BASKETBALL:
Much More Than Just a GAME
by Coach Larry McKenzie
with Foreword by Tubby Smith
Larry McKenzie, the only coach to win four back-to-back state titles in the 99 year history of the Minnesota State Boys Basketball tournament is sharing his success strategies for “winning” on the court and in life. Much More than just a Game is a must read for young athletes and their parents navigating the game. Incorporating 10 life lessons, Coach McKenzie shows why BASKETBALL is merely a metaphor and a tool that can be used to transform lives.
“Much More Than Just a Game is a true reflection of who Coach McKenzie
is and what he does. He transforms young men by teaching them
that this game is life, and how well you do depends on you.”
Johnnie Gilbert, Former Player
Mlps. Patrick Henry (Currently Playing Pro in Germany)
“Over the last 10 years, I have sought Coach McKenzie’s advice
on recruiting Student-Athletes and gained insight into his leadership ability
and character. This book gives everyone else the privilege to do the same.”
Bryan Joyce
Asst. Men’s Basketball Coach – Liberty University
“This book outlines Coach McKenzie’s innate beliefs that each individual
he works with is special and that although their journeys may be different,
the end result should be that of self-love.”
J.D. Deloney
Asst. Coach – Olivet Nazarene University
About the Author
A coach, educator, author and speaker, Larry McKenzie, the only coach to win four straight state titles in the 99 year history of the Minnesota State Boys Basketball tournament is sharing his success strategies for “winning” on the court and in life.
Coach McKenzie shows why Basketball is merely a metaphor and a tool that can be used to transform lives. Larry A. McKenzie is currently going into his fourth season, as the Head coach of Academy of Holy Angels, was formerly General Manager and Head Coach of the Minnesota Ripknees of the American Basketball Association (A.B.A.). In nine seasons, Coach McKenzie and his staff developed the Patriots into one of the nation’s top high school programs.
Under his leadership the Patriots won four consecutive Class A.A.A. State, five Region 5 A.A.A. titles, three Twin Cities titles and six consecutive Minneapolis City Conference titles, finishing with an overall record of 202-34. Prior to the arrival of Coach McKenzie and his staff, the Patriots had not won a State title in 55 years. Under McKenzie’s direction, the Patriots established themselves as a team dedicated to hard work, tenacious defense, and a high-octane offense.
McKenzie’s mission was to develop a championship program while also using basketball as a tool to empower young men to be champions in their classrooms, families, and communities. By developing a highly structured program and a group of dedicated young coaches, the team showed tremendous improvement in the classroom, increasing the team G.P.A. from 1.6 to a 3.1. In just two years 95% of the players had made the A or B honor roll.
