"In the best John Feinstein tradition" (Booklist) the greatest
college basketball story in decades--the Butler Bulldogs and their
improbable run to two straight NCAA National Championship games--now
updated in paperback.
Butler University in Indianapolis became the smallest school in forty
years to reach the NCAA championship game. Calculated as a 200-to-1
shot to win, Butler came this close to beating the heavily favored,
perennial leaders of college basketball: the Duke Blue Devils in 2010.
And in 2011, Butler advanced again to the finals, ultimately losing to
UConn--but accomplishing so much. Underdawgs tells the incredible and
uplifting story.
Butler's coach, thirty-three-year-old Brad Stevens, looked so young he
was often mistaken for one of the players, but he had quickly become one
of the best coaches in the nation by employing the Butler Way. This
philosophy of basketball and life, adopted by the program, is based on
five principles: humility, passion, unity, servanthood, and
thankfulness. Even the most casual observer could see this in every
player, on the court and off, from 2010 NBA first-round draft pick
Gordon Hayward to the last guy on the bench.
Much more than a sports story, Underdawgs is the consummate David vs.
Goliath tale--the Bulldogs proved they belonged in the spotlight and, in
the process, won the hearts of sports fans everywhere.
