Wednesday BookCrave: March Madness Reading

Its Wednesday, gents– and a good day to brush up on the books. For the GearCrave sports fans, tomorrow is a very big day– the NCAA Tournament begins. In honor of March Madness, we’ve selected three books you’ll want to keep at your side throughout the maddest of months. For those seeking a little inspiration, we’ve got Coach K’s “Leading With the Heart”. For a more historical perspective, we’ve got “How March Became Madness”, a detailed background on how the NCAA Tournament became one of the greatest sporting events in America. For the GearCrave statisticians, enter the “Official 2008 NCAA Men’s Basketball Records Book”. So finish up your office tournament bracket, plan your TV watching schedule, and check out three GearCrave must-reads for the NCAA Tournament 2008.

Leading With the Heart (Amazon rating: 4 starts, 59 reviews)

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, the Duke Blue Devils are one of the greatest legacies in Men’s College Basketball to date. There is little doubt that the heart of this legacy is “Coach K”, Blue Devil’s coach Mike Krzyzewski. His inspiration has taken the Blue Devils to three NCAA championships, 10 final fours and 10 ACC championships in 28 seasons with Duke. Since 2005, Coach K is also the coach of Team USA basketball, coaching some of the greatest names in NBA basketball. That resume’ suggests that Coach K knows how to win, plain and simple. If you could use a little inspiration in life, business or basketball, here’s a book for you.

Buy: $10.17

How March Became Madness (Amazon rating: 4.5 stars, 3 reviews)

For an historical perspective on the NCAA Tournament, read Eddie Einhorn and Ron Rapaport’s “How March Became Madness”.  “March Became Madness” covers the tradition of March Madness from its earliest days to modern times, and how this game became one of the greatest sporting events in America.

Buy: $18.45

Official 2008 NCAA Men’s Basketball Records Book (Unrated– only 5 left!)

When watching the 2008 NCAA tourney, this records book is the ultimate companion.  While you’re watching Michael Beasley, Derrick Rose and others play out of their minds in this tournament, compare their performances to those of history with this book.  Check the historical stats of players like Bill Walton, Kareem and the management performance of coaches like Coach K and Bobby Knight.  Its going to be an exciting tournament this year, GearCravers.  Here’s to hoping this reading list will enhance your experience.

Buy: $12.21