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A Gift Before Dying NewSouth Books This book tells the story of the 1999–2000 University of Alabama basketball season, detailing the hectic lives of the Tide coaches and players. Author Stephen Thompson, himself a former coach, joined the team, recording their practices and their travels over a six-month period, and gaining a behind-the-scenes view of collegiate athletics, including the camaraderie and companionship of the coaching staff. Alabama Head Coach Mark Gottfried participated fully with Thompson, allowing complete access and candid insights into the coaching process and the pressure cooker that is NCAA Division I basketball. Delving into the ups and downs of an emotionally draining season, Thompson builds his story around Assistant Coach Robert “Rah Rah” Scott, who was diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer just weeks before the season began. A popular and outstanding former player for the Crimson Tide, Scott was given only months to live, and he chose to spend much of his diminishing time trying to help the struggling young athletes find their way, both on and off the court. Part sports book and part eulogy to a good and courageous man, A Gift Before Dying examines the complicated inner workings of college sports, and shows how a team pulled together when everything fell apart.
Reviews “This book . . . is heartbreaking yet heartwarming reading about the love between Robert Scott and the Crimson Tide players and coaches . . . hits all of your emotional buttons.” “A Gift Before Dying is a tremendous portrait about life itself. The ups and downs of a major college basketball team, the humans involved in its exploits, and, more importantly, the struggle with a dreaded disease . . . real and very emotional.” “. . . an incredibly insightful look inside the world of intercollegiate athletics. Stephen Thompson conveys the intensity of preparation, the joy and disappointment of the sport and, most importantly, the relationships and inter-personal dynamics involved. It’s more than a book about basketball—it’s a book about life: you can’t help but learn from it and enjoy it.” “Robert Scott was a special person. More than a fine player at the university, he was courageous beyond words. He will be remembered as an inspiration to all those who played with him, coached him, and were coached by him.”
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