Hoops Hotbed on the Hudson

‘Hoops Hotbed on the Hudson’ recounts the rich and colorful basketball history of Hudson County (NJ), supporting the premise that it’s produced more top-level basketball players than any other similarly-sized geographic area in the country.

Quite a lofty list, including Tom Heinsohn, Bobby Hurley, Togo Palazzi, Mike O’Koren, Nick Galis, Mike Rooney, Jim Spanarkel, Hank Morano, Elnardo Webster and Terry Dehere, just to name a few.

Furthermore, any number of ex-Hudson hoopsters have achieved remarkable success in a wide array of sports-related endeavors. Start with former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue. Add in Bill Raftery, Jack Nies, Bob Hurley Sr., Danny Hurley, Chuck Wepner, Ray Lucas, Fred Shabel and Leon Gast to that roster.

Attendees of the recent 2024 Hudson County Sports Hall of Fame received a copy of ‘Hoops Hotbed on the Hudson’. If you are interested in having a copy, please contact hoopshotbed@gmail.com or (973-768-5885).

‘Whether a hardwood novice or a basketball lifer, there’s much to appreciate in this comprehensive book on Hudson County basketball.’

Hubie Brown

Naismith Hall of Fame Coach

‘This is a treasure, so many memories. The research is incredible, about teams, players, coaches and even some county characters. This is a must-read, even if you’re not from Hudson County (I’ve sent three books to Prep teammates).’

Brian Sheeran

St. Peter's Prep, '62

‘Remarkable that one county can have such great hoops impact.’

Ira Berkow

retired New York Times columnist

'When the book arrived, I was blown away by its voluminous content, comprehensiveness and other tales of local personalities. It’s a treasure trove for Hudson County basketball fans.'

Pete Wevurski

current editor, San Francisco Chronicle, former editor, Jersey Journal/Newark Star-Ledger