I Came As A Shadow.

As we sit here in the midst of College Basketball season, one book that had a stranglehold on my attention was “I Came as a Shadow: An Autobiography” by legendary Georgetown basketball coach, John Thompson. 

While the stories involving Allen Iverson, Patrick Ewing, and the transformation of Georgetown basketball over 3 decades were more than enough to keep me entertained, this book went much deeper than that. While John Thompson loved the game of basketball, he made it abundantly clear that his purpose in life went far beyond wins and losses on the basketball court.

John stood tall and firm (literally) and fought hard for African American rights in the sports and university landscape. He helped tear down racial barriers, accelerated and protested for opportunities in higher education, and gained the rightful respect that he demanded by fighting for and earning equal opportunities that traditionally were handed to his peers more easily. 

Stories about John being a mediator between gang leaders and his players, becoming one of the earliest faces of one of the biggest brands on the planet (Nike), and building a culture that led Georgetown to becoming one of the best and most feared teams of the era are all reasons to give this book a read this basketball season. 

Purchase this book, I Came As A Shadow here!