This Thursday is a pretty active day in sports. Game 1 of the NBA finals is tonight between the L.A Lakers and Boston Celtics. The Pac 10 is rumored to talking about raiding the Big 12 in their bid for expansion, and Tigers Woods keeps struggling shooting even par 72 at the Memorial.
He trails Justin Rose, Rickie Fowler and Geoff Ogilvy by 7 shots, and Phil Mickelson by 5. All big stories, but the biggest one is that former UCLA head coach John Wooden is reportedly gravely ill.
BruinsNation.com is posting updates on the situation as they get them.
We are hoping for his recovery but it does not look good. I'm not old enough to have seen John Wooden in his coaching days, but I know he was the most revered coach in college basketball history, maybe even sports history.
He is admired by the likes of UCONN women's coach Geno Auriemma, legendary UNC coach Dean Smith, and Duke's Mike Krzyzewski, and another legend former Indiana coach Bob Knight. The list of admirers goes far beyond just those 4 though.
Was it the astonishing 10 national titles in 12 years or the 88 game winning streak? I wanted to learn little more about the man known as the "Wizard of Westood".
Did you know that he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award? He had only three ules for his players - don't use profanity, never criticize a teammate, and be on time.
Wooden's philosophy on life and basketball is best embodied by his Pyramid of Success. These would be fifteen personal characteristics that ranged from Loyalty and cooperation to Poise and confidence.
I recommend reading this article at squidoo "The Philosophy Behind Wooden's Pyramid of Success" to gain a greater understanding of the "Pyramid".
Wooden epitomized what a coach should be. Not only was he a brilliant basketball tactician but also a teacher of life. It's no wonder award for the best player in college basketball is called the John Wooden award. We are are hoping for the best.
