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, beginning with a focus on selfless team play rather than "winning through intimidation". Sacred Hoops is not just for sports fans, but for anyone interested in the potential of the human spirit.


From 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.Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From AudioFile
One of the most successful coaches in the NBA, explains how he brought a new type of leadership--based on the precepts of Zen Buddhism--to the Chicago Bulls. Jackson, who calls himself a Zen Christian, stresses awareness, compassion, selfless team play and respect for the enemy. Jackson reads the way he coaches and lives: thoughtfully, with control and steady pacing. His voice is measured and clear. The only disappointing aspect of this production is that it's too short. Had it been the three hours of most two-cassette programs, we'd get an even clearer idea of the connection between sports and Zen. P.B.J. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine


From Booklist
Jackson is the head coach of the NBA's Chicago Bulls. The team won three successive championships with Jackson in charge. A fellow named Michael Jordan was on those teams, so there are those who dismiss Jackson's coaching ability in favor of an "anybody could win with Michael" theory. They're wrong. Jackson is an excellent tactician and a shrewd motivator who contributes greatly to the Bulls' success. Here he puts forth his coaching philosophies, an eclectic mix of hoop sense, Zen, Native American wisdom, and Western philosophy. His earliest challenge was to maximize Jordan's skills by convincing him to believe in his teammates' abilities. He met it with an assist from the philosophy of a Middle Eastern guru. Jackson has always had a reputation for being a little off center, and this book will provide fuel for his critics. His genius isn't for devising strategy but for inducing wealthy, pampered, often petulant young men to pull together spiritually to attain a common goal. To the cynics who will mock his spiritual approach to leadership, we can only offer the lyrics to an old song: "What's so funny about peace, love, and understanding?" Thought-provoking reading. Wes Lukowsky

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