"The NBA doesn't own all the best basketball stories..." - SLAM Magazine
"A story so...otherworldly that it absolutely needs to be told. Brandon Sneed does a masterful job. A must-read." - Jeff Pearlman
Barton College’s run to its first and only national championship appearance in the 2007 NCAA Division II basketball tournament epitomized the meaning of March Madness. And when the Bulldogs took on undefeated defending national champion Winona State University in the finals, they were the ultimate underdogs, too small in every way. Predictably, they trailed by 7 with 45 seconds left, and the game was all but Winona’s.
Then hometown hero Anthony “Ant” Atkinson led perhaps the greatest comeback in all of college basketball championship history, and Barton went from ordinary Division II unknown to the most celebrated team of the year.
That game was the phenomenal culmination of Ant’s heart-wrenching saga. From age six, Ant lived for two things: a future in basketball, and to see the face of God. Along the way, he became an electrifying talent, proven in battle against the likes of Chris Paul and Rajon Rondo, but his life didn’t play out like those future NBA superstars, like everyone thought it would.
His journey demanded great sacrifice, over time claiming his tears, his blood, and ultimately, his dreams.
This is author Brandon Sneed's first book. Read more about him and why he chose Ant's story here.
Advance Praise for The Edge of Legend
"Within the hidden world of Division II basketball, there is a story so fantastic ... so otherworldly that it absolutely needs to be told. Here, in The Edge of Legend, lies the raw, gritty heart of the game. Brandon Sneed does a masterful job. A must-read." - Jeff Pearlman (New York Times bestselling sports biographer and columnist for SportsIllustrated.com)
"The story of Anthony Atkinson is like so many great American stories: Unlikely, inspiring and sadly untold. But no longer. Brandon Sneed gives Anthony's story the care and platform it deserves." - Will Leitch, author of Are We Winning? and God Save The Fan
“...no one will ever deny that Anthony Atkinson was the key ingredient, the not-so-secret formula, behind one of the greatest comebacks, and the greatest upsets, of all time. This is his story, and Brandon Sneed tells it so very well, from the heart, from humble beginnings, to the triumphant climax that is indeed The Edge of Legend.” - Russell Rawlings, former Wilson Times sportswriter and author of Cyclone Country
"There are great stories about the human spirit. There are even faith defining stories. Most of the ones we get to hear about are already famous for their stories. However, The Edge of Legend is a book about one human spirit whose faith defines the story and changes the origin of the reader’s view from passive to active. Brandon has successfully penned...one of those books that should be passed down from generation to generation, to fuel if not define how one should live, work and worship." - Zach Richards, Christian Book Reviewer (twitter.com/zrichards)
Additional praise for The Edge of Legend
"Most sports books only touch upon the sport itself. Very few capture the heart and life of the athlete. 'The Edge of Legend' is the rare tale that deals with the deeper issues behind the events we see unfold in the stadium or on ESPN. Can't encourage those who love sports to check it out enough. Trust me...you won't be disappointed." - Tony Ripa, staff writer, Port City Community Church, Wilmington, NC"Sensational book and story. I could not put it down. Whenever I had free time, I was reading it, and finished it very quickly. One of those books that causes you to feel so many emotions. There were so many great lessons in Edge of Legend--faith, teamwork, leadership, serving others, blessing others, the impact a coach has on a player, the impact parents have in raising their kids, overcoming adversity, generosity, and more ... This book impacted me in so many ways. I highlighted it, took notes, etc. I will go back and read this periodically as there are so many lessons/principles to apply to my life. I could relate to Senior pushing and encouraging Ant as my father did the same thing to me as a kid. Very inspirational and very moving. I will be highly recommending or better yet purchasing and giving the books to my friends and family. Thanks for the time you spent to make this happen and to share this story. It was refreshing and motivating. Proverbs 11:25 says, "A generous man will prosper, he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Keep using your gift and keep refreshing others. Incredible book!" - Webb Tyndall, Greenville, NC
"Thought the book was great! Couldn't put it down. Someone might say this is a great story, which it is, but the way you've told it brings out many, many different stories and they were all full of great life lessons. Caught myself laughing out loud at times and two pages later, I had to stop to wipe the tears and blow my nose! Well done." - Brad Thomas, Wilson, NC