Sooley by John Grisham

"Sooley", the story of a young basketball player from Sudan, is an inspiring tale of a young man from a war-torn area of the world.
He wins a place on a team coming to America, makes an impression on a coach, and ends up on a scholarship to a small black college. It changes his life. During his time at the school, his country's unrest continues and he must face the challenge that causes. Luckily, not only his height but his basketball talent grows and opportunities present themselves.