The Wizard of Westwood

 “Just Thinking"

When you think of historic basketball coaches, several legendary names immediately come to mind. Phil Jackson, with his 11 NBA championships, Pat Riley’s five NBA titles, Red Auerbach set the standard, capturing nine NBA championships, Coach Norman Dale, Hoosiers. Coach K with five national championships and three Olympic gold medals, Bobby Knight’s three national titles and a 29 year run at Indiana. Dean Smith, Coach Carter and Jimmy Valvano, “Don’t give up… don’t ever give up.”

The list goes on, and many notable figures could be added, but when I think of the truly iconic basketball coach, one name stands above the rest, John Wooden, the “Wizard of Westwood.” On June 4, 2010, Wooden passed away at the age of 99, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy. He was not only revered for his unparalleled success, leading UCLA to 10 national championships, but also for the timeless coaching philosophy and values he instilled in his players and the game itself.

Woodend was born in Hall, Indiana, he was an outstanding basketball player before becoming a coach. He played college ball at Purdue where he was a 3 time All American Guard. He started his coaching career at the high school level and later coached at Indiana State before taking the head coaching position at UCLA in 1948. At UCLA Wooden achieved historic success, leading the Bruins to 10 NCAA national championships in just 12 years, this included an unprecedented seven consecutive titles from 1967 to 1973. His 1975 team finished a perfect 30–0, and his programs became synonymous with discipline, teamwork, and excellence.

Beyond his championship record, Wooden was renowned for his “Pyramid of Success,” a framework that emphasized personal growth, character, and preparation over simply winning. He believed that success was defined as peace of mind attained only through self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable.

Below is Wooden’s Seven Point Creed, it was given to him by his father and became a guiding philosophy throughout his life:

1.      Be true to yourself.

2.    Help others.

3.     Make each day your masterpiece.

4.    Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible.

5.    Make friendship a fine art.

6.    Build a shelter against a rainy day.

7.     Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day.

This creed played a major role in shaping Wooden’s character, coaching style, and the values he passed on to his players.

Wooden retired from coaching in 1975 and remained an influential figure through his writings, speeches, and mentorship. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame both as a player and as a coach—one of the few individuals to receive both honors.

I remember hearing this story for many years and it is a testament to who Coach Wooden was. Coach Wooden had strict team rules, including grooming standards (no long hair or beards). Bill Walton, one of his best players, challenged that rule by showing up for the season with long hair and a beard, claiming that it was his personal right. Coach Wooden responded calmly, Bill, I respect your right to feel that way… but we’re going to miss you.”

Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar, who Coach Wooden continued to call Lew Alcindor, which was his name while he played at UCLA, said of his coach; “Coach Wooden taught me that sports wasn’t just about making us better athletes, but about making us better people. Compassion, kindness, and morality were more important than a championship season.”

I loved the story about how Coach Wooden would start the first practice of every season, Coach Wooden would take time to teach his players how to properly put on their socks and tie their shoes. It seems trivial, but it reflected a much deeper principle. He explained that properly fitted socks and properly tied shoes helped to prevent injuries and sideline a player. He also believed that small fundamentals matter. If players overlooked simple things, they would likely overlook bigger ones.

A couple of great Coach Wooden Quotes;

• Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

• Be quick, but don’t hurry.

• It’s amazing how much can be accomplished if no one cares who gets the credit.

• Be more concerned with your character than your reputation.

Let me know what you think.

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