The Word of God - by God Shammgod (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A cinematic and candid memoir from your favorite basketball players' favorite basketball player, God Shammgod. Perfect for fans of Becoming Kareem, Straight Shooter, and Where Tomorrows Aren't Promised.

A street ball legend from 1980s and '90s New York City, a college basketball phenom, and one of the first players whose moves went viral in the digital age, God Shammgod drew a crowd everywhere he played because of his obsessive dribbling skills. He was a peer and eventually a mentor for everyone from Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Kobe Bryant, Stephon Marbury, Chauncey Billups, and Vince Carter to name a few. His signature move--the Shammgod crossover--is legendary.

But when Sham's own NBA dream eventually faltered, he had to face a life without his beloved game--only to unexpectedly return as a coach. Sham became a guide to several rising college stars before he eventually made the leap to the NBA, where Mark Cuban brought him onto the Dallas Mavericks staff as the league's first ball-handling coach.

Told through the relationships Sham has built over a lifetime of goodwill, The Word of God is not only a reflection of an unforgettable NBA career and a nostalgic look at '90s Harlem, but ultimately a love letter to basketball and a celebration of the game.

Review Quotes

"This is not a book about basketball. It's way deeper than that. It's the story of the culture. Our story, told by somebody who really lived in the trenches and came out the other side an icon." -- Cam'ron, Grammy-nominated rapper, actor, and Harlem icon

"God Shammgod is a one-of-one. Real. Raw. Honest. A storyteller like no other. Now he wrote a book like no other. We all used to marvel at the crossover. Now we all marvel at the wisdom." -- Chauncey Billups, Portland Trail Blazers head coach, basketball hall of famer

"There is a reason that everyone in the game reveres God Shammgod. His influence transcends the game of basketball. A legend among legends. Read this book, love this book, if you want to know why." -- Jamahl Mosley, Orlando Magic head coach

"You never truly know the measure of a man until you get to know him. Shamm is someone who touches everyone he comes in contact with and makes their life better. Including me. I hired him to be a ball-handling coach for the Mavs. He became so much more for all of us. His journey will open your eyes and make you smile." -- Mark Cuban, Dallas Mavericks minority owner

About the Author

God Shammgod is a former professional NBA player and basketball coach currently working with the Dallas Mavericks. He played with the Washington Wizards during 1997-98 after being drafted by them in the second round of the 1997 NBA draft. Despite a brief NBA career, he is well-known as the progenitor and namesake of a widely used crossover dribble, the "Shammgod."

Sean Patrick Conboy is the editorial director of The Players' Tribune. He has worked hand-in-hand with some of the world's top athletes, including Kobe Bryant, Derek Jeter, Steph Curry, Kevin Love, Allen Iverson, Damian Lillard, A'ja Wilson, Megan Rapinoe, and Cristiano Ronaldo. He lives in New York City.