Play Their Hearts Out by George Dohrmann
"Play Their Hearts Out" is a gripping expose that delves into the underbelly of grassroots American basketball, chronicling the lives of young, talented players who are caught in the high-stakes world of competitive sports. The book follows a promising young athlete and his ambitious coach as they navigate the complex, often exploitative network of amateur athletics, where dreams of NBA stardom are dangled, and the pressures and temptations are intense. Through meticulous reporting, the narrative reveals how the industry impacts the players' personal and athletic development, shedding light on the broader issues of race, class, and the commercialization of sport.