Book Review: Full Court Press

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Full Court Press     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Mike Lupica
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Sports
Putnam, Nov 2001, $24.95, 360 pp.

In New York winning is everything. Professional sports die without championships or at least a temporary draw until the victories return. The New York Knights have neither so the attendance is down. Owner Michael De la Cruz informs scout Eddie Holtz that he better come up with a superstar or find work overseas. In Europe, Eddie checks out former NBA great Earthwind, but feels raptures watching the point guard, a D. Gerard pull a series of magic acts. After the game ends, Eddie meets Gerard whose first initial stands for Dee, a female.

Eddie calls his boss, who sees an opportunity to fill a few seats with a wiggle and jiggle. However, the other owners and many of the players make it clear that the NBA stands for no babes allowed. Talented enough to compete, will Dee obtain the opportunity to break the gender line?

FULL COURT PRESS is a fast breaking sports novel that genre fans will either love or hate depending on the reaction to the basic premise that a woman is capable of playing in the NBA. The story line is fun as Dee seems genuine (wonder if she is modeled after a WNBA guard like Stacey or Stiles?) and the reactions to her seem humorous and ludicrous at the same time. Mike Lupica provides a slam dunk tale that will entertain readers even as many wonder how they would look one on one with Leslie or Dydek (beside feeling short).

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner