’ve followed God Shammgod since he was at Providence College. As a PC alum (I graduated a couple years before Shammgod played), I thought I knew all about his background but WOW was this book eye opening! He grew up in the same neighborhoods with many big name rappers and gangsters. I liked how he talked about how society’s villains are can also be heroes (see story about KC).

Shammgod discusses his faith and how his childhood experiences motivated him to avoid a life in the streets. He was determined that basketball was his way out and worked tirelessly in pursuit of his dream to be able to provide for his family. Shammgod recounts his journey and encounters with other young unknown basketball players like a guy named Kobe.

As a high school librarian I will be buying multiple copies and recommending this book a lot! There are a lot of f-bombs because it is written in God’s vernacular and that is what I think will make it compelling to teens, it talks TO readers not at them.

Thank you @netgalley for the ARC.

God Shammgod wrote a book that provides interesting stories and also drops jewels of wisdom along the way.

I loved the anecdotes about Shammgod's time on the NYC playgrounds in the 90s. I grew up in the 90s and was instantly taken in by Shamm's stories about all the people he met in the hip hop and basketball worlds. He calls himself the Hood Forrest Gump, and that title is earned. Reading about Ma$e and Cam'ron, and then a story about being around Stephon Marbury and Kenny Anderson was brain candy for me.

Shammgod has a unique voice that totally engages the reader. This book read less like a traditional autobiography and more like listening to a wise older man giving you advice. Shamm imparts a ton of life lessons, but it never comes across as preachy. I think that approach is probably what's endeared him so much to the NBA players he coaches today.

If you're a fan of the 90s, hip hop, or basketbal, this is the book for you.