Hoops season is right around the corner! In preparation for tip-off, we’ve got basketball stories, soundtracks, and more that you’ll love. As always, each title is free with your library card. 

Basketball Stories in the Form of Audiobooks 

If you’re in the mood for a slam dunk of a fictional basketball-themed audiobook, a few suggestions include: 

Defensive Stance by Kasha Thompson 

In Defensive Stance, a hotheaded basketball player has been assigned to anger management classes after going after a fan at a game. During his anger management class, sparks begin to fly as he falls head over heels for a short-fused cocktail waitress who helps him realize that love is the only thing worth truly fighting for. 

Hard to Fake by Piper Lawson 

Piper Lawson’s Hard to Fake is a steamy story that combines witty banter with spicy romantic vibes. When Brooke moves in with her brother’s teammate without him knowing during the playoffs, pressure rises to keep the situation a secret so team chemistry remains intact. 

Love and Sportsball by Mika James 

In Love and Sportsball, things at Khadija Upton’s dream job become complicated after a short-lived romantic encounter with star player Shae Harris. As things between the two keep heating up, Khadija’s apprehension to let Shae in could result in losing more than a championship.  


Basketball-Based eBooks 

If you’re eager to dive into a nonfiction basketball-related read, these titles are nothing but net: 

Built to Lose (Various Authors) 

In Built to Lose, readers are given a firsthand look at the lengths teams are willing to go to secure the absolute best talent at the top of the draft class during any given year—even if that means losing in the meantime. The book contains interviews with players, coaches, and executives from throughout the NBA.

Hoop Atlas by Kirk Goldsberry 

It would be an understatement to say that the game of basketball has changed over the course of the past few decades. In Hoop Atlas, Kirk Goldsberry uses eye-catching visuals to help readers envision how the game has evolved on the court throughout the years.

Three Ring Circus by Jeff Pearlman 

After the Showtime era, Kobe and Shaq helped restore the Lakers to NBA prominence. Three Ring Circus provides readers with an in-depth look at just how much turmoil the team overcame at the time to deliver three straight titles to the City of Angels. 


Comic Books About Basketball 

You’d be surprised at how many comics center on basketball stories. Some of them include:

Michael Jordan: Bull on Parade by Wilfred Santiago 

An essential read for any hoops fan, Michael Jordan: Bull on Parade provides a colorful biography of one of the greatest players of all time. It dives into Jordan’s private struggles, along with his accomplishments.

Wish I Was a Baller by Amar Shah 

Wish I Was a Baller is an autobiographical journey based on the life of author Amar Shah, who has an opportunity to work as a journalist for the Orlando Magic at just 14 years old. This enables him to hang out with all the stars of the era, like Shaq, Penny Hardaway, Michael Jordan, and more! 

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander 

In The Crossover, 12-year-old Josh is working on more than just his jump shot. He’s also working to improve his craft as an MC—and is hoping that finding his rhythm won’t interfere with his game on the court.


Basketball-Related Movies and TV Shows 

If you’re so eager for tip-off that you need to get your basketball fix today, have no fear! Hoopla is here to satisfy your cravings.

More Than a Game 

More Than a Game embarks on the story of the St. Vincent-St. Mary basketball program in the early 2000s as they rose to national prominence due to the ascension of LeBron James. In this film, viewers receive access to previously unseen interviews, home videos, and other rare footage of the high school version of LeBron.

Coach Carter 

Loosely based on a true story, Coach Carter is a must-watch for any basketball fan. The story follows a famed basketball coach from Richmond, California, who restores his alma mater to prominence—while inspiring his students to reach for their goals on and off the court.

Calipari’s Razor’s Edge 

In Calipari’s Razor’s Edge, viewers are given an in-depth look at Coach Calipari’s first season as head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks. Find out how far he can take the team by streaming the series on Hoopla!


Begin Enjoying Basketball Stories Across All Formats on Hoopla This Season—Free with a Library Card! 

This is just a small taste of the hoops content on Hoopla. Use your library card to sign up for Hoopla and browse the catalog of content available at no cost today. It’s a great way to pass the time until your favorite team takes the court. 

*Title availability may vary.