Sacred Hoops: Spiritual Lessons of a Hardwood Warrior

by Phil Jackson, Hugh Delehanty

Overview

With a new introduction, Phil Jackson's modern classic of motivation, teamwork, and Zen insight is updated for a whole new readership

"Not only is there more to life than basketball, there's a lot more to basketball than basketball." —Phil Jackson

Eleven years ago, when Phil Jackson first wrote these words in Sacred Hoops, he was the triumphant head coach of the Chicago Bulls, known for his Zen approach to the game. He hadnt yet moved to the Los Angeles Lakers, with whom he would bring his total to an astounding nine NBA titles. In his thought-provoking memoir, he revealed 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; to put the "me" in service of the "we" — all lessons applicable to any person's life, not just a professional basketball player's. This inspiring book went on to sell more than 400,000 copies.

In his new introduction, Jackson explains how the concepts in Sacred Hoops are relevant to the issues facing his current team—and today's reader.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781401308810
Publisher:	Hachette Books
Publication date:	10/17/2006
Edition description:	Reissue
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	133,402
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.25(h) x 0.75(d)
Age Range:	13 - 18 Years

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.

Table of Contents

Sacred Hoops is an inside look at the higher wisdom of teamwork from Chicago Bulls' head coach Phil Jackson. At the heart of the book in Jackson's philosophy of mindful basketball-and his lifelong quest to bring enlightenment to the competitive world of professional sports. One of the most successful coaches in NBA history, Jackson has developed a new paradigm of leadership based on Eastern and Native American principles. In this inspiring memoir, filled with stories about Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippin, Toni Kukoc, Dennis Rodman, and other members of the bulls, Jackson 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, so that the "me" becomes the servant of the "we." This thought provoking book takes you inside the mind of the thinking man's coach as he builds one of the greatest teams of all time and deals with the inevitable cycle of change, including Jordan's triumphant return to basketball. Sacred Hoops is not just for sports fans, but for anyone interested in potential of the human spirit.

Editorial Reviews

Considered a maverick for his unorthodox coaching methods, Jackson demonstrates how he adapts the precepts of Zen Buddhism, the ways of the Lakota Sioux, and other alternative styles to the task of coaching the National Basketball Association's Chicago Bulls. They range from group meditation sessions, to hanging Lakota warrior items on the locker room shelf, to splicing segments of the movie Wizard of Oz into game films to make a point. Perhaps of greater interest to fans are his reactions to the return of Michael Jordan, following Jordan's retirement, and his take on an incident in which one of his players refused to reenter a playoff game during its final moments. Chicago Bulls fans, in particular, should take interest in this inside view. For regional and large public libraries.-William H. Hoffman, Ft. Myers-Lee Cty. P.L., Fla.

Library Journal

One of the most successful coaches in the NBA, explains how he brought a new type of leadership--based on the precepts of Zen Buddhism--to the Chicago Bulls. Jackson, who calls himself a Zen Christian, stresses awareness, compassion, selfless team play and respect for the enemy. Jackson reads the way he coaches and lives: thoughtfully, with control and steady pacing. His voice is measured and clear. The only disappointing aspect of this production is that it’s too short. Had it been the three hours of most two-cassette programs, we’d get an even clearer idea of the connection between sports and Zen. P.B.J. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine

APR/MAY 97 - AudioFile