How Basketball Can Save the World: 13 Guiding Principles for Reimagining What's Possible

(Hardback)

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A thought-provoking exploration of how basketball-and the values rooted in the game-can solve today's most pressing issues, from the professor behind the popular New York University course When New York University professor David Hollander introduced a course called "How Basketball Can Save the World," it became a sensation almost overnight. For the class, Hollander invites current NBA and WNBA superstars, Hall of Fame players, coaches, and other cultural figures to debate and give insights on how the underlying principles of the game of basketball can provide a new blueprint for addressing our diverse challenges and showing what's possible beyond the court. Now, in How Basketball Can Save the World, Hollander moves beyond the classroom to present a beautiful new philosophy based on values inherent to basketball, such as inclusion and the balancing of individual success with the needs of the collective. These principles move us beyond conflict and confusion toward a more harmonious and meaningful future- Positionless-ness- In basketball, players aren't siloed into just one position or responsibility. In life, we can learn to be more adaptive to the challenges we face by embracing a position less mindset. Human Alchemy- We talk a lot about team chemistry, but team alchemy means the creation of something totally new-a team far greater than the sum of its parts. Sanctuary- Basketball offers players a critical space to feel safe, free, and expressive. Fostering similar spaces in the real world can encourage people to be their best, happiest, and most productive selves. Transcendence- Basketball is about defying gravity, becoming weightless, and flying higher than anyone ever has before. By seeking out this principle, we can elevate ourselves and those around us to a new plane of experience. Whether you're a seasoned veteran of the game or have never set foot on a court, How Basketball Can Save the World will empower you to become more resilient, tolerant, and wise in your relationship with yourself, others, and the world around you.

Reviews

Professor Hollander makes the case for basketball as a philosophyas a required subject like math, science, history, or literature.Im ready to get my PhD.Charles Barkley, NBA All-Star, Inductee Basketball Hall of Fame

Ball is life. This book tells us how and why.Mark Cuban, Entrepreneur and owner of the Dallas Mavericks

If we are going to think and act in new ways about inclusion,gender and equity, then we need new ideas and new language. Professor Hollander shows us how basketball is that new way and that new language.Nneka Ogwumike, WNBPA President and WNBA Champion, MVP, 7-time All-Star

You learn very powerful things in basketball: how to be in sync with other people and the pleasure of that; a sense of I belong here andIm an important part of a larger thing and that we all are in the same boat, were all human beings. Hollander has hit at the core of something very fundamental.Bessel van der Kolk, MD, New York Times bestselling author of The Body Keeps the Score

So much bigger than the game. An achievement bar none by a true scholar, in love. Read, enjoy, learn, absorb, disagree. Needs to be a required part of the curriculum at every college nationwide.Dan Klores, Peabody award-winning filmmaker

Reading this book was a bit like watching a perfectly executed play. It made my heart feel full. Gene Luen Yang, award-winning author of Dragon Hoops and American Born Chinese,National Ambassador for Young Peoples Literature

There's nothing better than actually playing ball, but the next best thing may very well be sharing stories and emotions of howthe game affects us all in a deeplynuanced manner. I cant sit still experiencing How Basketball Can Save The World. It gets me too riled up not to lace up!Bobbito Garcia, basketball sage, author of Aim High, Little Giant, Aim High, director of Doin It In The Park: Pick-Up Basketball NYC

Author Bio

David Hollander, JD, is an assistant dean and clinical professor with the Tisch Institute for Global Sport at New York University and received NYU's highest faculty honour, the Distinguished Teaching Award. His innovative courses have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, SLAM, Axios, and CBS News. He sits on advisory boards for espnW, The Earl Monroe New Renaissance Basketball School and the NYU Entrepreneurial Institute. He holds his high school's record for most technical fouls in a season and a career.