Title: Sacred Hoops: Spiritual Lessons of a Hardwood Warrior & Eleven Rings
Author: Phil Jackson with Hugh Delehanty
Genre: Biography, Coaching, Basketball Biography
Book Jacket Summary:
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.
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During his storied career as head coach of the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, Phil Jackson won more championships than any coach in the history of professional sports. Even more important, he succeeded in never wavering from coaching his way, from a place of deep values. Jackson was tagged as the “Zen master” half in jest by sportswriters, but the nickname speaks to an important truth: this is a coach who inspired, not goaded; who led by awakening and challenging the better angels of his players’ nature, not their egos, fear, or greed.
This is the story of a preacher’s kid from North Dakota who grew up to be one of the most innovative leaders of our time. In his quest to reinvent himself, Jackson explored everything from humanistic psychology and Native American philosophy to Zen meditation. In the process, he developed a new approach to leadership based on freedom, authenticity, and selfless teamwork that turned the hypercompetitive world of professional sports on its head.
In Eleven Rings, Jackson candidly describes how he:
• Learned the secrets of mindfulness and team chemistry while playing for the champion New York Knicks in the 1970s
• Managed Michael Jordan, the greatest player in the world, and got him to embrace selflessness, even if it meant losing a scoring title
• Forged successful teams out of players of varying abilities by getting them to trust one another and perform in sync
• Inspired Dennis Rodman and other “uncoachable” personalities to devote themselves to something larger than themselves
• Transformed Kobe Bryant from a rebellious teenager into a mature leader of a championship team.
Eleven times, Jackson led his teams to the ultimate goal: the NBA championship—six times with the Chicago Bulls and five times with the Los Angeles Lakers. We all know the legendary stars on those teams, or think we do. What Eleven Rings shows us, however, is that when it comes to the most important lessons, we don’t know very much at all. This book is full of revelations: about fascinating personalities and their drive to win; about the wellsprings of motivation and competition at the highest levels; and about what it takes to bring out the best in ourselves and others.
Why I Chose This Book:
Dillon & I watched aka were obsessed with the Michael Jordan + Chicago Bulls documentary The Last Dance. I literally might watch it again soon, I was so invested! I absolutely love: sports, super dedicated, hardworking people especially MJ! coaching, and all of drama/excitement/suspense of sports +team work. As soon as the show was over I was searching for anything related I could get my hands on & these books did not disappoint!
My Review:
I flew through both of these books so easily! I love Phil Jackson, new hero! I love people with great leadership skills & who remain calm. The Zen Master has inspired me & has also inspired next months reading material 😉 I highly recommend these books– so entertaining & interesting as he talks about his amazing career & personal life, but yet so motivational & inspiring as he goes into his mindfulness & spiritual journey. It is written so smoothly and easily, it felt like listening to the best story the entire read. I’m so happy to have added these to my library 🙂
