ESPN Men's Basketball

A statement from former UCLA great Bill Walton on the passing of John Wooden:

“UCLA can easily claim an endless list of alumni who have helped make the world a better place. But of all the special spirits who have given so much, it is John Wooden who has truly had the greatest impact on the largest number of people.

“It was Coach Wooden’s heart, brain and soul that put him in a position to inspire others to reach levels of success and peace of mind that none of us could ever dream of reaching by ourselves.

“All of the UCLA basketball players that John Wooden taught knew that when he retired from coaching in 1975, it did not signify an end to his life-long commitment to teaching, merely a new beginning. He was just getting started.

“Coach Wooden taught by example. He never asked or expected anyone to do anything that he hadn’t already done himself. He gave us the ability to learn how to learn, and to compete. His keen knowledge and foresight to always be about what’s next, always about the future, enabled him to lead an incredibly active, constructive, positive and contributing life.

“Coach Wooden never talked about winning and losing, but rather about the effort to win. He rarely talked about basketball, but generally about life. He never talked about strategy, statistics or plays, but rather about people and character. Coach Wooden never tired of telling us that once you become a good person, then you have a chance of becoming a good basketball player.

“It has been 36 years since I graduated from UCLA. I have spent those years trying to duplicate that incredible period in my life. Our family home, where it all began so many years ago in San Diego, to this day is still a shrine to John Wooden, with UCLA memorabilia, the 'Pyramid of Success' and pictures of The Coach everywhere.

“Over the years I’ve regularly taken our children to Coach’s mansion on Margate in Encino, to get for them the timeless lessons of life, including how to put your shoes and socks on, just like he taught us 40 years ago.

“John Wooden represents the conquest of substance over hype, the triumph of achievement over erratic flailing, the conquest of discipline over gambling, and the triumph of executing an organized plan over hoping that you’ll be lucky, hot or in the zone.

“John Wooden also represents the conquest of sacrifice, hard work and commitment to achievement over the pipe dream that someone will just give you something, or that you can take a pill or turn a key to get what you want.

“The joy and happiness in Coach Wooden’s life came from the success and accomplishments of others. He never let us forget what he learned from his two favorite teachers, Abraham Lincoln and Mother Theresa, “that a life not lived for others is not a life.”

“I thank John Wooden every day for all his selfless gifts, his lessons, his time, his vision and especially his faith and patience. This is why our eternal love for him will never fade away. This is why we call him ‘Coach.’”

President Barack Obama and the White House passed along the following statement to ESPN.com on the passing of coaching legend John Wooden:

"I’m saddened to hear of the passing of an incredible coach, and an even better man, John Wooden. As a basketball fan, I remember fondly his ten NCAA championships, his unrivaled winning streak at UCLA, and the caliber of players he mentored. But as an American, I salute the way he achieved all that success – with modesty, and humility, and by wholeheartedly dedicating his life to the betterment of others. Even after he became one of the game’s early heroes, he worked as a high school teacher. And for the rest of his life, on and off the court, he never stopped teaching. He never stopped preparing his players, and everyone he met, to be their best. Despite all the records and the championships, he once said that it wasn’t the tournaments or the games he missed the most – it was the practice and the preparation. He is reunited with his beloved wife, Nell, now; and my thoughts and prayers are with his children, James and Nancy; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and all whose lives were forever changed because John Wooden lived his so well."

Jim Boeheim, Syracuse: "When I think of a basketball coach the only one I ever thought of was Coach Wooden. He had a great life and helped so many coaches until well in his 90s. Every time I talked to him he would give me some words of advice. He's the best of all time. There will never be another like him and you can't say that about too many people. It's a sad day but he had such an unbelievable run. I can't tell you what he's done for game of basketball and it's not just the wins. It's the attitude and the way he carried himself. I just can't say enough about him."

Jim Boylen, Utah: "Thoughts and prayers go out to John Wooden's family. I've always admired his humility and ability to teach. He'll be missed but never forgotten."

Jim Calhoun, Connecticut: "My reaction is sadness, yet at this point we have to celebrate maybe the most important guy in the history of the game. There has been no greater influence on college basketball, not just about the game but the team. He's the greatest coach in college basketball, if not all basketball, from the standpoint of all of us trying to emulate what he's done. He gave so much to basketball and education. In my opinion if he's not as important as Dr. Naismith, he's right next to him."

Billy Donovan, Florida: "John Wooden was a great coach and a great man. He was a man of humility who embodied the best in character and values, and exemplified what coaching is all about. I was fortunate enough to be honored with the Wooden Award in April, an award that now takes on added significance to me personally. I found out that I was being honored on his 99th birthday. To have the opportunity to go out to Los Angeles and see firsthand how great an impact he still has is something I will always be honored and humbled to be a part of. His legacy will endure forever."

Kerry Keating, Santa Clara: "It is rare that a single person can touch and impact so many different people in a lifetime and to be able to be one of those persons is a privilege. Coach Wooden was a great coach, the best ever, an even greater person and will continue to eternally impact not just basketball, but society as well. There will never be another like him, God Bless John Wooden, and prayers to his family. Thank you, Coach."

Mike Krzyzewski, Duke: "My memories -- just the fact he always treated me with grace and respect, which he didn't have to do. I enjoyed my relationship with Coach Wooden because he was always so free sharing his wisdom -- and not just on college basketball."

Steve Lavin, St. John's: "Coach Wooden leaves all of us a lasting legacy from a lifetime devoted to goodness. Coach believed the court was his classroom and basketball was a metaphor for life. He was an eternal learner and teacher. He was the best friend and mentor one could hope for and it is difficult to imagine a college basketball season without John Wooden being with us."

Kevin McKenna, Indiana State: "John Wooden is an icon in college basketball coaching. The success he enjoyed at Indiana State early in his coaching career began a strong tradition of Sycamore basketball that has continued for over 60 years. It's a privilege for our teams to compete on a floor that is named in he and his wife, Nell's, honor inside Hulman Center. In addition to his mastery of coaching the game of basketball, I've read and studied his ‘Life Lessons' books which we try to apply to our personal lives and the Sycamore basketball program each day. We are keeping all of his family and numerous friends in our thoughts during this difficult time."

Matt Painter, Purdue: "There isn't a more respected, influential and genuine figure in the history of the game than Coach Wooden. This is a tremendous loss, but his legacy will live on through the countless people whom he touched over the years."

Lorenzo Romar, Washington: "Many men and women have impacted their profession in a positive way. Not many have impacted their profession and impacted people's lives away from their profession. John Wooden is the most humble, most wise man that I have ever met. Those that have spent any time with him were around a legend."

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger: "Coach Wooden was more than a Hall of Fame basketball player and coach; he was an incredible man whose dedication and leadership on the court inspired generations of Californians. He meant so much to Los Angeles, California and the entire basketball community around the world. Maria and I extend our thoughts and prayers to his loved ones as they remember the extraordinary life of this coaching legend."

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa from his Facebook page: "As a Bruin, a basketball fan, and an Angeleno, I am extremely saddened by the news of legendary coach John Wooden's passing. Coach Wooden had a profound effect not only on the players he coached, but on everyone he came in contact with. His wisdom was legendary, his values unimpeachable, and his love of the game of basketball was unparalleled. He will truly be missed."

Sarah Palin and husband Todd from their Facebook page: "You are God’s gift to those who recognize value in life lessons learned in the arena of competition. In the midst of all your success on the parquet you’ve reminded us what really matters. You remind us to be courageous and optimistic and prepared ... Thanks for teaching us: "Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It’s courage that counts."

Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky: "UCLA and Los Angeles have lost an icon, and our nation has lost one of its greatest citizens. Coach John Wooden is gone, but his legend lives on. The collective loss we feel is tempered by the privilege we all had to have lived in his presence."

UCLA coach Ben Howland last saw John Wooden on Wednesday, and the Wizard of Westwood was cracking jokes. Wooden-era All-American Jamaal Wilkes, who was also there, saw that Wooden's glasses had fogged up and asked if Coach could recognize him.

"I remember," Wilkes said Wooden told him. "Now go sit down."

Wilkes said he noticed a glint in Wooden's eye, and Howland said he saw a twinkle that night as well. In the final days of his life, Wooden was resting comfortably and kept a sense of humor.

"There will never be another John Wooden," Howland said. "Trying to live up to his standards of winning are not happening anywhere. It’s always going to be his program. UCLA basketball is John Wooden, it’s synonymous with Coach."

Wooden, of course, has inspired generations of Bruins.

For Wilkes, a kid with a self-described funny jumper who was just happy to be recruited by Wooden and ended up playing for UCLA from 1972-74, learning from the man was a constant.

"He was oracle, more of a teacher," Wilkes said. "He was always available to you. You could always get to him."

The lessons extend to the current era of Bruins under Howland, who fondly recalls meeting Wooden for the first time. Howland now coaches Wooden's great-grandson, Tyler Trapani, a walk-on sophomore guard who eventually wants to get into coaching too.

"It’s incredible to think about all the lives he touched," Howland said. "He’s a legend and a national treasure who was a coach."

Dick Vitale shares his memories of coach John Wooden.

ESPN college basketball analyst Digger Phelps talks about his long-time friend John Wooden.

One of the many perks of being a sportswriter for the Los Angeles Times in the late 1980s to the mid-1990s was covering a game at Pauley Pavilion (and still is).

The coolest part was looking across the court and there, sitting on a wooden bleacher seat near the end of the row, was the great, the magnificent and the entirely unassuming John Wooden. Wooden was a regular at Bruins home games, where he would be approached by wave after wave of well-meaning fans. He would always give them a smile, or shy wave, or a word or two. He was gentle dignity personified.

Later, he would write the foreword of Bill Walton's 1995 autobiography. As the co-author, I was the one who did the interview with Coach Wooden. It was one of the best 30 minutes of my life.

We lost a legendary coach tonight. Walton lost one of his best friends. Ninety-nine years is a good life. But when it comes to Wooden, it wasn't nearly enough.

ESPN's Andy Katz on the coaching career of John Wooden.

UCLA chancellor Gene Block addressed a letter to the school community Friday night regarding the loss of legendary coach John Wooden at age 99.

"With the passing of John Wooden, we have lost a true giant and a gentleman, an individual who was perhaps more closely identified with UCLA than any other person in our university’s history," Block wrote. "Coach Wooden was an unparalleled motivator and an inspiration to people throughout the world. Those of us who were fortunate enough to meet him will forever be touched by his unfailing wisdom and generous spirit."

Read the rest of the letter, and below you'll find other statements from the UCLA community.

Nan and Jim Wooden on their father:

"We want to thank everyone for their love and support for our father. We will miss him more than words can express.

"He has been, and always will be, the guiding light for our family. The love, guidance and support he has given us will never be forgotten.

"Our peace of mind at this time is knowing that he has gone to be with our mother, whom he has continued to love and cherish.

"We wish to express our gratitude for your support and appreciate your respecting our privacy."

UCLA coach Ben Howland:

"The loss of John Wooden saddens the UCLA community and beyond. Coach Wooden, in life and in death, is and always will be the UCLA men's basketball head coach. His basketball successes and championships were an element of his magnificent, far-reaching life.

"Coach Wooden's timeless teachings, philosophies and 'Pyramid of Success' not only influenced the lives of his players but the lives of millions of people around the world. Friendship, loyalty, team spirit and competitive greatness are not just building blocks in his 'Pyramid of Success' -- it's how Coach Wooden led his own life and taught others to live. Always the teacher and mentor, throughout his life, Coach Wooden was so giving of himself and his time to everyone.

"Coach Wooden was a wonderful person and great friend who is truly a national treasure. His legacy and legend will continue to live on in each of us striving to be the "best that we are capable of becoming" as athletes, coaches, teachers, parents and human beings."

UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero:

"There will never be another John Wooden While this is a huge loss for the Bruin family, Coach Wooden's influence reaches far beyond Westwood. Coach was a tremendously significant figure. This loss will be felt by individuals from all parts of society. He was not only the greatest coach in the history of any sport but he was an exceptional individual that transcended the sporting world. His enduring legacy as a role model is one we should all strive to emulate.

"I can still recall my first interactions with Coach Wooden when I was a member of the UCLA baseball team and he was in the midst of his incredible run of championships. While attending those basketball games was certainly a highlight for me, what stands out even more was Coach making the effort to come to our baseball games to cheer for us, and what a special feeling that was for our team. Since then, I have had the unique opportunity to develop a close personal relationship with Coach Wooden over the years. That's something I will treasure for the rest of my life."

When Kentucky coach John Calipari was looking for guidance on how to coach his team, especially help with managing the minutes of such a talented lot, he called John Wooden.

“We talked on the phone for 15 minutes,’’ Calipari told ESPN.com Thursday in Charlotte. “I told him ‘I’m really struggling to get this chemistry right.’ He told me that I’m playing too many people and I need to only play six or seven guys. He said, ‘I know what you’re doing. You’re trying to keep all these kids happy. But how can you get a rhythm going?’ It was unbelievable advice. I did shorten the numbers. I’m just so happy that we had that conversation.’’

Calipari called Wooden, “one of the greatest coaches in any sport. He did it without being a bully and the players at the time probably struggled with the structure but when they left, there was a burning love for him. He is what this game is all about. When you talk about how he taught, how he was with his late wife. You talk about his character as a person. That’s what he was about."

Legendary UCLA coach John Wooden at age 99 is reportedly in grave condition at a hospital on the school's campus.

In what might end up being one of his final sit-down interviews, Wooden, at the December 2009 Wooden Classic, answered Los Angeles Times columnist T.J. Simers when asked how he has managed to live such a long life:

But how does one live so long, he's asked, and he points to the whiskey Winston Churchill drank, the cigars George Burns had, and says, "How long did they live?

"There's no answer," he says, "but if I had to give one, I'd say life needs balance. And love."

As if on cue, it's his turn to feel the love in the arena. They show him on the overhead scoreboard in the Honda Center, and the crowd rises to its feet and just stays there.

Love, Wooden told Rick Reilly in November, is the "most important word in our language." Asked how to make love last, Wooden had this to say: