Dane's an author, too

He can thread passes through microscopic openings to produce layups for his teammates. He can rebound at 6-feet-4 against guys half-a-foot taller. He can break down a defense despite a lack of exceptional quickness.

Now, it turns out that former University of Tennessee basketball player Dane Bradshaw is even more versatile than we thought. He also can write.

Bradshaw, the Vols' starting power forward the past two seasons, has written a book entitled “Vertical Leap.” It will be available at $19.95 per copy throughout the state on May 29. Tennessee Valley Publishing calls it “an insider’s look at the rise of Tennessee basketball” and “a must-read for collegiate basketball fans.”

It seems Bradshaw kept a journal during the 2006-07 season, making detailed notes on UT's early morning workouts, road trips, his assorted injuries and some inside information his publisher refers to as “locker-room banter.”

“Vertical Leap,” which features a foreword by UT head man Bruce Pearl, breaks down the 2006-07 season into three groupings: Preseason Preparation, Season Play and Post Season Play.

The book's 232 pages include 32 pages of full-color photographs. Autographed copies will be available online at www.tvp1.com.

Those wishing to contact Dane for interviews, book signings and/or speaking engagements may do so by calling Tennessee Valley Publishing at [phone].