Larry Platt

Throughout the beggining of this novel, the protagonist, Allen Iverson, struggles in the streets of Virginia, trying vigorously to balance sports with school, yet he also was weighed down with the responsibility of raising his family while his mother worked. His talent on the field was evident, a small, quick quaterback who could throw the ball 100 yards, while also having the ability to split through the defense for TD's. Once introduced to basketball by his mother, his fame was spread like a virus. All around his city he was known as Bubbachuck, the sports star; he led his team to win championships in two sports, basketball and football. His greatness would soon cease as people questioned him and his future after an accident at the bowling alley which, to this day, haunts city. This event put him in jail for a few days but later was taken out for insignificant evidence for the assult of a young lady. Was he a sports icon, or a thug in a jersey? The middle of this novel descriptively describes the struggles he faced throughout college and the NBA. Throughout his season he was continueously known as a thug: the tattoos, braids, cockyness, his unwillingness to wear suits on game days... He has been put in jail numerous times in his carreer and caught with drugs and weapons. Although he has been beat down with critisism, he hasn't failed to stay loyal to his friends and family back in Virginia. He led his team, the 76ers, in points, steals, and assists and won the MVP a couple times. He has attended numerous all-star games and later, towards the end, the novel illustrates his and his team's struggles to win a championship. By the end though, he gets to the finals, however has a bitter ending as he faces the Lakers.… (més)