Beyond Basketball

by: Mike Krzyzewski with Jamie K. Spatola

Published by: Hachette Book Group/Warner Business Books

Reviewed by Caron Smith

Subtitled: Coach K's Keywords for Success

Coach Mike Krzyzewski of Duke University is a true believer in the power of words. However, he emphasizes that the concept is not merely using or borrowing words, but owning the words. Making them belong to you, personally.

The book takes powerful words and creates an entire chapter for that particular word, its usage and the reader's ability to own that word. At a glance, the reader can see these words and immediately their mind begins to assimilate them into their individual lives.

Following is a list of the words Krzyzewski uses:

1. Adaptabilit
2. Adversit
3. Balance
4. Belie
5. Car
6. Challenge
7. Collective Responsibilit
8. Commitmen
9. Crisis Managemen
10. Cultur
11. Dependabilit
12. Empath
13. Enthusias
14. Excellenc
15. Failur
16. Famil
17. Fundamental
18. Giving Bac
19. Guidanc
20. Imaginatio
21. Integrit
22. Learnin
23. Lov
24. Motivatio
25. Next Pla
26. Ownershi
27. Passio
28. Pois
29. Pressur
30. Prid
31. Respec
32. Selflessnes
33. Standard
34. Talen
35. Trus
36. Wil
37. Work

A brief definition is given of each word in a practical manner, using personal touches that makes the words come alive for the reader and gives them the pathway to incorporate that word into their lives.

Coach Krzyzewski concludes his book with a concept he calls 'The Fist.' He states, "the analogy of The Fist is used to describe how five vital words come together and help create teamwork."

Coach Krzyzewski emphasizes five words for his teams: Communication, trust, collective responsibility, care and pride. When they put their fists together, each member of the team is using this combination of words as a symbol to show their unity as a team.

Although team-oriented and based on basketball, I highly recommend this book for any person reaching for success in any walk of life. The impetus is on the power of words and combining them in a manner that creates unity, which in turn creates victory.

Armchair Interviews says: Good advice from Coach K.