Are You Watching, Adolph Rupp?

A friend overheard me grumbling about the recruiting violations that plague college basketball. He told me to read "Are You watching, Adolph Rupp?" This is a good story. It rings true throughout. And it describes in disheartening detail the dishonest recruiting practices that we continue to read about. It peels away layer by layer, from college president down to the player, the extent to which money is the driving wheel. Recommend it without any reservations.

This is a fine novel on college basketball, and one that makes a great, quick read on a summer day. Mr. Doyle clearly knows the sport very well, and he lets that knowledge show through in some of the game descriptions and behind-the-scenes action. I'm sure he coached at some level, or was an administrator. Regardless, his respect for the game should please the loyal sports fan, and the multiple plots and convincing suspense are enough to make this book a treat for those who've never bounced a ball. In fact, my girlfriend knows next to nothing about the sport and she breezed through this novel right after I did. Thumbs up from both of us.

I enjoyed this book immensely due to my obsessions with athletics and a passion for the Irish. Mr. Doyle has an insider's perspective on the mechanics of creating a "winning program". Although the outcome is fairly predictable, the plot twists and character development put the game action on the back burners. The focus of the lessons, integrity and perseverence, come through loud and clear in a very enjoyable way. Recommended reading for any schoolage hoop star preparing for their shot at the next level.