“Keiderling has written an elegant and stirring account of the life of a young man most recall best for his passing. This masterful, thoroughly researched account of Hank Gathers’ short life is a long overdue tribute to an extraordinary individual. You may think you know the ending—but you don’t. A great read.” —David Diles, former ABC Sports broadcaster “This is the real Philadelphia story about a young man who used the game to help his family while setting an extraordinary example for all to witness. Hank’s life was a model for student athletes to emulate; he eschewed drugs, honored his family and university and earned his diploma. Hank made every player around him better, and he enriched the lives of all those he touched.” —Bill Raftery, ESPN college basketball analyst “Read Heart of a Lion. Kyle Keiderling has left no stone unturned to tell the magical tale of Loyola Marymount’s breathtaking rise through the ranks of men’s college basketball in the late 1980s and the tragedy that awaited its superstar Hank Gathers. This is not just another basketball book. Be good to yourself, and buy it.”