Legendary PC Friar Ernie DiGregorio Releases New Book, “Star With a Broken Heart”
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Ernie DiGregorio's new book scheduled to be available online next week PHOTO: Courtesy of John Celona
Imagine the NIL money Ernie D. would make if he were a Friar today.
His half-court behind-the-back passes have tens of thousands of views on YouTube. They are 50 years old — today they would be viral on TikTok within seconds.
Ernie D. was a basketball wizard and a showman.
BUY THE BOOK HERE
He was that undersized high school star from North Providence who went from playing in sleepy Rhode Island high school gyms to being the rookie of the year in the NBA.
Along the way, he and another Rhode Island basketball phenom, Marvin Barnes, led Providence College to the Final Four.
But those are the legendary headlines — Ernie D’s new book “Star with a Broken Heart” goes deeper, he says.
The book explores the relationship between him, Barnes, and their legendary Providence College coach, Dave Gavitt. Maybe no one has had as big an impact on college basketball as Gavitt who helped to create the Big East and establish the mega-TV contracts with cable TV.
“This is a human story. It’s unique. We’ve got some people who are very interesting. It’s all about our personal experiences on and off the court, three different people who came from Rhode Island and came together,” said DiGregorio in an interview with GoLocal.
“It’s also a sad story, they were my family. I was fortunate to have a great coach in Dave Gaviitt. When they [Gavitt and Barnes] died, I lost my basketball family," said DiGregorio. "It’s really a book written to be a movie.”
For Ernie D., the storied NBA career was cut short — just five years — due to a knee injury.
Book is Rolling Out for the Holidays
“I’m excited. It’s going well. We’ve got a lot going on with PC being my partner. We’re setting up signings, and doing a podcast to alums — we’ve got a website with Barnes & Noble that will be up next Monday,” said DiGregorio.
For DiGregorio, the book marks his latest literary effort.
“I wrote my first book with Jimmy Walker; I also wrote a children’s book,” said DiGregorio.
Walker, of course, is the late PC star who was the number one pick in the NBA draft by the Detroit Pistons in 1967. In his senior year at PC, Walker averaged 30 points per game. He was a two-time NBA All-Star and died in 2007. Walker's son is a former "Fab Five" member, NBA star, and ESPN announcer Jalen Rose.
Rose and Walker never met.
Ernie D on Current Friars -- and NIL
"I think they’re doing great," said DiGregorio of the current Friars team. "Being a former player, you can see when the team believes in someone and plays for their coach. They have a lot of respect for Kim [English] — they’re playing really well."
As far as NIL, he offered the following.
"I personally don't think it’s good for the game; it’s going to get out whack - the big schools with the money can buy the players, but that doesn’t guarantee wins. It’s become like a pro game," he said.
When asked who would have gotten more NIL money, him or Barnes, DiGregorio did not skip a beat.
"Me," he laughed. "Whatever I had, Marvin wanted. If I got 20 points, he got 20 points. If I got a new car, he got a new car."
"Marvin.. he was a dear friend," he said.
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