Sacred Hoops

Jackson, Phil

ISBN 10: 0613102797 ISBN 13: 9780613102797

Synopsis

"Not only is there more to life than basketball, there's a lot more to basketball than basketball." -- Phil Jackson"
One of the most successful coaches in NBA history, Chicago Bulls head coach Phil Jackson provides an inside look at the higher wisdom of teamwork with "Sacred Hoops" -- Jackson's philosophy of mindful basketball and his lifelong quest to bring enlightenment to the competitive world of professional sports.
A new paradigm of leadership based on Eastern and Native American principles, Jackson's approach flies in the face of the egoistic, winner-take-all attitude that has changed the face of American sports. Rather than winning through intimidation, Jackson -- who describes himself as a Zen Christian -- stresses awareness, compassion and most of all selfless team play. Filled with stories about Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Toni Kukoc and other members of the Bulls, "Sacred Hoops" reveals how Jackson directs his players to act with a clear mind; to respect the enemy and be aggressive without anger or violence; to live in the moment and stay calmly focused in the midst of chaos, so that the "me" becomes the servant of the "we."
In "Sacred Hoops, " Jackson takes us inside the mind of the thinking man's coach as he builds one of the greatest teams of all time. Not just for sports fans, this inspiring memoir is for anyone interested in the potential of the human spirit.

About this title

Synopsis:

Taking the bull by the horns - a legendary basketball coach reveals his secrets. This is a modern classic of motivation, team leadership and Zen insight from the triumphant coach of the all-conquering mid-'90s Chicago Bulls. It is updated for a new readership. Everybody has seen the image: Michael Jordan soaring at an impossible height towards a defenseless basket, the ball raised above his head in the classic Air Jordan position. The upturned faces of the crowd blurred dots pointed expectantly towards the flying legend. Yet another NBA pennant in the bag: another triumph for the most successful team - and coach - in basketball history. Now the man behind it all has revealed his secrets in a memoir quite unlike any other. Nine-times-NBA-title-winning coach with both the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers, Phil Jackson is the most successful coach of all time - renowned for his Zen approach to the game and his unparalleled motivational skills.

In this updated version of his thought-provoking memoir he reveals how he directs his players to act with a clear mind - not thinking, just doing; to respect the enemy and be aggressive without anger or violence; to live in the moment and stay calmly focused in the midst of chaos; and to put the "me" in the service of the "we". All lessons applicable to any person's life, not just a professional basketball player's. With an updated introduction explaining the issues facing Jackson's current team - and today's reader - "Sacred Hoops" is an extraordinary expression of the power of mindfulness, compassion and dedication.

About the Author:

Phil Jackson is an American original. A two-time All-American at the University of North Dakota, in 1967 he was drafted by the New York Knicks, where he played for 11 years and was a member of the 1970 and 1973 championship teams. Jackson guided the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships in his nine years as head coach from 1989-1998, and guided the LA Lakers to three titles as their head coach from 1999-2004.

Hugh Delehanty is the editor-in-chief of AARP publications, who has written about sports and psychology for Sports Illustrated, Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, and other publications. He lives with his wife, Barbara, in New York City.

About this edition

• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0613102797
• ISBN 13: 9780613102797
• Binding: Library Binding