Born October 14, 1910, in Hall, Indiana, was legendary Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Coach John Wooden. Nicknamed the "Wizard of Westwood", he won a record ten National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) national championships in a 12-year period as head coach for the UCLA Bruins, including a record seven in a row. Wooden was named the NCAA's College Basketball Coach of the Year on six occasions (1964, 1967, 1969–70, and 1972–73).
Wooden was born in Hall, Indiana, and grew up on a farm. He played basketball for Purdue University, where he was a three-time All-American. After graduating from Purdue, Wooden played professional basketball for the Indianapolis Kautskys of the National Basketball League. He also coached high school basketball in Indiana before serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
After the war, Wooden became the head coach at Indiana State Teachers College (now Indiana State University). He led the Sycamores to two conference championships in three seasons. In 1948, Wooden was hired as the head coach at UCLA.
Wooden quickly turned the Bruins into a national powerhouse. He won his first national championship in 1964 and went on to win seven more in the next nine years. Wooden's teams were known for their fundamental play, teamwork, and discipline. He also emphasized the importance of character and academics.
Wooden retired from coaching in 1975. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 1960 and as a coach in 1973. Wooden was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2003.
Wooden died in 2010 at the age of 99. He is considered to be one of the greatest basketball coaches of all time. He was also a beloved mentor and teacher to many people, both on and off the court.
