The former WVU basketball star is taking his talents off the hardwood and into the world of publishing. Miles ‘Deuce’ McBride published his first children’s book, “Deuce: A Champion of Friendship.” The New York Knicks guard has dreamed of writing a children’s book and wants to pass on the lessons he learned playing the game of basketball. Read more: Miles ‘Deuce’ McBride Releases Children’s Book.
Miles ‘Deuce’ McBride Releases Children’s Book
“Deuce: A Champion of Friendship” was released on June 12, 2025, and is available on Amazon for $17. It is designed for children aged 7-11 and guides how to behave and do what is right.
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McBride was on the Today Show on July 14 to promote his new book. When asked why he wrote the book, McBride delivered a powerful message of inspiration to young kids.
As I build my legacy off the court, I’m proud to announce my first children’s book! Deuce: The Champion of Friendship is available now on Amazon. Get yours now! 📚 pic.twitter.com/06xH44Bbdv
— M11es McBride (@deucemcb11) June 18, 2025
“I’ve always wanted to be a role model to the kids, and really inspire positivity and change. Anything they put their minds to, they can do,” McBride said on the Today Show.
Learning About Fatherhood and Starting a Family
McBride and his girlfriend, Ana Zortea, welcomed their first daughter, Ace, days before announcing the book on social media. He and his girlfriend have not gotten much sleep since the birth of their daughter, but McBride planned and finished the book before Ace was born.
His girlfriend, Ana, joined ‘Deuce’ on the Today Show. She said he changes more diapers than she does. He is a testament to his goal of being a role model for young kids, and he showed that same character during his time in Morgantown.
Life At WVU and After
McBride played two seasons at WVU and led the Mountaineers to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, but came up short against Syracuse. He played under head coach Bob Huggins in both seasons and impressed the former head coach both on and off the court. Huggins praised his work ethic and talent on the court.
McBride was a two-sport athlete in college, competing in basketball and serving as the quarterback of the football team. He suffered a season-ending foot injury during his junior football season and opted to focus solely on basketball in his senior season. The likes of Cincinnati, Western Michigan, Ole Miss, Kentucky, Michigan State, and Michigan recruited McBride to play football, but he opted to play basketball at WVU under Huggins.
He brought his hard-nosed mentality to Morgantown, which Huggins loved. Huggins has always coached players hard, but McBride embraced it. That is a big reason why Huggins adored him, and he is the player he is today with the New York Knicks.
Description of the Book
“Deuce: The Champion of Friendship” is an action-packed story about friendship and courage. It is also an inspiring story about doing what is right. It centers around best friends Deuce and Lily, who play basketball at the local park. Ravi, a shy new kid who did not feel like he belonged, entered the fold and changed everything. Deuce must choose between winning with the popular team or standing up for a new friend.
The book is perfect for young readers and young athletes, or any child who feels like an outsider. It is a tribute to friendship and standing together, while putting winning aside. It features powerful themes of inclusion and teamwork, and that life is more than playing the game of basketball.
