The Force

In the right hands, star center David Robinson of the San Antonio Spurs could be the subject of a fascinating biography: He's a spectacular player with an unusual history of late-blooming athletic talent, a college career at the U.S. Naval Academy and interests ranging from mathematics to music. Unfortunately, Savage ( The Encyclopedia of the NCAA Basketball Tournament ) offers a pedestrian compilation of Robinson's games and activities, without insight, flair or, it seems, access to his subject. Savage writes in a chatty style, ostensibly offering Robinson's private thoughts, but many quotes have been recycled from old newspaper stories. Die-hard fans may enjoy Savage's retelling of Robinson's decision to stay at the Naval Academy rather than transfer, San Antonio's decision to draft him and the controversy over whether Robinson would fulfill the Navy's postgraduate service requirement. However, the author hardly penetrates past the sports page, telling us too little about Robinson's upbringing as a black in mostly white areas, and neglecting to describe his reaction to his growing fame. (Apr.)