Courtside

Derick Loury shares his autobiographical debut of a small-town boy traveling the Greater Philadelphia area to chase a dream of Division 1 competitive basketball. Loury combines information and narrative to craft a story full of encyclopedic detail and personal experiences. A humble, slice-of-life chronicle of one man's journey of self-discovery. The sport forms the backbone of the narrative and Loury's connection to it which he carries through boyhood and, ultimately, to a...
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Derick Loury shares his autobiographical debut of a small-town boy traveling the Greater Philadelphia area to chase a dream of Division 1 competitive basketball.

Loury combines information and narrative to craft a story full of encyclopedic detail and personal experiences. A humble, slice-of-life chronicle of one man's journey of self-discovery. The sport forms the backbone of the narrative and Loury's connection to it which he carries through boyhood and, ultimately, to a career in law enforcement. He reflects on detailed accounts of growing up in Darby Township. The challenges and milestones of a young black child in a predominantly white neighborhood and his first-hand encounter with racist policies geared to protect the rights and privileges of the Southeast Delco School District in eastern Pennsylvania. And the fallout of a historic legal battle that devastated the Darby Township Black Community.

It is basketball and faith that resonate strongest in Loury's life, even if they could not solve every problem. While grief and loss at a young age shadowed his performance in school and home, athleticism brought back structure and purpose. His faith brought him to community and he'd continue to give back through sports programs as an adult.

His life was enriched through the unique personalities whose experiences and views were deeply impactful. He recounts piecing himself back together after devastating loss on humble fishing trips with his grandparents. The foreword of this book is offered by Jay Wright, a Naismith Hall of Fame Coach and close friend throughout most of Loury's life. Explore eastern Pennsylvania through Loury's eyes, how his experiences culminate in the dedicated and esteemed person today.