Known as “The Wizard of Westwood,” John Wooden (1910–2010) is remembered as one of college basketball’s greatest coaches—and one of its wisest mentors. He coached with purpose, heart, and discipline, leaving behind a blueprint for success rooted in character.

“Ability may take you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there,” he taught. A three-time All-American at Purdue, Wooden served in the Navy before becoming UCLA’s head coach in 1949. Over the next 26 seasons, he built a winning dynasty: 10 NCAA titles, 7 of them in a row.

His teams included legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton, but Wooden’s leadership was never about stardom. He emphasized teamwork, quiet excellence, and discipline.

“Place the team above yourself always,” he said. “I never permitted a player to criticize a teammate.” It’s one of John Wooden’s most profound principles—rooted in humility, unity, and protecting the sacred bond of trust within a team. Wooden didn’t just coach players; he shaped character and taught what it means to lead with respect.

He focused on fundamentals—like measuring his players’ feet to prevent blisters—because he believed that success begins with the little things. “Seemingly trivial matters build into something very big,” he explained.

Wooden modeled the values he preached. “I tried to conduct myself in such a way that I wanted my players to act,” he said. “Our youngsters, whether basketball players or children at home, need models more than they need critics.”