Toughness: Developing True Strength On and Off the Court

Jay Bilas

Mar 2013 · Sold by Penguin

About this ebook

ESPN basketball analyst and former Duke player Jay Bilas looks at the true meaning of toughness in this New York Times bestselling book that features stories from basketball legends.

If anyone knows tough, it’s Jay Bilas. A four-year starter at Duke, he learned a strong work ethic under Coach Mike Krzyzewski. After playing professionally overseas, he returned to Duke, where he served as Krzyzewski’s assistant coach for three seasons, helping to guide the Blue Devils to two national championships. He has since become one of basketball’s most recognizable faces through his insightful analysis on ESPN’s SportsCenter and College GameDay.

Through his ups and downs on and off the court, Bilas learned the true meaning of toughness from coaches, teammates, and colleagues. Now, in Toughness, he examines this misunderstood—yet vital—attribute and how it contributes to winning in sports and in life. Featuring never-before-heard stories and personal philosophies on toughness from top players and coaches, including Coach K, Bob Knight, Grant Hill, Mia Hamm, Jon Gruden, Tom Izzo, Roy Williams, Bill Self, Curtis Strange, and many others—Bilas redefines what it takes to succeed.

Ratings and reviews

I realize this book is constructed like a typical self-help business book (complete with the appeals to authority, etc.) and the advice can read like a fortune cookie. Get past all that for the genuine character discussion Bilas leads. It's worth it.

Great read. As a former college basketball player myself, Jay makes extremely valid points and defines toughness in different ways perhaps the "normal" person would not. Great educational piece for a younger coach or younger player. Also related to everyday situations. 5 stars...

A great book that expands on principles of success on and off the court. Easy read, practical basketball examples and principles athletes can relate to. Highly recommend it.

About the author

Jay Bilas is one of the most widely recognized voices in sports. He is a regular analyst and color commentator on SportsCenter, ESPN game broadcasts, the wildly popular College GameDay, and coverage of the NCAA Final Four and NBA Draft. He was a four-year starter at Duke and helped lead the team to the Final Four. He played three seasons in Europe before signing on as assistant coach to Coach K from 1990-1992, during which time Duke won back-to-back national titles. He is currently a partner at the law firm Moore and Van Allen.