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04 June 2010
If you're a regular reader of the site (and we thank the five of you that are), you know we typically try to have a little fun, using offbeat humor, sarcasm and a basic disregard for most journalistic standards to get our points across. We typically don't touch the serious stuff or offer deep, insightful perspectives because, basically, we don't have any.
But the passing of legendary UCLA Coach John Wooden is time to put all that hold for a moment. Anyone with an interest in college basketball knows what Wooden accomplished on the court...namely ten national titles, including an unthinkable seven straight from 1967-1973, an 88-game winning streak and 620 wins over 27 seasons. His teams were known for their attention to detail, strong fundamentals, and professional approach, and the list of players who played under him reads like a "Who"s who" of some of the best basketball players in history...guys like Sidney Wicks, Lew Alcindor, Bill Walton and Gail Goodrich.
Perhaps as impressive as the on-court accomplishments was Wooden's legacy. Known for his blue-collar approach and substance-over-style methods, Wooden is historically regarded as one of the best teachers the game has ever seen. Perhaps my favorite Wooden story was one that Bill Walton often tells, about his first practice at UCLA when Wooden spent the first 15 minutes working with the players on the proper way to tie their shoes. If he was that concerned with the shoelaces of his players, is it any wonder his teams were so successful in every facet of the game once they stepped on the floor?
Now, I'm not planning on writing a detailed timeline on Wooden's life here - you will be able to find plenty of those on ESPN.com, SI.com and others over the next few days, and written by much better writers than myself. But being a sports blog, I felt it was appropriate to recognize the passing of a true sports legend. His on-court accomplishments will likely never be matched, and his legacy as a man is untouchable. I mean, when is the last time you heard a negative word about John Wooden from anyone? The guy was universally respected for how he lived his life and treated others, and we should all aspire to reach that standard.
In short, there's one reason that UCLA basketball is considered an elite program today, and that reason is John Wooden.
Rest in peace Coach.
