Real Hoops

Can street ball and technical play mix it up on the court and score wins for the team?

Ben and Logan are looking for a new point guard for their team, and they are sure they've found one in Antonio "Hud" Hudson, the new guy at their school. But there's one problem: Hud plays fast-paced pickup ball, and coach says that's against the team rules!

So when Ben finds Hud playing pickup, he has to make a decision. As captain, can he help Hud balance his passion for the game with his dedication to the team?

Author Fred Bowen delivers another action-packed tale of skill, friendship, and teamwork as three boys work together to make the best of two worlds. In the afterword, readers can learn the real story of pickup ball and Holcombe Rucker Park, Harlem's famous basketball court where many NBA greats—including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dr. J, and Jamal Mashburn—got their start.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs