Loose Balls

Loose Balls is a book by Terry Pluto. It is about the wild life of the ABA. Although it wasn't around for very long, it had its fair share of crazy stories and great players. Many great players/journalists got their start in the ABA. Bob Costas, George Gervin, David Thompson, George Mcginnis, Moses Malone, and of course the high flying Julius Erving. A unique thing about the ABA is that they really infuriated the NBA. They had heated exhibition games and classic bidding wars. The ABA first signed underclassmen, which pissed the NBA off. One thing the NA couldn't match the ABA in was creativity and fun. The ABA had a unique red white and blue ball, a three point line, the first leaugue to have a dunk contest, and they were also the first to have handouts before the game. Another great thing about the league is the stories. Marvin Barnes had superstar talent, but never connected the dots in his head. When his team, the St.Louis Spirits, took a flight that took them back in time(because of time zones) he refused because "I ain't gettin' in no time machine." After Bob Costas made two big blunders in a row, Marvin said "It's okay, I've always been looking for a little white boy to drive me around in my Rolls-Royce." There is also stories of the ABA's famed Dolgoff plan, in which a players salary would be paid over years. All-In-All, there has never and never will be a league that matched the style, flair, talent, passion, and fun of the ABA. About the book, it is great because it isn't typical writing. It is similar to Glory Of Their Times, so the book is all interviews of players, owners, and coaches. This book is an excellent read for anyone who wants to learn about a league that isn't the NBA.