John Wooden

John Wooden, UCLA's iconic coach, revolutionized basketball with 10 NCAA titles, shaping the sport through his "Pyramid of Success" principles.

Basketball Coach

October 14, 1910

June 04, 2010

99

John Wooden, born in 1910 and raised on a farm in Indiana, was a renowned basketball coach who achieved remarkable success at both the high school and collegiate levels. He began his coaching career at Dayton High School in Kentucky, leading the team to two state championships. In 1948, he moved to UCLA, where he transformed the basketball program into a powerhouse.

Over the course of 27 seasons at UCLA, Wooden’s teams won an astonishing 10 NCAA championships, including an unprecedented seven consecutive titles from 1967 to 1973. His teams also set a record by winning 88 consecutive games from 1971 to 1974. Wooden’s coaching prowess earned him numerous accolades, including seven NCAA Coach of the Year awards and four Naismith College Coach of the Year honors.

Beyond his coaching achievements, Wooden was known for his emphasis on character, integrity, and teamwork. He instilled these values in his players, helping them not only excel on the court but also become well-rounded individuals. His teachings extended beyond basketball, as he often used parables and anecdotes to impart life lessons to his players.

Wooden’s legacy extends far beyond his coaching career. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1973 and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2003. The John R. Wooden Award, given annually to the most outstanding college basketball player, stands as a testament to his enduring impact on the sport.

John Wooden passed away in 2010 at the age of 99, leaving behind an indelible mark on basketball and a lasting legacy as one of the greatest coaches and leaders of all time.