Synopsis
The book is the autobiography of Jim Valvano, an American college basketball coach. In 1980, Valvano achieved his dream of becoming head coach at NC State, leading the Wolfpack to the 1983 national championship in one of the most famous upset title runs in college basketball history.
The book documents Valvano's early coaching career, the exhilarating and historic NC State title run, as well as the issues and challenges that subsequently plagued his tenure, including a scandal over player academics and rules violations. Valvano was forced to resign in 1990.
However, the most poignant part of the book is when Valvano details his year-long battle with cancer which ultimately took his life in 1993. He describes his resolve to carry on broadcasting and giving inspirational speeches, striving to always have a positive attitude, no matter the circumstances.
Overall, it’s an impactful story of the dizzying highs and difficult lows Valvano endured through his coaching life and cancer fight, told through his own self-deprecating but inspiring voice up until his tragic early death. His famous “never give up” speech at the 1993 ESPY Awards is where the book's title originates from.