“It’s very difficult for me to put in perspective what it means for me to lose Coach Wooden. He has been such a constant in my life. Just thinking of him enables me to draw upon the many life lessons that he taught me when I was a student at UCLA. Even though I was not initially aware that I was being taught certain things, they became obvious as the events of my life unfolded. It is hard to describe greatness in words but the accomplishments and lasting legacy of Coach Wooden’s life are a formidable reminder of a life well lived.
Coach Wooden never acted any different whether we were at practice or winning championships. My first championship with Coach was his third and I don’t think the tremendous success he was achieving mattered to him as much as what he was sharing with his players about hard work and consistency.
Our objective was always to be at our best and we would see how far that would take us. Coach Wooden was the best mentor I have ever had and I will miss him dearly!”
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar