Sacred Hoops: Spiritual Lessons of a Hardwood Warrior ANNOTATION
In a unique and inspirational book, the head coach of the Chicago Bulls writes about how he motivates and creates unity on the team, using the principles of Zen Buddhism. At the heart of his work is Jackson's philosophy of mindful basketball--and his lifelong quest to bring enlightenment to the competitive world of professional sports.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
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 is 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. His 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. Born in Deer Lodge, Montana, Jackson is the son of Pentecostal ministers. He studied psychology, philosophy, and religion at the University of North Dakota and became part of the legendary New York Knicks of the early 1970s. Toward the end of his playing career he discovered Zen and began meditating. "Being aware," he says, "is more important than being smart." In this thought-provoking memoir, filled with stories about Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Toni Kukoc, 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."
SYNOPSIS
You can't think about Michael without thinking about Phil Jackson, who coached the Bulls to six NBA championships before stepping down. In this book Jackson reveals the qualities that strengthen his leadership and team-building abilities. His spirituality is deeply guided by Native American and Eastern traditions, and that unorthodox outlook has enabled him to keep disparate personalities such as Jordan, Rodman, and Pippen together as a team. Jordan always said he wouldn't play without Phil. Sacred Hoops shows you why.
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
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.
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