Madness: The Man Who Changed Basketball

By: Mike DeLucia

Narrated by: Mike DeLucia

Length: 5 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's Summary

Finalist, Sports - 2019 International Book Awards  

Madness is the intriguing story of Hank Luisetti, the predawn of March Madness and how modern basketball was born.   

The majority of searches say Michael Jordan is the best basketball player of all time, but many others oppose this. While Jordan’s rank is debatable, a respectable dream team would include Kevin Durant, Bill Russell, Hakeem Olajuwon, Dr. J, Tim Duncan, Jerry West, Kobe Bryant, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, Shaquille O'Neal, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Stephen Curry, Michael Jordan, and Hank Luisetti.   

Chances are, you've never heard of Hank Luisetti. But this wouldn’t be a legitimate discussion without the Hall of Fame legend whose celebrity caused a basketball revolution.   

James Naismith invented basketball in 1891; Hank Luisetti reinvented it in 1936. Hank changed basketball’s genetic footprint when he popularized the one-handed shot. He could jump so high and stay up so long, he seemed to defy gravity.  

Was Luisetti better than Jordan? That’s impossible to say because they played in different eras. But Hank Luisetti was basketball’s first superstar and what he did for the game is unprecedented.   

This historical fiction novel is based on the basketball achievements of Hank Luisetti. Some actual events, aspects, and characters have been fictionalized. Get the audiobook now! Visit the author's website: www.booksbymikedelucia.com

©2019 Mike DeLucia (P)2019 Mike DeLucia

This Book Is Rocky Meets Hoosiers

Michael DeLucia has created a wonderful story centered around a real historical Character Hank Luisetti. It’s beautifully narrated by the author who brings across his passion for the story. Hank Luisetti, a little known Italian American by most , single handedly changed the way basketball was played in his day making it the exciting game that we see today. His story is told within an amazing fictional novel created by Michael Delucia. Can’t wait for the a Motion Picture. Well Done!

Coming of Age Story for a Teen & His Sport (Hoops)

This is a compelling story where the author cleverly addresses a multitude of conflicts (father/son, Old/New World family, young love, being a kid/becoming an adult, East/West teams, and Old Ways/Modern Innovation as to sport and society) through the lens of college basketball and one of its best (and largely unknown) players - Angelo "Hank" Luisetti. Being true to yourself and sticking with people who love you was a good plan for Hank and should be for any reader as well. It is also refreshing to see basketball as a means to bridge familial and societal gaps in an historical way as baseball typically serves that role. I very much enjoyed the story and particularly recommend the audio book as the author does a great job of bringing Hank's story to life.

Slam Dunk!

I am not a sports fan, but this book appeals to all! Hank Luisetti is a very interesting man and it is wonderful how this book preserves his legacy both on and off the court. Mike DeLucia is only a great author but a fantastic narrator! It is no surprise he has a background in acting.

GREAT Story

This one of the best Books Ive listened to in a long time. The Story is GREAT, and the History woven together make a Great Book. The Story made you want to be apart of it. The characters were all people you wish you knew. The Narrator , Tells the story with such emotion, and description, You can see, hear and feel each character Come to life! I say , whether you like Basketball or not, This will pull you in from the first page, and you might just become a Basketball Fan after listening or reading it!!! Definitely a 4 stars!!!

Love this book. Now I can listen to it while I drive.

There’s so many reasons why I love this book. I love the setting, the time, but especially because it’s about a sports hero that had been greatly overlooked in recent times. It is a nicely read,audiobook and oneI will listen to over and over again.

Get caught in the excitement!

The narration is one of the best I've heard. DeLucia was able to infuse the excitement of a real basketball ball into his narration. He kept me interested and waiting for what happens next. The story is something every basketball fan should know about. I used to be a Jordan fan but I've never heard of Luisetti and how this man changed the game of basketball. It's a story of perseverance and hope and is ultimately inspiring. Worth the listen.