THE WIZARD OF WESTWOOD: All that needs be said about the late John Wooden is that America has never seen a better coach in any sport. Ten national championships in twenty-seven years of coaching at UCLA, including six straight -- and an eighty-eight game winning streak which has never been approached in men's college basketball. “Success is peace of mind," Wooden wrote, "Which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.”
Wooden built the Pyramid of Success, and assuredly sits at its apex. He was 99.
A modest guy, an amazing coach. I thought he was immortal.
ReplyDeleteThe greatest single positive influence in the history of sports. If the arrogant sports figures of today would have read and understood the pyramid of success perhaps they to would have a positive affect upon those that look up to them.
ReplyDeleteJohn Wooden should always be the standard for which others gauge success.
Did Walton and Alcindor sign with him because he was a great coach or did Wooden win six straight because Walton and Alcindor signed with him. (I honestly don't know. I'd like to hear opinions.)
ReplyDeleteDitto Phil Jackson: Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe/Gasol
He's often said his greatest ability as a coach was patience, which allowed him to teach indivdually as well as in the collective. This makes sense when you consider that he did not in a national championship until his 17th year at UCLA, when he was 53 years old. In this day and age of ESPN and TMZ-ing of sports, we will never see another John Wooden, because he don't have the patience to wait 17 years for a title. Let alone keep a coach at a major progrma older than 40.
ReplyDeleteGeez my mind isn't working today -- let me repost with grammar corrected:
ReplyDeleteHe's often said his greatest ability as a coach was patience, which allowed him to teach indivdually as well as in the collective. This makes sense when you consider that he did not win a national championship until his 17th year at UCLA, when he was 53 years old. In this day and age of ESPN and TMZ-ing of sports, we will never see another John Wooden, because we don't have the patience to wait 17 years for a title. Let alone keep a coach at a major program older than 40.
Wooden won without Walton or Alcindor. There is no question that they were main ingrediants but if you go through the run you will see he won with big teams and little teams. He beat teams with bigger players than either Walton or Alcindor.
ReplyDeleteThrough the years Mr. Wooden had players like Goodrich, Hazard, Meyers, Washington, Wicks, Rowe, Johnson, Erickson, Trgovich, Holyfield, Wilkes just to name a few. They all contributed. All went on to the NBA and were successful. The most important thing is that all of them were successful in life long after their playing carees ended.
Your question is valid. We all have our opinions and are entitled to them. I happen to believe that Coach Wooden transcended sports. His records are wonderful and deserving but his accomplishments off the court were amazing and remarkable.