John
Wooden

John Wooden was an American basketball player and coach who is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in the history of the sport. Born on October 14, 1910, in Hall, Indiana, Wooden grew up on a small farm and developed a passion for basketball at a young age. He went on to play college basketball at Purdue University, where he was named an All-American in 1930 and 1932. After his playing career, Wooden began coaching at the high school level before eventually moving on to become the head coach at Indiana State University and then UCLA.

Wooden's most notable coaching achievement came during his time at UCLA, where he led the Bruins to an unprecedented 10 NCAA national championships in a 12-year span, including a record seven consecutive titles from 1967 to 1973. Known for his emphasis on teamwork, discipline, and fundamentals, Wooden's coaching philosophy revolved around his famous "Pyramid of Success," a set of principles that he believed were essential for both success on the basketball court and in life. Wooden retired from coaching in 1975 with a career record of 664-162, and he was named the NCAA Coach of the Year six times. He passed away on June 4, 2010, but his impact on the sport of basketball and the lives of his players continues to be felt to this day.