A Good Man: The Pete Newell Story

As a former Pete Newell, Jr. player, I eagerly anticipated the printing of this book. I had heard plenty about his father that I knew he was not only a "Good Man," but a great man as well. Coach Newell, Jr. was my inspiration to join the coaching ranks, and still is. However, knowing your past helps you know your future. This book sheds light on, who I biasly feel is the greatest college basketball mind. In all the research and studying I've done over the years to prepare myself for coaching, I feel this book has given me so much more than what I have read to date. The book is enlightening, philosophical, saddening and amazingly funny. I recommend this for any college basketball fan or basketball coach. You won't regret it.

I really liked this book. I have followed some of the stuff that Pete has done with the Big Man's camps over the years, but didn't know much about Pete as a coach and his history of the game. After reading the book, I feel like I am a more knowledgeable student of the game, hoping it will make me a better coach in the long run. So much history is covered, I liked reading the comments of other players, coaches, Pete's players. I have been a Wooden fan, but this book makes me appreciate so much more about Pete. I also liked reading the stories, the practical jokes, and just the background. Seeing how things were done 40-50 years ago, the players/athletes Pete influenced, his connections with people like Pete Rozelle, Joe Kapp, Bobby Knight, Jerry West, Cap Lavin, etc. The title of the book is quite appropriate for such a great coach. I think the only thing I was looking for was the relationships he shares with his sons, especially after he retired from coaching.Good book, a must read for those who love the game!

First, I must confess I know Pete Newell and family. One normally expects an author to explore the pros and cons of a man. But this book is biased in exploring Pete Newell's life and his coaching. Anyone who explores Pete Newell could only write in this fashion. I have never found anyone who had a problem dealing with Pete and the book in my opinion is accurate and truthful. Thank you Mr. Jenkins for documenting one of the best and most popular basketball minds ever. Pete has a saying in basketball, you are either a giver or taker. Pete in life, has been a big giver. I will always cherish that part of my life which included Pete and Florence Newell. This from someone who is not easily impressed. I played at UCLA for John Wooden.

Bruce Jenkins has spent many years working on the definitive biography of one of the greatest basketball minds this country has ever seen- Pete Newell. A Good Man was such a pleasure to read that I was very upset when it ended. I could have gone on reading about Newell and his philosophy of basketball and life for many more pages. My father was an old school basketball player and coach who played against Newell's Cal teams in the late 50's. He was a big supporter of Newell and thought the world of him. As I turned the pages and read more and more about Newell and his thoughts on today's NBA I felt like I was reading the thoughts of my own father.If you are a basketball fan or a fan of great people you will love A Good man!

Excellent book on the history of Pete Newell, with many stories contributed by former players, friends, and family.Pete contributed some of his theories of basketball, and his approach to the game. It's a must read for all Old Blues, and anyone else who is interested in the development of today's game.