Check Out This Book: This Was Never About Basketball

I'm a huge basketball fan, so when offered the chance to read Craig Leener's debut novel This Was Never About Basketball, I naturally said yes. And I'm glad I did – it's quite the enjoyable read.

While there are certainly some basketball elements at play here, this is more of a coming of age book that looks at relationships, doing the right thing, and ultimately bettering yourself as a person. There are some sci-fi moments as well, bringing just a bit of surrealism into the fray.

Most importantly, this is simply a book that's tough to put down. I read it on an airplane - usually in that setting, I'm good for a chapter or two tops before I get tired. With This Was Never About Basketball, though, I found myself rapidly turning the pages, eager to find out what happened next.

Craig was also kind enough to appear on the latest episode of Locally Sourced Joey, chatting about the inspiration for the book, what his writing process is like, and a few of his favorite basketball moments.  

Check out the bio below for some additional details, and don't forget to pick up a copy. All proceeds during the month of October will be donated to those affected by the recent hurricanes that have impacted the country. Because after all, there's more to life than just basketball.

Seventeen-year-old high school basketball star Ezekiel “Zeke” Archer has it all: a sweet jump shot, a full-ride scholarship to a Midwestern basketball powerhouse, and the brightest future. But when Zeke’s temper gets the better of him in the city championship, he is expelled from school, has to forfeit his scholarship, and is left to ponder his once-hopeful future.

While finishing his final high school days in the California educational system’s version of purgatory, Zeke makes a stunning discovery. With the help of a young autistic classmate Zeke befriends, he learns that the mysterious 7th Dimension, which brought basketball to Earth more than a century ago, has decided to take the game away for good — all because of the ugly event Zeke set into motion in his final game!

As he embarks on the ultimate cross-country road trip to save basketball, Zeke must confront his unsettled past — including a father he’s not heard from in years and a brother fighting in a war half a world away — in order to set his life on the right path and rescue the game he loves. 

Locally Sourced Joey Episode 36: Going Mad in March with Chris Hayes

Man, it's a good time of year. The NCAA Tournament is among us, which means it's time for fellow Miami Hurricane and resident bracketologist Chris Hayes to chat a little March Madness. We discuss our brackets, crazy upset picks, and chat about the incredible sense of humor the NCAA selection committee has. Listen along, won't you?

Locally Sourced Joey Episode 32: Sibling Bonding with Jocelyn and Chris Arndt

It's been a hot minute since an episode of Locally Sourced Joey, but we're back! And with substandard audio quality since my portable studio (aka an echo-y room) does not have good sound. But, as always, the conversation is riveting, and that's the most important thing.

In this episode, Joey is joined by brother/sister rocker duo Jocelyn and Chris Arndt. Their new album Edges is fantastic, and they're cool people to boot. The three chat about the essentials to bring on a tour, the strangest gigs they've played, and the best activities you can only partake in during the summer. Listen along, won't you?

Locally Sourced Joey Episode 27: Personalogy with Michelle Burke and Lilamani de Silva

In this episode, Joey is joined by Michelle Burke and Lilamani de Silva, creators of the Personalogy card games. They go through a few of the game's questions and discuss some deep intellectual thoughts, including sweet nicknames, alter egos, and how The Secret World of Alex Mack had a long-lasting influence on Joey's life. Listen along, won't you?

Locally Sourced Joey: Just Gotta Be Free(lancing) with Jess Warren

The latest episode of Locally Sourced Joey is out, and it's chock full of goodies. In today's episode, Joey is joined by graphic designer Jess Warren. The two talk about taking the plunge from full-time employee to freelancer, how to develop a new card game, and tools that'll help you stop wasting time and start getting things done. Listen along, won't you?

Fun fact: Producing a podcast can be quite costly! I would love any support for Locally Sourced Joey, which you can provide either via 1) Leaving a review on iTunes or 2) Providing a donation. Thanks very much for listening!

Locally Sourced Joey: Touchdown Celebrations

Locally Sourced Joey celebrated its 20th episode today, an impressive milestone in any budding podcast. Naturally, the guest was one of my fellow buddies from The U, Zander Kean. Zander is the Director of Media Relations with the Jacksonville Sharks and knows his stuff when it comes to all things sports. In this episode, we chat about the Miami/Duke game, broadcasting life, and the most ridiculously enjoyable touchdown celebrations. Listen along, won't you?

Chicago By The Sea - A Locally Sourced Joey Podcast

In this episode of Locally Sourced Joey, I speak with friend of the podcast Sarah Lewis. We talk about my former and her current home Chicago, how to make delicious recipes, and our favorite curse words. The answer may shock the **** out of your ears. Listen along, won't you?

Locally Sourced Joey - Night People

http://www.podbean.com/media/player/embed/postId/5761403?url=http%3A%2F%2Fahotcupofjoey.podbean.com%2Fe%2Fnight-people-larry-j-dunlap%2F

The latest episode of Locally Sourced Joey features Larry J. Dunlap, author of the thoroughly entertaining Night People - Things We Lost In The Night. It's a memoir of his time as a musician, complete with travels throughout the country, love, relationships, and everything else that makes life pretty awesome.

In this episode, Larry and I chat about the book, what it's like living in places with such lovely weather, doing your homework with music playing in the background, and plenty more. Listen along, won't you? 

Locally Sourced Joey: Talking Band With Andrew Swinney

Friend of the blog Andrew Swinney joins the podcast to talk about life as a band geek. We also wax nostalgic on all sorts of school memories. Ah, those memories. Enjoy!