New Book Takes Fans Inside The Game Of International Basketball and Pro Sports

Covering the notorious New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets NBA brawl in 2006. Being confused with a Portland karaoke bar singer by Dallas Mavericks owner, Marc Cuban. Listening to Kobe Bryant discuss leadership. Talking baseball and cigars with legendary Boston Red Sox pitcher, Luis Tiant. Todd Marinovich breaking down his personal art. Marcus Slaughter dodging sticks off dynamite on the basketball court in Israel. P.J. Tucker and his teammates being offered a large bag of cash from a team owner in Russia prior to a rivalry game. Even a flashback to a novice sports writer botching a brief phone interview with the iconic professional wrestler, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper.

These tales and memories with over 70 sports personalities including Isiah Thomas, Shaquille O'Neal, Brandon Roy, Terrell Brandon, Desmond Mason, Channing Frye, Shoni Schimmel, Don Nelson, Nicolas Batum, John Salley, James Jones, Chris Kaman, Enes Freedom, Chris Dudley, Nick Lachey, Ahman Green, JJ Birden, Josh Young, Chester Frazier, Michael Stockton, David Blatt, Cappie Pondexter, David Magley, Lester Conner, and other athletes and coaches highlight a new book release written by veteran sports writer, Wendell Maxey, and published by The Times Publishers.

From Madison Square Garden to the rural basketball gyms of Germany, Maxey has spent over two decades chasing the stories behind the game. Called For Traveling: 20 years of Sports Writing from the NBA, to Europe, and Back Again, brings together a remarkable collection of stories, interviews, profiles, and personal reflections from a career covering professional basketball and sports at large. Through vivid storytelling and firsthand encounters with players, coaches, and larger than life personalities in New York, New Jersey, Portland, and around the world, Maxey pulls back the curtain on moments that fans rarely see. From unforgettable games and legendary figures to quiet conversations that reveal the human side of athletics, each chapter captures the passion, humor, and unpredictability of sports far beyond the boxscore.

More than an anthology, Called For Traveling: 20 years of Sports Writing from the NBA, to Europe, and Back Again, is a journey through the life of a writer learning the craft while living inside the world he covers, one featured article at a time. For die-hard fans, aspiring journalists, and anyone who loves a good story, Called For Traveling offers an authentic look at more than 20 years of sports writing and serves as a reminder that the most memorable stories are often the ones you never expect to find.

Available in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle, Called For Traveling: 20 years of Sports Writing from the NBA, to Europe, and Back Again by Wendell Maxey can be purchased on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or by request at your local public library.

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Reviews for Called For Traveling: 20 years of Sports Writing from the NBA, to Europe, and Back Again

"If you've ever wanted to settle in and take a tour into the world of basketball, this is it. Jump aboard. Wendell Maxey delivered an incredible journey, and stories that will leave you better than they found you."
- John Canzano, Host of the Bald Faced Truth and Columnist at JohnCanzano.com

"Wendell crafts a wonderful tale of so many people living the dreams all over the world. The stories are compelling and worth the read."
- David Magley, President of The Basketball League and Basketball Super League

In Called For Traveling, author Wendell Maxey, with two decades of experience writing about basketball players, teams and places, has chosen to reject the linear format of biographical offerings. Instead, he has assembled the stories that he produced for scores of national publications that take the reader on a trip from Portland to Lithuania and everywhere in between. Covering super star players and poignant moments and memories along the way Maxey has scored a buzzer-beating, from- the- logo- book that both informs and entertains about his relationship with the only truly American sport. Called For Traveling is a winner.
- Kyle Keiderling, Author, Heart of A Lion; The Perfect Game; Shooting Star; Olympic Collision

"The best writer I know, writing about what he knows best! Wendell is a brilliant storyteller with a gift for taking the reader from the practice floor to inside the locker room. Basketball isn't just a game. At its best, it's the heartbeat of the community and the pursuit of a dream. Maxey shows you why."
- Tommy Beer, Writer, Knicks Centric

Wendell Maxey
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Wendell Maxey has worked as a featured sports writer since 2004 with his writing on professional, college, and high school sports appearing on ESPN.com, NBA.com, SLAM Magazine/SLAMOnline, FoxSports.com, and USA Today, among other national newspapers and publications. Along with covering the NBA, Maxey spent four years as an international writer in Europe, scouted and recruited professional basketball players for Nürnberg Falcons/ Nürnberger BC, and also gained experience coaching high school and middle school basketball in Germany, and the United States. A published author, Maxey's work has been featured in three books including The Playbook: Illustrations of Great Plays and Moments in Sports History; SLAM Magazine's 30th Anniversary Book; and Rise & Reign: The Story of the Champion Boston Celtics. Called For Traveling: 20 Years of Sports Writing from the NBA, to Europe, and Back Again marks his first full book release. Wendell currently writes for High School on Sports Illustrated powered by SBLive Sports, where he contributes as a national writer.

This release was published on openPR.