About The Book

Minnesota´s incredible basketball history comes to life in "Hardwood Heroes." With a Foreword by Kevin McHale and an Afterword by Vern Mikkelsen, the book includes more than 500 photos and is truly a blast. Featured in it are literally thousands of this past century´s greatest professional, semi-pro, collegiate, and high school teams, along with hundreds of biographies and stories of their star players - all chronicled in one amazing package. From the Lakers to the Gophers, and from the Minnesota Muskies to the Hamline Pipers - its all here. Not only is there a complete history of high school basketball in Minnesota, there is also an exciting year-by-year account of the states vaunted annual high school tourney. There are even chapters on all of Minnesota´s college and university teams, as well as on all of the states MIAC, NSIC and NCC schools. In addition, there are features on the evolution of the womenÕs game, the CBA, IBA and so much more! Learn about the Minneapolis Lakers six world championships, MinnesotaÕs two ABA franchises: the Pipers and Muskies, and even what it was like to be a part of the upstart Gophers back at the turn of the century. Hundreds of wonderful stories, along with countless personal memories from the stars themselves dot the canvas of this epic tale. From George Mikan to Whitey Skoog, and from Kevin Garnett to Kevin Lynch, "Hardwood Heroes" truly celebrates one of our states greatest treasures - the sport, lifestyle and state-of-mind of basketball.