Review: Tales from MSU Basketball

Gregory Kelser’s Tales from Michigan State Basketball

This book should be named “The Life and Times of Gregory Kelser” because it is basically an autobiography. Then again it probably wouldn’t sell as many copies with that title since Kelser isn’t a household name. This despite the fact that he is one of the greatest players in Michigan State history and helped, along with some guy named Magic, lead the team to its first NCAA basketball championship in 1979.

Tales from Michigan State Basketball is a very interesting and easy read. Each chapter is broken down even further into subchapters that last about half a page or so, which keeps the book moving at a quick pace and maintains the reader’s interest. Kelser touches on all phases of his life in the book, but the most interesting parts involve that 1979 championship squad. It is also insightful to hear from a key participant in one of college basketball’s most famous games – the 1979 NCAA final where the Spartans knocked off Larry Bird’s Indiana State squad.

The only real problem with the book is in several parts Kelser goes to great lengths to let the reader know what a great player he was and how under appreciated he is. While both of those statements are probably true, it is a little off-putting to have the writer remind you of it (quite similar to Al Bundy bragging about his high school football career!).

Tales from Michigan State Basketball should be an enjoyable read for all college basketball fans, whether they are a Spartan fan or not.

3 out of 5 stars

Gregory Kelser’s Tales from Michigan State Basketball
Gregory Kelser with Steve Grinczel
Sports Publishing L.L.C.
$19.95 ($24.95 Canada)