jeff Van Gundy, Brad Stevens, and Frank Vogel, but also delves into the historical context of the NBA’s early struggles to attract viewership and confronts the issue of racism in basketball—a stark reminder of how far the league has come.

What truly sets this book apart is its exploration of the transformative power of mentorship and positive leadership in the world of sports. Kaplan and Parkins highlight the influence of coaches and management who prioritized player development and instilled values of teamwork and perseverance, contrasting them with the outdated coaching tactics still prevalent in many sports today.

The book’s synopsis perfectly encapsulates the essence of “Pipeline to the Pros,” showcasing the remarkable journeys of these individuals from humble beginnings to the pinnacles of success in the NBA. Their stories not only celebrate the triumphs of small college athletics but also underscore the profound impact of their success on the evolution of coaching and management in professional basketball.

Overall, “Pipeline to the Pros” is a must-read for any basketball fan, offering a captivating blend of history, inspiration, and insight into the inner workings of the world of Basketball. It’s a testament to the resilience and determination of individuals who dared to dream big and paved the way for future generations in the world of sports.

Get it at…

📗 - Hard Copy -📗

Your Local Canadian Book Seller

Indigo

Amazon Canada

📱 - Digital - 📱

Kobo - (Not Available at Time of Review)

Kindle - (Not Available at Time of Review)

🎧 - Audio - 🎧

Audible

Libro.FM

I want to be a nerd and read as many sports non fiction books as I can.

This one was a subject I don't know much about and I was so intrigued by it. I like leaning new things about the different league division of Basketball. The pacing is goo d and it didn't feel like info dump.

I got an alc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.