Five-Point Play: Duke's Journey to the 2001 National Championship

Duke is on TV almost as much as Sponge Bob. I've probably missed five games in twenty-five years (including my time at Duke). After reading this book, I've missed all of them. The behind-the-scenes, locker-room perspective on how Coach K motivates players is powerful and moving. His preparation for each game centers less on the opponent and more on singling out one player on his own team to lift that player's game. His simple, direct message gets through."Next Play," "Confidence Breeds Courage," "Collective Responsibility" and other catch-phrases of K's apply not only to basketball but to business and to life. How many coaches after winning the National Championship would bring their team back into the locker room two days later to remind them that the Lessons of the Fist (for what those are you have to read the book) apply not only to basketball but to life? How many, in the same meeting, would goad their players to excel not only on the basketball court but in the classroom and in life? This is a book to treasure.

In Five Point Play, Coach Mike Krzyzewski tries to teach the 2001 Duke basketball team about not only basketball, but life too. By setting examples for the team, Coach shows his players the results of communication, trust, care, responsibility, and pride, the same points that helped them win the national championship. "Coach K" has a crew of talented coaches and players that include Shane Battier, Jason Williams, Carlos Boozer and many more. I like the way that Coach Krzyzewski put this book together, by explaining every pep talk, describing every huddle, and giving the details of every game. Although I wouldn't recommend this book to a North Carolina fan, I hope that every other basketball fan gets a chance to read Five Point Play.

I thought this book was great. It was truly inspirational. It changed my life. From now on, I am going to cut my own meat! Fist!

"Five-point Play" is a great follow-up to Coach K's "Leading with the Heart." The reader gets an in-depth view of the intracacies of Duke basketball as well as tremendous insight into the mind of one of basketball's all-time greatest coaches, Mike Krzyzewski.Coaches of all sports will enjoy this book because Coach K describes the roller coaster of ups and downs that every athlete and coach faces throughout the season. What is of most interest though, is the way that Coach K is able to truly understand and coach each of his different players in an effort to continually help them play to their potential. The reader will clearly see that Coach K's success is based on his ability to develop trusting relationships with each of his players and staff.If you want a view inside the locker room of one of sport's most respected and successful programs, then definitely "Five-point Play" is the book for you.