Thinking About … John Wooden

I had the unique privilege earlier this year of picking up the dinner tab for Coach Wooden at a local restaurant (Fromins Deli) he frequented in Encino California. He was with his daughter and son-in-law and though they initially declined in politeness, they finally accepted only after I convinced them how much it would mean to me.

I myself am a USC graduate but John Wooden was larger than any college boundaries and lived a life that was inspiring to all. I actually sat one row behind him for 15 minutes prior to a USC-UCLA game in my freshman year of 1973-74. He and his team showed up early to the Sports Arena where USC played and he was conversing with Bob Boyd, then coach of USC. This was the last year of Bill Walton and Jamaal (Keith) Wilkes for UCLA. I was blown away to see this legend in person having grown up in Brooklyn NY and being aware of the UCLA greats especially Kareem (Lew Alcindor) who hailed from Power Memorial High in NY. I am so lucky to have in some minute way gave back just a little to a man I admired so much. I will have that memory forever.

AS A FORMER BASKETBALL COACH AT THE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL, I MET JOHN TWICE AT CLINICS. A PEERLESS COACH AND A GENUiNE PERSON. COULDN'T ASK FOR MORE.