Edward Frank Book (born September 23, 1970)[1] is an American-New Zealand former professional basketball player. Listed at 211 cm (6'11")[2][3][4] and 112 kg, Book played the centre position.[5]

Ed Book
Personal information
Born (1970-09-23) September 23, 1970 (age 54)
Buffalo, New York
NationalityAmerican / New Zealand
Listed height211 cm (6 ft 11 in)
Listed weight112 kg (247 lb)
Career information
High schoolMcKinley (Buffalo, New York)
CollegeCanisius (1988–1992)
NBA draft1992: undrafted
Playing career1994–2007
PositionCentre
Coaching career2013–present
Career history
As player:
1994Otago Nuggets
1995–1996Palmerston North Jets
1997Wellington Saints
1998–2001Palmerston North Jets
2002–2007Nelson Giants
As coach:
2013–2014Nelson Giants (assistant)
2022–2023Canterbury Rams (assistant)
Career highlights and awards
As player:

As coach:

Medals
Men's basketball
Representing  New Zealand
Commonwealth Games
Silver medal – second place 2006 Melbourne Team

Playing career

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Born in Buffalo, New York,[6][7] Book was educated at Canisius College,[8] but came to New Zealand in 1994 to play in the NBL. He was consistently one of the best post players in the league, winning Outstanding Forward in 1996, Outstanding Kiwi Forward in 2002 and named to the All-Star Five both years. He played in every NBL season between 1994 and 2007, winning a championship with the Nelson Giants in his final season.[9]

Book debuted for the Tall Blacks against China in 2002, filling the one available naturalized player spot under FIBA rules. He earned hero status during the world championship campaign after stepping into a starting role to fill in for Sean Marks. Book's three-point shooting ability made him a difficult match-up for opposing centres. Book helped New Zealand to a silver medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and announced his retirement from the Tall Blacks immediately after the final.[5]

Coaching career

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Book served as an assistant coach for the Nelson Giants in 2013 and 2014.[10]

In March 2022, Book was appointed an assistant coach of the Canterbury Rams.[11] He continued on with the Rams as an assistant in 2023.[12]

Personal life

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Book and his wife Lisa have three children: Josh, Amiee and Nic.[13][14] All three of his children play basketball, while Lisa is a former national league guard and junior Tall Fern.[13]

As of October 2018, Book was a teacher at Waimea College.[13]

References

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  1. ^ "Edward Frank Book". fiba.com. Retrieved 13 June 2023.
  2. ^ "Ex-Griffs pace AAU stars to triumph over Canisius Moore, Mance lead Bona to exhibition win". The Buffalo News. 19 November 1992. Retrieved 28 March 2022. The 6-11 Book grabbed 14 rebounds and Smith had 10.
  3. ^ Vahe Gregorian (26 November 1991). "MU Sluggish Despite 30-Point Win". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 21. Retrieved 28 March 2022. Canisius was led by Ed Book, a 6-foot-11 senior [..]
  4. ^ "Canisius men's basketball record book" (PDF). gogriffs.com. Canisius. 30 June 2017. p. 20. Retrieved 28 March 2022. 6-11, 228, Center, Buffalo, N.Y.
  5. ^ a b Basketball New Zealand – Ed Book
  6. ^ "Ed Book". olympic.org.nz. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
  7. ^ "Ed Book". giants.co.nz. Archived from the original on 7 August 2007.
  8. ^ "Ed Book". gogriffs.com. Archived from the original on 9 November 2014.
  9. ^ BOOK CLOSES IN STYLE
  10. ^ Tim Fanning's elevation to European powerhouse highlights potential pathway for next Nelson Giants coach
  11. ^ Rams Lock In Coaching Combination
  12. ^ Rams vs Airs
  13. ^ a b c Book of Joshua the latest chapter in family basketball legacy
  14. ^ Rams Refine Roster For Season Start
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