The Hoops Whisperer: On the Court and Inside the Heads of Basketball's Best Players

I am not a professional sports team fan. I do not work a job. As my grandmother used to say, I "follow the beat from a different drummer." I am an outsider. I am transcending the cultural norms of society and I am making my way through this world with love, gratitude, magic, and the combination of perseverance and persistence, diligence and determination, as well as patience and faith. I am making my own pathway through life. All of this is extremely similar, a mirror, to what Idan Ravin writes about throughout his deeply inspiring book.In reading Idan's book, my heart was blasted open, tears streamed down my cheeks, I laughed out loud, and I even threw the book across the room in frustration! I have cried out in astonishment, and I have made notes, markings, and scribbles throughout the entire thing as I have been fully absorbed in his writing and his willingness to be vulnerable with the reader. However, I did not read his book all at once...I first heard Idan speak in an interview with Brian Johnson (Optimize); Idan's journey, passion, and strong words of encouragement demanded my full attention immediately. I genuinely connected with his experience of growing up with limitations being put on dreams, ideals already set for adulthood, and cultural norms trying to dictate lifestyle, all struggling against the *constant pursuit of greatness* of what the heart really wants. The magic that he used to transform the cookie-cutter life he had been pursuing into the life he now leads is the ultimate key to anyone destined for greatness. Also, to read about his ability to be present with and to use such precision in deeply seeing his clients is exhilarating and fascinating. To read about his ability to speak candidly and with discernment to his clients is gracefully provocative, galvanizing, and simply beautiful. His book was not a one time read for me; it continues, throughout these past few years, to be of support for me. I use it as a reminder to re-align with my focus towards my own goals, to re-commitment to my own greatness and to continue on my own path with faith, love, gratitude, and magic, but most of all... to have fun with it all!

Surprisingly good; Ravin writes well / good editor. I picked it up on a lark (Amazon recommended it to me), read first chapter on Kindle for free, ended u buying it and read it in a few days. I was expecting a poorly conceived hastily assembled type work, the kind coaches have ghost-written for them after they win the super bowl or something. This work was a lot more interesting, surprisingly introspective. Ravin's story itself is a nice yarn - how he inconceivably ends up where he does, there are probably dozens or hundreds of individuals that are more qualified on paper to do what he does, yet the best players want him for training. I think the reasons why shine through in the book -- Ravin seems much more conscientious of player privacy, more focused knowing the players at a deep level, respecting and seeing boundaries others would likely march right across; understanding the NBA and all of its cronies for what they are. It's a good self improvement book too if you want it to be that. As for basketball itself, the most interesting thing is asking why the best of the best even get a personal trainer in the first place, as there are literally dozens of assistant coaches ready to try to do what Ravin does if such is looked at in simplistic terms - work on moves, fundamentals, etc. But obviously there's a lot more to what these training sessions mean to the players than just fundamentals; and there's something said for having the training sessions by somebody who's 100% in your camp, not the coach's camp. I think this just shows that getting back to basics (hardwood, sweat, jump rope), is kind of like getting into one's core of what makes one tick, and can recharge batteries, cause one to think differently about situations -- seems like Ravin is half trainer, half shrink for his players, unlocking hidden motivations. Found it really interesting.

Great book - truly inspiring, interesting and heart warming.Here's the 2 cent notes:-Fantastic and perfect book for anyone with an interest in any form of coaching or teaching-Fun book for any basketball fan-Awesome book for anyone looking to chase or follow a dreamI loved this book.It's rare to find those that have chased a dream and have been able to adapt and contort with that dream as it elusively evolves as life goes on -- it's very hard to explain and Idan Ravin does a remarkable job explaining it.Everything else I have to say here is pretty much personal mumbo jumbo - the book is cheap enough to take a chance on and the story is really good and inspiring that it's TOTALLY worth it -- you're curious enough that you're reading reviews - just buy the book.If you've ever seen "Dead Poet's Society" - (if not do so immedietly) - this book captures that feel of obsession and passion being channeled and sought after -- the big difference is that here it's done ... responsibly AND with faith AND trust in truth.It's a great book and a type of loose blueprint to follow as you look at what and where you want to be

So if you want this trainer's insights into his feelings and approaches to training athletes--it is an ok read. But you really have zero in terms of actual drills described or any secret methods. About all you get is that he makes these guys run.I do like the insight into some of the players (almost all positive commentary, of course, by the trainer). And I think this is an ideal book (drum roll) other trainers! That's right. If you aspire to train high level athletes: this is for you.But for a player it has little practical value. I actually think hearing about Ravin's own athletic bio was most interesting and useful.Also, if you are big NBA fan you get some honest comments from a trainer about some of the darkness of the league in terms of how they view outside trainers.But there are no hoops secrets. I would actually buy his book of drills or training methods (and this is not that--at all).

I was captured on the very first page, I need that or I’m a lost cause. I did not want to put it down. It’s not just about basketball, it’s about life, passion, don’t give up on your passion. I’ve certainly got a lot of thinking to do after reading this. Highly recommend. Tissues needed here & there!

Couldn't put it down.If you like basketball, or to be fair any top level sport then this makes for a great read.Tells of one great teachers drive to the top of a profession he never thought he would achieve.For anyone wanting to follow a career in sport this is a must buy.Will read more of Idan Ravins books if I can find any.ThanksMark

I was a bit apprehensive to read a book about basketball as I am not an avid fan, but I quickly realized that this book isn't just about basketball. Idan, shares his wisdom through his compelling and humbling experiences of realizing his dream through his love for the game. It was a thoughful reminder that all things are possible when you are passionate and dedicated to your life goals. It is a must read!

I have read a lot of books about basketball and most of them are about how the coach and / or players get there. Those at the top often have a different perspective that may at times have been coloured over time by their experiences at the elite NBA level.It is refreshing to read a book that talks about the basics, the hard work and often the difficulties to get somewhere in a world that at times is more about the money and power than the real people involved and what they want deep down.The love of basketball is also there of course and Idan's ability in his story to try to help many of his players to find that love again after having been in the system for a while shows how little he cares for the system and genuinely cares for the people with whom he works.This book re-inforces what I have seen in basketball at the domestic and higher levels in Australia where many coach to win, but don't consider the wider implications of what they teach the kids when winning is the only focus.This is a great book and I would thoroughly recommend it.

I just wanted to say thank you for your book "The Hoops Whisperer". A friend recommended me the book and it took me like two days to finish it. It was a very inspiring piece of work for someone loving basketball on the one hand and searching for a meaningful job after finishing Ph.D. on the other hand. Great, catching and inspiring.