John Wooden, RIP

[dukeballer2294]

Ive heard on the internet that Wooden is in his last hours. Just like to say that although ima UCLA hater, he was a great ambassador for the game, a great human being, and will be truly missed. R.I.P.

[Dukefan4Life]

Wow that"s sad news! The man is a legend.

[Verga3]

Rick Reilly has gotten to know Coach Wooden over the years and given us a couple of priceless interviews. Get tissues out for the video. God bless you Coach.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?section=magazine&id=3669154

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFbZckxrTTQ

[-jk]

Photo retro from the Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/gallery/2010/06/03/GA2010060304369.html).

-jk

[Big Pappa]

FoxNews reporting online 16 minutes ago:

"UCLA men's basketball coaching legend John Wooden is in grave condition at a California hospital, MyFoxLA.com reports.

The Fox affiliate reports the 99-year-old Wooden had not eaten in a couple of days. UCLA has yet to confirm the report."

It will be a tragic loss for college basketball, as well as man-kind IMO. Not only was he a great coach, he was a great man. My favorite John Wooden quote:

"Material possessions, winning scores, and great reputations are meaningless in the eyes of the Lord, because He knows what we really are and that is all that matters."

[Lord Ash]

According to Seth Davis, he has passed... although now I wonder if I am mis-reading it?

http://twitter.com/SETHDAVISHOOPS

[strawbs]

According to Seth Davis, he has passed... although now I wonder if I am mis-reading it?

http://twitter.com/SETHDAVISHOOPS

i think he's just assuming that he is about to pass, and that he hasn't already died.
Either way it's sad, he is/was a great ambassador to the game.

[DukieBoy]

I never really looked into Wooden, but obviously heard all about his stories and dominance. If he passes, it'll be a tough loss for all of NCAAB and especially for UCLA. I'll miss him at the sidelines of UCLA games

[Atlanta Duke]

As for his legacy, obviously there are all the consecutive championships. But I've heard many say (incl. ex players) that the program wasn't exactly clean, by modern standards. Perhaps a different standard applied then? (e.g., paying players in cash or in kind, extra benefits etc). It's all hearsay to me ... except that which I heard B. Walton mention.

"Modern standards" being those set by John Calipari and Jim Calhoun? :)

John Feinstein wrote a nice piece about the respect Coach Wooden had from the basketball community following his retirement

In 1984 I was hanging around late one night in the lobby of the coaches hotel at The Final Four in Seattle. I had seen Coach Wooden in the lobby a little earlier with his wife Nell. She was in a wheelchair, terminally ill and had come to the Final Four, essentially, to say goodbye to old friends. Everyone in basketball knew how sick she was.

Late in the evening, the Woodens said good night to the group they had been talking to and Coach Wooden starting pushing his wife's wheelchair across the lobby in the direction of the elevators. I have no idea who started it--but someone began to clap. People looked up from what they were doing and the applause began to build. By the time the Woodens had reached the elevator, everyone in the packed lobby was standing and clapping. It was one of the most moving things I've ever seen because it was so spontaneous and so genuine and so warm.

http://www.feinsteinonthebrink.com/index.php?categories=Coach%20Wooden

[moonpie23]

we are all diminished... :(

[ChicagoCrazy84]

...

As I said in my above post, all I have heard about Wooden was that he is a great human being.


That is the most important thing. His legacy IMO goes far beyond the basketball court (or bench). His wisdom and humility really is inspiring. He is or was the type of man that I could sit down and listen to for hours on end. I and the rest of the country will miss John Wooden and what some people may say about their program back in those days is water under the bridge.

[MisterRoddy]

My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family. He was a great coach and he will certainly be missed.

[SCMatt33]

My thoughts go out to the Wooden family. I must say that until we hear otherwise, we should talk in the present tense about him. He's 99 years old, and has made it through many medical issues before. He is probably one of the most amazing men ever to walk the earth. I'm not sure that I have ever heard or read anything negative about John Wooden. There are very few people in the world about whom you can say that, especially given the competitive nature of his profession. I really hope that the reports are exaggerated and that he pulls through, and the world does not a great man on this night.

[Osiagledknarf]

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Wooden Family. What a powerful man who was the greatest coach in college basketball history and was the defination of excellence in every since of the word. He made this game what it is today.

RIP.

[oldnavy]

FoxNews reporting online 16 minutes ago:

"UCLA men's basketball coaching legend John Wooden is in grave condition at a California hospital, MyFoxLA.com reports.

The Fox affiliate reports the 99-year-old Wooden had not eaten in a couple of days. UCLA has yet to confirm the report."

It will be a tragic loss for college basketball, as well as man-kind IMO. Not only was he a great coach, he was a great man. My favorite John Wooden quote:

"Material possessions, winning scores, and great reputations are meaningless in the eyes of the Lord, because He knows what we really are and that is all that matters."

He is a very wise man, and Big Papa so are you for holding this truth close. When Coach Wooden passes, he is going to a much, much better place. We will miss Coach Wooden but the party is just starting for him. God Bless.

[cf-62]

This is a huge loss for humankind. For you younger guys, if all you know is that he won 10 championships in a row, then you don't know John Wooden.

His "coach quotes" are priceless, and apply to life even better than basketball. Buy your self a Wooden Pyramid of Power book -- and see if you don't perform better at school - or at your job.

I know from several LA friends that 5 minutes spent with Coach Wooden was as uplifting and inspiring as the best pastor / priest / rabbi. The man is, simply put, an American treasure and will be sorely missed when he is gone.

[RPS]

This is a huge loss for humankind. For you younger guys, if all you know is that he won 10 championships in a row, then you don't know John Wooden.If you have had the privilege of talking with his former players about him, as I have, you would appreciate him all the more. If Coach dies, look for some examples on TV and in the press (and expect a lot of Bill Walton). Also, don't forget, he's the only member of the basketball Hall of Fame to be inducted both as a coach and as a player.

[4decadedukie]

Coach Wooden is a wonderful human being, a great coach, and a leader-role model to athletes and to the world in general. My most heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and all who love him.

[SCMatt33]

So that latest word that all of the major sites are carrying is that Wooden is "resting comfortably" after originally being admitted for dehydration about 10 days ago. Does anyone have anything more specific. "Resting comfortably" is pretty vague. It could either be really good news or really bad news, but I have no idea which one it is here. One can only hope and pray that it is the good kind of resting comfortably.
On another note, I must say that it is a great testament to the Wooden family and UCLA to keep this matter private for over a week. Given Wooden's age and stature, I wouldn't have been surprised to see news on him if he got within 10 feet of an ambulance, but that wasn't the case. I'm really happy to see that privacy still exists somewhere in the world.

[jimsumner]

I suspect "resting comfortably" doesn't mean the same thing for a 99-year-old patient who reportedly has stopped eating that it does for most patients.

[SCMatt33]

I suspect "resting comfortably" doesn't mean the same thing for a 99-year-old patient who reportedly has stopped eating that it does for most patients.

I know, that's why I suspect that it's the bad kind, but one can hope.

[barjwr]

Also, don't forget, he's the only member of the basketball Hall of Fame to be inducted both as a coach and as a player.

Actually, he's one of three; the other two are Bill Sharman and Lenny Wilkens.

[SCMatt33]

Actually, he's one of three; the other two are Bill Sharman and Lenny Wilkens.

He was the first, however, which is probably what the original post meant, since at one point, he was the only one.

[RPS]

Actually, he's one of three; the other two are Bill Sharman and Lenny Wilkens.You are correct. As Matt points out (in the post after yours), I should have called Coach Wooden the first to be inducted both as a player and a coach.

[BD80]

RIP

BREAKING NEWS Per CBSSPORTS


UCLA legendary coach John Wooden has died in Los Angeles at 99. The Wizard of Westwood won 10 NCAA titles in a 12-year span and compiled four undefeated seasons.

[roywhite]

Mr. Wooden was a great coach and a great man. RIP.

Honestly, upon hearing this news, one of my thoughts has been that now the greatest living college basketball coach is our own Mike Krzyzewski.

[Osiagledknarf]

What a sad day in the world of sports. Simply the best College Basketball coach ever and simply an icon in the world of sports forever. RIP to a legend that we will never forget.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Sympathy to his friends and family, plus a heartfelt thanks for helping to make basketball a better game. RIP coach.

[Jarhead]

After reading this thread I did not see an actual announcement of Coach Wooden's death. Ill and declining was the only news, but now, about 15 or 20 minutes ago, this announcement (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/05/sports/ncaabasketball/05wooden.html) is published by the New Times. May he now rest in peace.

[Atldukie79]

An era has past. A wonderful human being who was a true leader. A man who lived his values, which were high indeed. A strong Christian man who lived humbly, I suspect he never lusted for the "big money" and never let envy get the best of him. He was an inspiration to anyone who was either fortunate to get close to him or took the time to learn about him and what he stood for. Good bye coach.

[Gthoma2a]

He may have been old, but that doesn't downplay the tragic loss that this is to the sport because of how valuable a person he was to the world and the sport he worked in. Fascinating and classy guy. I guess it is fitting that K just won a title that had analysts talking about him being the only guy who could be mentioned in the same breath as John.

[CrazieDUMB]

What else can one say about wooden? The greatest coach of all time. More championships than anyone. Always did it with the supreme amount of class. Was always so good that he never worried about the other team; that is, he was famous for not ever scouting anyone else. The model of integrity, the best anyone could be. RIP, the best ever.

[amat1129]

Don't know if anything similar has been posted but at the 2001 final four despite the glorious duke victory I will always remember coach wooden signing autographs at the mall of america for hours. A man in his nineties signing autographs for 4 plus hours is so remarkable let alone for a man of his accomplishments. I was 13 at the time but getting his autograph that day and exchanging a couple of words with him is something that i will remember the rest of my life.

[dukeballboy88]

in his latest book, i think it was walton that said the only player wooden ever mentioned in practice was David Thompson. Wooden always said if we do what we practice we dont have to worry about the other team.

And I cant remember wich player it was but said when wooden recruited he would always tell the player before he left look we are gona win with you or without you.

[4decadedukie]

Unfortunately, I have no personal remembrances or insights to to contribute. However, I grieve for the world -- and certainly not just the world of college athletics or basketball -- over Coach Wooden's death. He was a remarkable man, great at so many things and especially self-effacing (currently, a rare -- but wonderful -- attribute). We were all improved by his life, his example, his teaching and his leadership -- and we are now diminished by his passing. Our society, and mankind in general, would be a FAR better place if only ten percent of the all people could be just half like John Wooden.

May God bless Coach Wooden, his family, friends and associates -- and may each us use his multi-generational role modeling to help guide our own lives.

[Reddevil]

I went to bed early last night and woke up to this news. It was not unexpected, but when an Icon dies, it forces you to reflect a bit. I just wanted to add that I really appreciated the article on the front page, and thought it was very well written. Once I saw - Wooden was a tie to a different time, with far less ambiguity and confusion, and humility was as omnipresent as was his talent for teaching. He lived in a world which was ordered simply around faith, industry, decency and optimism. - my feelings went from sorrow to some sort of pride in having shared the earth with people like him. Terrifically authored.

On another subtopic, Fran Tarkington was the highest paid NFL player in the mid 70's at $100K, so I don't know that Coach Wooden was underpaid as much as salaries in the sports world had not yet taken off with the big TV revenue that was coming.

[wilko]

I guess it is fitting that K just won a title that had analysts talking about him being the only guy who could be mentioned in the same breath as John.

Wooden was unique and great and every other superlative you want to heap on him. He was kinda like college baskball's kindly grandfather. (Of course I can say that from afar never having met him) NOthing but respect. He will be missed.

However, with 4 titles, Is it too early to say K is the greatest living coach?

[JBDuke]

Folks, let's keep this thread for non-controversial discussions regarding Coach Wooden's death. I've created another thread - "Wooden's Legacy Tainted? (http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21487)" - if you want to discuss more controversial aspects of his career.

[CUNKNNK]

With this passing we've lost one of the greatest men in the history of sports. He was an icon. A piece of basketball will be missing from this point forward. In addition to his legendary achievements on the court, the morals and principles he lived by are what I will always remember about John Wooden. If more people in the world had even a 1/10000th of his compassion, respect for others, loyalty and love, the world would be infinitely better. A great teacher, great leader, and the definition of class. One of a kind.

2 things -----
If you aren't familiar with him and are not going to read his books or study him any more than this thread, at least review and consider this "7 Creeds" list his father gave him that he modeled his life after:
1. Be true to yourself.
2. Make each day your masterpiece.
3. Help others.
4. Drink deeply from good books.
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.

-------
I did meet him once. At the 1999 McDonald's All-American Game in Ames, Iowa. My friend and I were down courtside trying to get autographs from J-Will, Dunleavy, Boozer, Casey James, etc. If I remember right, Boozer hadn't committed yet and I was yelling some "recruiting" at him. We saw a bunch of people to our left making a big fuss and it was because they were escorting Coach Wooden in. This was 11 years ago so he was only 88 at the time. He wasn't in a chair, but I remember he was looking his age and was being helped more or less. I remember thinking to myself it was obviously difficult for him, and then being amazed he still took time to pose for a bunch of photos with fans and shake everyone's (including mine) hands on the way by. I didn't have a camera with me, and can't remember what I said to him or he said back. I just remember how special I felt afterward and honored he took the time to shake all of our hands, smiling all the while. I've since gone to hundreds of sporting events and been blown off by hundreds of athletes and figures far less famous. His character stood out then just as it is reported everyone you read. He was genuine. After my small experience I am sure everything you read about him is actually true. I've been a huge fan of his ever since of course, and the more I learn about him the more impressive he becomes. This is a very sad day.

[cspan37421]

That's a pretty cool picture on the landing page. I'd never seen a picture of him as a young man (or probably not at any age under 55). He looks so confident and determined. The former, for good reason, the latter, from his personality.

[Gthoma2a]

Wooden was unique and great and every other superlative you want to heap on him. He was kinda like college baskball's kindly grandfather. (Of course I can say that from afar never having met him) NOthing but respect. He will be missed.

However, with 4 titles, Is it too early to say K is the greatest living coach?

I think that K is certainly the best coach still living. He has done more than the rest and has proven that his greatness is also in his ability to adapt. He coaches in a time that is more difficult, numbers wise, to win it all. The tournament field is a lot larger now. If K had tournament sizes that were like Wooden or Wooden had a tournament size that K has to deal with, they could very well be equal. I will however say that they are both great and that K should be honored to be recognized as on that plain that Wooden was. I doubt anyone will match his accomplishments, but K shows the same kind of leadership ability and class IMO. Wooden was a legend who deserves the highest respect and I like to think that K will be thought of that way too when he retires.

[Bay Area Duke Fan]

Anyone who was a college basketball fan in the 1960s and 1970s remembers the greatness of the man. He was college basketball at its best.

There has never been such a successful coach in any sport. Ten national championships in a 12 year period speaks for itself.

He was a great coach, a wonderful man. And as a teacher, there was no one better than Wooden.

[NYC Duke Fan]

Bottom Line.....John Wooden was the greatest college basketball coach ever.....Nothing more needs to be said.

[hurleyfor3]

Espn Classic has been running Nbc's foortage of the 1973 championship game every few hours. (Much of the '75 championship game is missing or in poor shape, and unfortunately they don't seem to be showing the '74 semifinal loss to NC State.)

Anyway, that game is well known for Bill Walton's putative 44-point performance. I say "putative" because he really had 46 or 48 points. One basket in the first half was taken away because it was incorrectly called an illegal dunk (Walton did not touch the rim) and Memphis was awarded a basket in the second half when Walton deflected it in while attempting to rebound. So he actually "scored" at least 46, they just weren't all for ucla :)

[Lord Ash]

Bottom Line.....John Wooden was the greatest college basketball coach ever.....Nothing more needs to be said.

One of the greatest ever, at least;)

ESPN has a good story up with a bunch of famous Wooden quotes... give it a look!

"Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out."

"Never mistake activity for achievement."

"Adversity is the state in which man mostly easily becomes acquainted with himself, being especially free of admirers then."

"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."

[+] EnlargeJohn Wooden
Jeff Lewis/US PresswireWooden's wisdom has withstood the test of time.

"Be prepared and be honest."

"Be quick, but don't hurry."

"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one."

"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you."

"What you are as a person is far more important than what you are as a basketball player."

"Winning takes talent; to repeat takes character."

"A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment."

"I'd rather have a lot of talent and a little experience than a lot of experience and a little talent."

"If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?"

"If you're not making mistakes, then you're not doing anything. I'm positive that a doer makes mistakes."

"It isn't what you do, but how you do it."

"Ability is a poor man's wealth."

"Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be."

"Consider the rights of others before your own feelings and the feelings of others before your own rights."

"Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do."

"Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability."

"It's not so important who starts the game but who finishes it."

"It's what you learn after you know it all that counts."

"It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen."

"Talent is God-given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful."

"The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team."

"Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming."

"Success is never final; failure is never fatal. It's courage that counts."

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=5249709

[hurleyfor3]

ESPN has a good story up with a bunch of famous Wooden quotes... give it a look!

They left out my favorite Wooden quotation:

"A lot of people have won one in a row."

[cspan37421]

I remember a reporter once asking him (I think it was him) whether he wanted to be the underdog or favorite in a game. I assume the reporter was getting at the pressure of performing when you are a favorite, versus having nothing to lose, expectation-wise, when you're the underdog.

He replied with a bit of disbelief at the question, by saying, of course he'd want to be the favorite. The reporter asked why. Wooden explained that if you're the favorite, you presumably had the better team, and therefore, had a better chance to win.

It kind of goes with that quote above, "I'd rather have a lot of talent and a little experience than a lot of experience and a little talent." I think it also showed that he was all about winning and being the best, and not distracted by expectations - of fans, media, etc.

[Johnboy]

Just thought I'd chime in here - I read numerous articles on the man, and I really think that he and Coach K have a lot in common - he had his pyramid of success and numerous sayings about excellence, and K has written books about his philosophy of success and excellence.

It seems to me that Coach Wooden and Coach K share a lot in terms of guiding principles, being teachers, molding young men, making relationships the important thing, playing fundamentally sound basketball, the importance of preparation, truth and relationships. RIP, John Wooden, with your beloved Nell.

[jdj4duke]

There is a nice pic of K and Wooden here

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/06/06/1481539/wooden-path-ran-far-from-preening.html

[Johnboy]

A man has died. A good man. This thread should be above the "tainted" thread. I personally would like the other thread to die out of respect for the departed.