"A Coach is Someone Who Can Give Correction Without Causing Resentment." John Wooden

John Wooden, the legendary coach who led the UCLA men's basketball team to 10 national championships in 12 years, died on Friday night at the age of 99. Wooden's legacy extends far beyond his active years of coaching; serving as mentor, counselor, and friend to many of his former players and staff. He wrote several motivational books, conducted seminars, and developed the life skills program known as the "Pyramid of Success". John Wooden was a master teacher and he used this gift to simplify the game to his players with an emphasis on conditioning and correct basketball fundamentals. Though Wooden didn't choose to yell and scream at his players to make his point, he established precise standards for his players to follow and sternly corrected them when they stepped out of line. Most of his players complied with the rules, though there were a few exceptions

One of those exceptions was Bill Walton, a talented 6-foot-11 center with long flowing red hair and a 'free spirit' attitude to match. Walton became one of the shining stars of UCLA basketball and after graduating, enjoyed a 10-year career in the NBA. Before Walton's very first practice as a Bruin, however, Coach Wooden walked into the locker room and saw his freshly trimmed but still non-compliant haircut.

"Bill, that's not short enough" said Wooden. "We're sure going to miss you on this team. Get on out of here."

Walton dashed out to his bicycle, rode down to the barbershop, and had most of his hair shaved off. He then rode back to the gym and participated in the last half hour of practice.

During Wooden's coaching career at UCLA, the team captured numerous championships and established many records that will never be broken. In addition to Wooden's success as a coach, his former players recall his Godly wisdom, attention to details, and his ability to instill teamwork, hard work, and daily excellence into the lives of his players.

John Wooden has become one of the most quotable figures in basketball. The opening quotation on coaching personifies Wooden's daily approach and involvement with his players. He invested time, attention, and a part of himself into their lives and when he needed to correct or rebuke them, they would accept it knowing it would benefit them.

The scriptures that Wooden so loved reveals this same truth and likens loving correction and rebuke to the discipleship a father provides to his children. He does it in love and for the improvement of the individual. Wooden was one of the best at living this practice out. That is why they call him... coach.

For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.
Proverbs 3: 11-12