WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT BASKETBALL SLAVE………

Al Attles (one of the great players in the NBA and went on to become one of the first African-American coaches in the NBA), – “A great story that needs to be told” Every player in the NBA needs to read this book. It’s time to bring the History out. “A nice piece of work”.  There were things in the book that I did not know.

Floyd Lane (played for CCNY recently recognized as Top Ten College Basketball Moments at the Garden when they won NCAA and NIT)- This book is a proper and fitting tribute to your father, the bond you shared, his purpose driven spiritual life and his impact on others. He was one of the best.

John Chaney – (NBA Hall of Fame Coach)  “One of many stories”. We need more information like this. What separates Andy is that he played for the Harlem Globetrotters and every kid wanted to play for that team, even me. These players laid the groundwork for people like Curt Flood who started Free Agency.

SLAM MAGAZINE -  Andy Johnson life makes a excellent book!! Basketball Slave reveals how hard a black athelete was in the ‘50s and ‘60s. Comparing college recruiting and free agency to slavery. Written by his son, he tells a story of how being a good, black player robbed his father of a proper education—as well as money. Ever since they broke barriers, every time a black man takes the court in the NBA should give this pioneer and others recognition.

Scot X Esdaile,( President –CT  NAACP)-

“An excellent untold history”. 

The only Black History I know about the NBA was around Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain.  Especially, since it is such a high percentage of African Americans in the NBA. 

Meadowlark Lemon ( one of the greatest names in Globetrotter history)– There are many bones that are buried out there. I am glad that this one got found. Andy was an amazing player before his time. They never let him play his game in the NBA. People will never know how good he really was. I did I played with him. We filled arenas while the NBA was struggling to survive.

Bill “Tosh” Tosheff ( Indiana University) was the first-ever NBA Rookie of the Year in 1951-52-fights for current NBA pensions for older players)-

“Caring is good- Doing something is better” – this is a great tribute to your father.

Bob "Showboat" Hall - (Longest member of the Harlem Globetrotters for 27 years)

"There are names in this book that I have not seen in years!! Andy was a hell of a player."

Marques Haynes( NBA Basketball Hall of Fame) – There is a lot of untold truth that has never been uncovered. I am glad it finally coming to light. I always went to get Andy to play for me when I knew we had a tough game.

Sonny Hill (Great Philadelphia radio announcer) – They “blackballed” Andy Johnson from the league. He was a tough player that gave the prolific scores at that time a hard way to go.

Barbara Lewis Chamberlain (Wilt’s Sister) – This story was honest, refreshing, educational and mainly historical. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Andy Johnson’s life in your eyes.  I am so glad that someone is keeping the History going……. Andy was one of Wilt’s true friends.

Elzie Lewis (husband of Barbara and former Harlem Globetrotter) - after reading the book, I can relate to a lot of what Andy felt as a Globetrotter.

Arthur Toll (Former owner Philadelphia Spirit ,1992 Champions of the USBL)

I remember many a time sitting on the bench at practice and shoot-arounds before the game and listening to banter between the likes of Paul Arizin, Neil “The Wheel” Johnson, Tommie Gola, Guy Rodgers and Woody, Sparrow and Grabowski. A very special place in my memory is of Andy Johnson whose ball handling magic is still etched into my brain. The players worked more for the love of the game, because they sure were not making much money. I can recall many a player talking about their off season jobs selling cars, tending bar etc. Yes, Andy Johnson was a man amongst men. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to write this.

-Carl T. Simpson II, 15 years old  (Student)

Enlightening, attention grabbing and inspiring. I couldn't put the book down!

Jayden Bryce Sutton, 10 years old (Student)

My dad and I read the book Basketball Slave by Mark Johnson.  Mark's dad Mr. Andy Johnson will forever live in the hearts of everyone who reads the book.  The book should be in every school, it is an excellent read for both young and older readers.  Most importantly it allows us to have an understanding of what the early black pioneers in the NBA had to endure.  Mark Johnson thank for a very enlightening and informative book; we appreciate you sharing your dad's life with us.