Misunderstood: A Memoir – by Allen Iverson

I knew of Allen Iverson from his college and professional playing days. I also knew of what happened at the bowling alley that landed him in jail when he was in high school. Being a fan of the NBA, I enjoyed watching him play ball. So, when I saw this memoir of his life, I was intrigued.

His nickname as a basketball player is “the answer.” And, in this book, he provides answers to everything he did throughout his life. He talked about the bad things, the bowling alley incident, the good things, how me met his wife in high school, his athleticism in football and basketball, and how certain people (role models like coaches) helped him tremendously along the way. He was on a football state championship.

How awesome is it that he persevered, and just 3 years after being in jail, he became the number one pick in the NBA Draft.

He talked about his brand of style, and how he was the first to be questioned about it.

He has a strong sense of family and friends, and holds them all very close to him.

Of course, his playing days at Georgetown and the Philadelphia 76ers are mentioned heavily. Although, stuff that happened after his MVP season of 2001 when the 76ers made the Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, is very brief. Yeah, he was inducted in the NBA Hall of Fame in 2016 and he was voted as one of the top 75 players in the NBA in 2021.

While he was at Georgetown, he played against some really good players: Ray Allen, Marcus Camby, Stephon Marbury, Felipe Lopez, and so many more. The Big East Conference was lit from top to bottom with stars!

Look at the 1996 NBA Draft and how many stars were drafted after Iverson:

Allen IversonStephon MarburyRay AllenAntoine WalkerKobe ByrantPeja StojakovicSteve NashJermaine O’NealDerek FisherJerome Williams (also from Georgetown)Othella Harrington (also from Georgetown)

Overall, I really enjoyed this book.