Just read a wonderful book by the illustrious Coach John Wooden called My Personal Best. Usually get my books from the library and when a book really catches my eye I then go buy it. Well, this little 200 page book which has some wonderful pictures is a gem that can be easily read in a day. Five Gold Star read for everyone, adults, teens, parents, and children.
The Best
Coach Wooden is the legendary college basketball coach from UCLA that won 10 national championships, including 7 consecutive titles in 12 years, 4 perfect seasons, and the longest college winning streak at 88 games! He is one of the best coaches in the history of SPORTS. Coach Wooden loved to win just like everyone but the game or the work was never about winning, it was about reaching your potential about being your Best.
He of course was more interested in developing character, in developing fine young men and productive citizens. Coach was one of the first coaches to stand for equal rights, and when the NCAA invited his team to play in the tournament if he agreed not to bring his African American player, he declined. The NCAA relented and he brought his team to Madison Square Garden. People first, team first
Team First
Coach taught the men that the team came before the individual. Great players like Walt Hazzard from Philly's Overbrook high, Lew Alcindor\Kareem Abdul Jabbar, and Bill Walton learned from the master. Kareem was incredible, he displayed remarkable poise and leadership for an 18yr old. He was Michael Jordan/Kobe combined in high school at 7' plus in NYC he was the biggest story in sports when he decided to go to CA and play for Coach and UCLA. Freshman were not allowed to play on the varsity team, and Kareem went on to win 3 NCAA championships and Laker greatness.
Walt Hazzard had the flair of a philly guard dribbling between his legs and behind his back, Coach thought this was showboating and asked Walt to tone it down by sitting him on the bench. Coach had the foresight to discuss with Rev Walt Hazzard Sr. to let him know the plan, and when Walt Jr. called home to say he wanted to come home because Coach was crimping his style, Rev Hazzard responded that the doors will be locked! Walt went on to greatness, win 2 national championships and play in the NBA.
Bill Walton was a rebel. A great talent and man but outspoken. He believed in standing up for things he believed in and when he came to Coach with his long hair and beard during the 60's Peace movement, Coach kindly suggested that to play on the team he would be required to clean up. Bill protested that he has rights and is entitled to individual freedom. Yes Coach agreed and said that he was correct but not as a member of the UCLA basketball team. Bill shaved and lead the team to 2 championships and an 88 game win streak, and became a NBA great.
Team First
Preparing To Be A Champion
Coach Wooden said the championships were won in the gym. Hard work, dedication, teamwork, and countless hours of practice lead to victory. The preparation. Coach emphasized the importance of all the men working together and putting the team goals before individual achievement. A selflessness. Yes there were many star players at UCLA but the team came first always.
Coach Wooden is famous for his Pyramid of Success philosophy that he applied to basketball as well as life. The pyramid has 26 words that Coach emphasizes that lead to significant achievement. Wonderful words such as loyalty, cooperation, enthusiasm, friendship, industriousness, poise, faith, integrity, confidence, and patience. Notice the language. All 26 words have a very positive vibration is there any surprise that his teams were successful
Patience
Coach Wooden built UCLA's program for 15 years before he won his first NCAA championship. He won many PAC 8\10 titles but the big breakthrough came in 1962 his first final four and then the first of many titles in 1964. I wonder if Coach would have lasted 15 years in today's immediate gratification culture? If he coached today would we have had the patience to see his greatness blossom. Patience in all things.
The final page of the book Coach Wooden talks how the most important word in language is Love. That all accomplishment without the love of family and friends is meaningless. Being the best you can be and always striving for your personal best is success. And a final quote from Coach,
"Each Day of the Journey is Precious, We Must Strive to Make it a Masterpiece"
Thank you Coach for all your wisdom.
With Love,
Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
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