A chronological account of the socialization experiences of college basketball players from their recruitment and entry into university through the termination of their college playing careers is presented in this book. After a prologue which describes the methodological techniques used in the 10-year study, chapter 1 presents an overview of the study, discussing the theoretical approach, research setting and subjects. Chapter 2 discusses the athletic backgrounds, recruitment experiences and role expectations of the college athletes studied. Chapter 3 addresses the college athelete's athletic role including the introduction to college level basketball, training into University ball playing, and interactions with fans, media and boosters. Chapter 4 focuses on the athelete's social role and contrasts social expectations with the social realities encountered. Chapter 5 covers the player's academic role, including classroom disappointments and relationships with professors and other students; chapter 6 discusses the socio-psychological effects of the athelete's expanded athletic role; chapter 7 discusses how athletes resolve the role conflicts they encounter; chapter 8 examines how athletes deal with the termination of their athletic participation and identity. Chapter 9 concludes the book with an overview of the changes observed in athletes' selves and the implication of these changes. Extensive chapter notes and 240 references are included. (LPT)