Hoop Dreams Down Under

by Matt Logue

Twenty-five home-grown Aussie superstars who have taken American basketball by storm.

Ever since Luc Longley lit up the court as the first Australian to play in the NBA in 1991, Australians have made an indelible impact on the world's best basketball competition. Longley's journey from Perth to the NBA, alongside Michael Jordan at the Chicago Bulls, paved the way for a generation of players to follow in his footsteps. Hoop Dreams Down Under documents the behind-the-scenes stories of twenty Australian men and five women who have played on basketball's greatest stage. From surprise success stories like Matthew Dellavedova to No. 1 Draft picks like Ben Simmons and Andrew Bogut, and indisputable champions like Lauren Jackson, these are compelling success stories of Down Under talent that has made it to the top. Hoop Dreams Down Under is a must-read for all passionate basketball fans, or anyone with an interest in the power of sport to thrill, inspire and reward. PRAISE 'Matt Logue's Hoops Dreams Down Under is a fun read, packed with all kinds of things I didn't know, including the scope of the Aussie presence in the NBA - way more than a footprint. It's a movement, and he posts it up with an array of well-told stories' Roland Lazenby, sports writer 'Collating the achievements of 25 Aussie basketballers in one book makes this a treat' - Townsville Bulletin 'The book makes me proud' - three-time NBA champion Luc Longley 'If you haven't bought one yet, go and get one. A great read about Aussie basketball player pathways' - legendary WNBA player turned Phoenix and Australian Opals coach Sandy Brondello 'Humbled to be included in a book with legends of our game' - former NBA player Chris Anstey 'It's an honour to have my little place in Australian basketball history' - Australian women's basketball pioneer Michele Timms

Genres: Basketball

320 pages, Paperback

Published January 19, 2021

Reviews

[Ian Kloester · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and couldn’t put it down. Matt Logue has written a short story about each of the 25 Aussies - so far - to have taken the floor in the NBA/WNBA. I’m an Aussie basketball participant and a fan old enough to remember being laughed at for suggesting we had the talent to compete — if only our players were given the right opportunities. This book tells how that came to happen for each of the 25 covered. I like how it tells everyone’s story, from the fleeting brush with fame, right through to the climbs to the summit taken by the likes of Longley, Bogut, or Jackson. There’s a lot to learn from every path. Be warned however. This books strength is also its weakness. Given the number of players covered, the stories can’t be anything but brief. Like a variety box of chocolates, sometimes you’re left wanting more of your favorites. And maybe even a bit more meat instead of sugar. I’m not sure I agree that the content proves the books marketing premise that Australian basketballers - in general at least - have “taken American basketball by storm” but that’s show business I guess. Americans may feel differently too. From where we were, these Australian basketballers have made spectacular progress many knockers thought was beyond both them individually and us as a collective nation. They’ve opened minds, and some of those minds have opened what-were-once more-closely-guarded-doors. Can’t wait for that book in the future about how the Aussies have won gold in basketball at the Olympics. In the meantime, thanks for this entree Matt.

[David Barney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Australia has produced some great ball players. They have added to the game of basketball.

[Ryan Thomasson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book as it is very informative and interesting. I loved this walk through of Australian basketball history.