Tiger in a Lion's Den: Adventures in Lsu Basketball

This unusual sports book is less about Brown's 22 years as head basketball coach at Louisiana State than about his philosohy of life. Assisted by Yaeger (Under the Tarnished Dome), he expounds that being an undeviatingly straight arrow is the only way to find self-esteem. He developed this attitude as a youth whose father deserted his mother two days before he was born, their third child and only son. That attitude was strengthened as the family lived on welfare in North Dakota, and Brown worked his way through college. In his career, he has lambasted the NCAA, referees intimidated by big-name coaches, and the media, which he criticizes for its ``negativism, sensationalism, and cynicism.'' These stances, plus his quick temper, have engendered controversy, but in this candid, highly readable autobiography, Brown is unrepentant. Photos not seen by PW. (Oct.)