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John Wooden
10 NCAA Championships
UCLA 1948-75
Indiana State University 1946-48 |
John Wooden was a fabulous player before becoming the most successful coach in college basketball history. He enjoyed an All-State career at Martinsville High School, and at Purdue University was called the "Indiana Rubber Man" for his suicidal dives on the court. An excellent playmaker and aggressive defender, Wooden was a three-time Helms Athletic Foundation All-American and named College Player of the Year in 1932.
As a coach Wooden led Indiana State to a 47-14 record and then went on to lead the UCLA Bruins to a record of 620-147. The John Wooden-coached UCLA teams scaled unprecedented heights that no future organization in any sport is likely to approach. Under the masterful guidance of Wooden, the Bruins set all-time records with four perfect 30-0 seasons, 88 consecutive victories, 38 straight NCAA tournament victories, and 20 PAC 10 championships. Along the way to 620 wins Wooden collected 10 NCAA Championships including seven in a row.
John Wooden, a six-time Coach of the Year, dedicated his life to basketball. His perseverance was rewarded, as he is one of only two people enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach. |
