Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Walk-On Warrior is my first book. I went back and forth on parts of this book for 13 years before really buckling down the past two years. Readers will see my perspective change throughout the book, and that was intentional, as I was writing parts as a much more mature adult and others as a college kid. I’m extremely proud of this book because I didn’t want to produce a recap of life’s events or a generic overview of what happened. I wanted to take readers into the story and have them feel and experience what I did. I hope folks appreciate the authenticity and sincerity.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is Walk-On Warrior. My inspiration began when I started playing basketball at Marquette in 2004. I was experiencing things that I never thought were possible, and I wanted to remember them. More importantly, I wanted to be able to accurately tell my kids some day what it was really like to play Division 1 college basketball. The book itself started to bloom as my college basketball experience turned out to be the springboard to many more unique basketball experiences, such as working for former Utah coach, Rick Majerus, or assisting the Milwaukee Bucks in public relations.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love reading a variety of genres. Specific to this project, though, I was inspired by Andre Agassi’s book, “Open.” The raw, sincere way that the story was told really appealed to me, and I wanted to take my readers on a similar, authentic journey. I hope Walk-On Warrior inspires people. I was born and raised in a small town in Wisconsin, which has never historically been a hotbed for basketball talent. And yet, I grew up surrounded by role models that allowed me to see myself at basketball’s highest level. For young people with big dreams, I hope they’re motivated by the hard work and dedication that allowed me to succeed. For all readers, the book was written to challenge our perspectives on toughness and fear and ultimately remind us of what’s possible. On the flip side, this is a non-fiction story based on real people and events, and folks will recognize a lot of names from the NBA and NFL. I hope readers enjoy the stories, the personalities, and the inside look at college basketball.
Author Websites and Profiles
John Willkom Amazon Profile
John Willkom’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account