WALDWICK, N.J. – A few weeks ago a Sunday afternoon officiating assignment called for games at nearby St. Joe’s of Oradell, N.J. A quick stop at Hoop Heaven to go over scheduling was in order. Inside the facility there was a book signing/presentation taking place as an eighth grade game was being contested place on one of the courts.
J.R. Inman, formerly of Rutgers, was the author appearing this afternoon. Inman played for the Scarlet Knights from ’06 through ’09. He was a talented forward often primed for a breakout before facing bouts of inconsistency, notably during his senior year. The title of his book, released the past November, is When the Air Comes Out of the Ball
Inman scored double figures his sophomore and junior years at Rutgers. Production dipped during that final season in Piscataway as he spent appreciable time in coach Fred Hill’s “dog house”.
Playing his high school ball at nearby St. Joe’s of Montvale (NJ), Inman was recruited by Gary Waters at Rutgers. Following Waters’ release from Rutgers Hill took over. Inman will not say anything disparaging about Hill. He will only say that Waters, “was a very good coach who has proved that at Cleveland State.” He does agree with the assessment that Waters’ gradual undoing at Rutgers was largely due to hiring assistants, none of which had ties or inroads to the talent-rich New Jersey and New York metropolitan area. Shortly after his Rutgers playing days, Inman wrote an email that was widely circulated and very critical of Hill. All he can say of those times is, “I was immature and handled certain things in an immature way. There are things that came up I would handle much better and in a more mature manner now.”
Inman has had some looks and tryouts with NBA clubs. He does agree that for someone of his ability it is a right place, right time situation. If a team needs what you can provide your chances of getting a contract are much more favorable. His playing days have taken him overseas, to the Middle East, Europe, Japan and South America. “I love it,” he says of the international experience. “You get to see different cultures, different styles of basketball, but in the end you appreciate what we have here in America.”
During those various overseas travels, Inman would jot down thoughts and ideas each night. He decided to take those notes and put them into a book. After searching online for some publishing options, one thing led to another and soon was an author with a book put into print. And it is a book sending a meaningful message.
When he is back home, Inman lends a hand at Hoop Heaven providing instruction, coaching teams and working clinics. He is giving back to the game and young players thirsting to learn and improve. He makes a point of going beyond the fundamentals to teach them other concepts that will be valuable during and after their basketball playing days.
Inman hopes his book, which should be informative for fans as well as players, provides more than just his insights. He plans for it to be a primer and/or inspiration to younger players. He is currently making the signing stops at book stores, college campuses and speaking to school groups. It’s not just about the book, but about his message of getting what you can from the game during your playing days and having a plan when the final buzzer sounds on your career.
Inman’s career on the court is still in progress. Another international assignment is soon forthcoming. His career in basketball is also rooted in teaching the game and its lessons and how to adjust to various situations. Through When the air comes out of the ball, Inman hopes those valuable lessons are driven home and made available to an even bigger audience.
