28 Oct Beyond the Court: Unraveling the Heart of “This Was Never About Basketball”
Review of This Was Never About Basketball (The Zeke Archer Basketball Trilogy) by Craig Leener
From the moment I stumbled upon Craig Leener’s This Was Never About Basketball, I was intrigued. The title alone piqued my curiosity—how could a book centered around basketball promise to be about more than just the game? As someone who often finds sports novels outside their comfort zone, I took a leap of faith, and boy, was I rewarded for it.
At its heart, this coming-of-age tale follows Ezekiel “Zeke” Archer, an ambitious 17-year-old basketball star whose dreams unravel in the blink of an eye. A moment of explosive anger during the city championship game leaves Zeke without a scholarship and stuck in a high school that feels more like purgatory. This unexpected twist sets Zeke on a journey that drastically shifts his perspective, forcing him to confront his tumultuous past, including unresolved issues with his estranged father and a brother away in the military.
What struck me most about Leener’s writing was how he articulated the complexities of adolescence through Zeke’s eyes. The author’s prose is light yet poignant, seamlessly blending humor with moments of profound introspection. Particularly, Zeke’s budding friendship with a clever autistic classmate, Lawrence, adds a refreshing layer to the narrative. Their dynamic provided not just comic relief but also a touching exploration of acceptance and understanding—an element I found genuinely heartwarming.
The thematic depth of the story goes beyond sports, touching on friendship, redemption, and the idea of teamwork. As Zeke embarks on a cross-country road trip to save basketball from an otherworldly force, he learns that the journey is equally about mending relationships and finding himself. This complex interplay between personal growth and external conflict is engaging; it kept me turning pages, eager to see how Zeke would reconcile his past mistakes.
One particularly memorable moment arises when Zeke reflects, "Sometimes the hardest battles are fought inside." This quote resonated with me, amplifying the book’s core message—that the game of life is about much more than just the external accolades; it’s about who we become along the way.
As for pacing, I found it to be excellently balanced. The narrative never felt rushed, maintaining a steady build-up to the climactic moments while ensuring that all characters—and their arcs—received attention. There were times when the chaos of Zeke’s world swirled dramatically, mirroring the inner turmoil he faced, and these moments felt authentic and relatable.
Leener’s debut offers readers a unique blend of humor, adventure, and emotional depth, making it appealing not only to teen readers but to anyone grappling with the trials and tribulations of growing up. If you enjoy stories filled with relatable characters who navigate their struggles with humor and heart, you’ll likely find yourself enamored with This Was Never About Basketball.
In conclusion, this novel is a treasure trove of life lessons sprinkled with basketball magic. Whether you’re a sports aficionado or someone like me, who approaches sports narratives with hesitation, give this book a chance. It might just redefine your perception of what a sports novel can be, proving—as the title suggests—that sometimes, it’s about so much more than the game itself. I’m eager to dive into the next installment of Zeke’s journey, and I can’t wait for what’s next!
You can find This Was Never About Basketball (The Zeke Archer Basketball Trilogy) here >>
