Basket Case: The Frenetic Life of Michigan Coach Bill Frieder

The life of University of Michigan basketball coach Frieder may be hectic, but as treated in this autobiography, written with one-time Ann Arbor News columnist Mortimer, it makes for very bland and conventional reading. Frieder followed the customary steps to his head coaching job, starting in high school and advancing up the ladder, the only unusual feature being that he didn't stand out as a high school player himself. He recalls his assistant coaches, good fellows all; his players, talented and dedicated; Michigan's recruiting program, always honest and above-board; the media, with few exceptions fair and decent; and Indiana coach Bobby Knight, whom he doesn't like. The book may sell well in Big Ten country, but is unlikely to rouse interest elsewhere. Photos not seen by PW. (Dec.)