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I am a lifelong Minnesota Timberwolves superfan. (Well, not MY entire life, as I am older than the Timberwolves franchise itself.) But I’ve been a Wolve nut since the KG days. I continued my love through the lean years (love ‘ya Ricky Rubio!) So when I saw there was an Anthony Edwards book coming out, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it! Ant: The Incredible Journey of NBA Rising Star Anthony Edwards promised an inside look at my favorite player on my favorite team. And Timberwolves beat reporter Chris Hine delivered.
I’ve always admired Anthony Edwards for more than just his game. Sure, he’s a scoring machine and highlight-reel regular, but what really stands out is how beloved he is by his teammates and coaches. (NOT always beloved by referees, but that’s another story.) Despite his young age, he’s already a clear leader on the Timberwolves. Always hyping up his teammates in interviews and bringing energy to every moment. His charisma, confidence, and heart made me want to learn more about the person behind the rising-star label. Chris Hine gave me that chance.
My Ant Book Review
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Thank you, HarperCollins and Chris Hine for providing this book for review via NetGalley! All the stuff I say here is MY opinion. I mean, of course it is, but I feel like I should say it here anyway.
Ant Book Summary
This biography charts the full arc of Anthony Edwards’s life so far — from his childhood in Atlanta to his current role as the face of the Minnesota Timberwolves. One of the most defining and heartbreaking moments in Ant’s story came at just 14 years old, when he lost both his mother and grandmother to cancer within months of each other. That kind of tragedy could have derailed any teenager, but Edwards was surrounded by a network of family and close friends who helped him stay focused — on school, on basketball, and on building a better future.
The book follows his rise through high school, his one-and-done freshman year at the University of Georgia, and his eventual selection as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. From there, it explores his early struggles and growing leadership as a Timberwolf, capturing the evolution of a young man learning to navigate life in the spotlight.
Although Edwards gave his full blessing for family, coaches, and friends to contribute, he chose not to participate directly in the book. So while it’s rich with stories about Ant from those who know him best, you won’t find quotes or commentary from Ant himself. Regardless, author Chris Hine delivers a well-rounded, deeply human look at one of the NBA’s most electrifying rising stars.
Who is the author, Chris Hine?
Chris Hine is an accomplished sports journalist, currently serving as the Minnesota Timberwolves beat reporter for the Star Tribune. Before this role, he worked as the sports analytics reporter at the Star Tribune and spent eight years covering college sports and the Chicago Blackhawks for the Chicago Tribune. A 2009 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Hine has a passion for music, being an amateur piano player and songwriter with a particular fondness for Carole King’s work. He also mentions his admiration for Mariah Carey frequently, which 14-year-old me definitely appreciates.
In March 2016, Hine publicly came out as gay in a Chicago Tribune column addressing the NFL’s approach to players’ sexual orientations. He shared his personal journey, detailing the years it took to accept and openly discuss his sexuality. His openness has contributed to discussions on inclusivity in sports journalism. In recognition of his influence, Hine was named one of the 100 most influential LGBTQ+ people in sports by Outsports in 2023.
Now onto the rating! Anthony Edwards Book Review:
Overall Book Awesomeness Score: 5/5
5 stars. Am I biased? Yes. I am a Minnesota Timberwolves AND Anthony Edwards superfan. I’ve also followed Chris Hine for years, as he delivers news and nuggets about my favorite team. This book gave me everything I wanted: the ups, the downs, the grit, the charm, and the charisma behind one of the NBA’s most electrifying young stars.
Things I liked:
- My favorite player
- My favorite NBA team
- My favorite sport
Things I didn’t like:
- I was hoping for more direct involvement from Ant himself — quotes, personal anecdotes, behind-the-scenes stories, or insight into his mindset. While he gave his blessing for others to participate, he chose not to be directly involved in the book.
Are you an “Ant” fan? Or, do you have any basketball biographies to recommend? Share them in the comments below! Timberwolves trashing not allowed. Or at least not recommended.
Scott Johnson is a Midwestern humorist, author of Essays Out of Left Field, and the mind behind scottjohnsonauthor.com. He’s also a husband, dad of three, and Data Systems Administrator (whatever that is). Scott is on a mission to find and read all the funny books. He shares his thoughts on those books, author life, and other delightful randomness with his readers on his website.
