The Squared Circle — James W. Bennett

Sonny lives for basketball, and if he's not careful, he might die for it...
Sonny Youngblood stands in the darkened fraternity house, a pledge bracing for another round of hazing. As he watches his fellow freshmen endure humiliation, Sonny's mind is elsewhere. He's not thinking about school, or women, or the relief that will come when the hazing is through. In his mind, Sonny is on the basketball court -- the only place where things have ever made sense. A high school all-American, Sonny was talented enough to win a scholarship to play for the legendary program at Southern Illinois University. But when the season starts, he will learn this legend is built on lies. Beyond the glare of the courtside lights lies a corrupt administration that treats its unpaid athletes like cattle. All Sonny wants to do is play, but he's getting played instead.