Toughness: Developing True Strength On and Off the Court Kindle Edition

I have liked Jay Bilas as a college basketball player and as a TV commentator. Now I like him as an author. Toughness refers to mental toughness so it applies to everyday life as well as athletics. It is an inspiring book with many many real life examples from Bilas's athletic career and quotes and advice from well-known coaches and his broadcast contemporaries. My husband and I both enjoyed the book and sent copies to our 2 sons. Now our 11 year old grandson is reading it. It is a book for all age groups

As a former amateur athlete, I find this book relevant in all aspects of life! I was reading it on a trip while waiting in the Airport and I cannot put the book down. This is a great book with lots of insights and lots of side stories that reminded me of my training days with my teammates and coaches. I had to call my College coach to share the book with him.To the young athletes looking for a great motivational and inspiration book, you are looking at the right stuff. Download the e-book version so it will be easier to carry around.

Jay Bilas gives powerful testimony to the real meaning of being tough. Life is rough and it takes being tough to cope with its challenges. As a basketball fan, and particularly Duke basketball, I was attracted to the book in large part because I knew something about the author. Through the book, he reveals himself to be human like many of the rest of us, not just a famous jock who became an excellent analyst of a fast moving game. The book is an easy read. It tells the truth about what being tough means and the struggles one must endure to achieve it. We cannot all be national champions, but we can be tough and live a great life at the top our our own game, whatever that may be. I recommend the book.

Read this with my huge dreaming athletic son. Excellent values, mindset and practical tips for this generation that seeks instant gratification. This book offer substance. All youth athletes and coaches should read.

This book was a combination of a trip down memory lane and an exciting educational piece from which both adolescent and adult readers can benefit. First, the sharing of his personal and family life helps the reader appreciates his own values and work ethic. His high school experiences in dramatics and his memorable teacher gave him a confidence that continues to serve him well in the adult roles he plays today.Bilas makes the case for toughness using the topics of trust, preparation, courage, communications, self-evaluation, persistence, and resilience. And he uses coaches and athletes who are worthy role models for his subject, toughness: Bill Self, Tom Izzo, Mike Krzyzewski, Grant Hill, Steve Kerr, and Curtis Strange. Bilas uses himself throughout the book as a moving "toughness-target", freely admitting how he was not always tough enough and has kept growing in this regard.The stories the author brings to print are not just instructive, many are emotionally memorable and inspiring. The tough aren't always the physically strongest, as noted by the young, tenacious brain-cancer-surviving, fourth grade teacher and her doctor who both live "hope" daily.I am a Durham, NC native, an ACC basketball fan, Blue Devils fan, Jim Valvano fan, and Dean Smith fan! I remember the 80s teams of Bilas, Alarie, Henderson, Amaker, and Dawkins, but I never knew how driven and talented the individuals were. Personally, I thought is was cool that Mark Alarie only wanted to focus on the positive, that he did not want to be shown video of his screw-ups, which Coach K is famous for. Alarie was extremely tough on himself and had hugely high self- expectations.I enjoyed Jay's conversational style, his sense of humor, and his modesty. Even when he cited his talents or accomplishments, he never exaggerated them. This book will contribute to many, many future successes that otherwise would never have happened, because individuals and/or teams would never developed the kinds of toughness that this book illustrates and inspires!!

As a high school tennis coach for 30 years I am always looking for material and Mr. Bilas's book is a gold mine of coaching and motivational insight. While using basketball examples of toughness, these concepts easily adapt to any sport and speak directly to today's athlete. These concepts are universal and much needed today. If you coach a sport other than basketball, ask your players to read and then ask them to write about or discuss how toughness is demonstrated in their sport. Great exercise in work environment as well. Don't overlook this book!

If you want to excel at basketball, sports or even your career, this is a phenomenal book. The book is filled with stories and interviews with the biggest names in basketball and women’s soccer. If you are a coach, you have to read this and if it’s financially possible buy it for every one of your players. Be sure to purchase a highlighter too. You’re going to need it.

Jay Bilas has many good experiences that he relays through the book. Bilas was a highly touted junior high, high school, college, pro-player, before becoming a TV personality. The brunt of the writing centers around Bilas telling stories about the toughness of others. I struggled to make a good connection with some of the material. I generally read these types of books to learn from those who have overcome great adversity. Bilas did not need to overcome.Solid book. Good read.