A Raging Bull
From Hoopedia
A Raging Bull: Chasing the Big Time
By Tony "Dizz" Grier (Inkwater Press)
The first comprehensive University of South Florida basketball program overview. Today considered one of the fastest growing schools in the country, A Raging Bull: Chasing the Big Time, chronicles the program starting in the early seventies.
More than a memoir, more than a coming-of-age story, more than a history, this book offers personalized insights and life-wisdom framed by the transition of a young and eager kid who became a New York schoolyard legend to a member of the larger community.
If ever times and events came together to enable a young man's dreams and reward his efforts, Tony Grier's life is an example of it. Raised in Port Chester, New York public housing, labeled as learning-disabled, and sent to a "special" school. The future could have been grim.
Fighting the stigmas of poverty, race, and scholastic inadequacy, he developed the academic and basketball skills to earn a scholarship when the program was young. He became a star player under the illustrious Lee Rose. The birth of football and how that program began is also documented.
A Raging Bull: Chasing the Big Time also explores his transition out of basketball after his career ended and reality hit home. Although his legend continued, navigating in the world outside of sports was a challenge and is explored in this book.
Sometimes we wonder what happens to players we watched in college, the NBA or the Rucker. Tony's candid story of hopes and dreams removed and then reborn through determination and hard work is a must read for young students and athletes.
In reading his story, we remember that those individuals that have overcome the greatest challenges are those we most admire.
