An image of Wooden in 1932 from his college playing days at Purdue University.
His father passed on to him 7 principles to success. He followed those principles and shared them with others. They applied to basketball, but more importantly they applied to life. Success can be determined in many different ways, but the outer qualities, accolades and possessions only go so far. The inner qualities, character, integrity and honor are all that matters in the end. They can never be taken and you have more to gain when you share them with others.
7-Point Creed
* Be true to yourself.
* Make each day your masterpiece.
* Help others.
* Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible.
* Make friendship a fine art.
* Build a shelter against a rainy day.
* Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day.
Wooden was a man faith. His faith and values are what made him who he is. It was made him successful, but it was also what made others so receptive to the wisdom that he had to bestow upon them.
"I have always tried to make it clear that basketball is not the ultimate. It is of small importance in comparison to the total life we live. There is only one kind of life that truly wins, and that is the one that places faith in the hands of the Savior
Before going to bed every night, he would say this prayer:
The years have left their imprint — on my hands and on my face — erect no longer is my walk and slower is my pace. But there is no fear within my heart because I am growing old; I only wish I had more time to better serve my Lord. When I’ve gone to him in prayer he has brought me inner peace, and soon my cares and worries and other problems cease. He’s helped me in so many ways, he’s never let me down, why should I fear the future when soon I could be near his ground. Though I know down here my time is short, there is endless time up there and he will forgive and keep me forever in his love and care.
Wooden with Mike Lynn, Lucius Allen, Mike Warren & Lew Alcindor (AKA Kareem Abdul-Jabbar).
"Talent is God – given. Be humble. Fame is man - given. Be grateful. Conceit is self - given. Be careful."
Wooden with future Hall of Fame pupil, "The Big Redhead' Bill Walton
10 National Championships in total throughout his 27 year coaching career with the UCLA Bruins.
7 consecutive National Championships between the years of 1967-1973.
Record 88 consecutive game winning streak.
4 consecutive 30-0 seasons.
Coaching Record at UCLA: 620-147.
Overall Coaching Record: 664-162.
The Bruins have lost the man that is the foundation of their basketball legacy. The sport as a whole has lost one of its greatest and purest minds. The world has lost an incredible human being. Coach, you are gone, but never forgotten.
Enjoy eternal peace.
