John Wooden is considered by many to be one of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time, if not the greatest. However, while most people only remember Wooden for his accomplishments as a coach, it was truly his development as a leader and his leadership philosophies that created the opportunity his for success. Wooden had two main philosophies that shaped his life. The first, "The Seven Point Creed," was given to him by his father. It primarily directed his daily choices and activities. The second, "The Pyramid of Success" (which he created), provided a road map for success for both himself and those he led. By living into these two philosophies, Wooden grew from the humble beginnings of a small town farm boy to the legendary college basketball coach of UCLA.
             Although John Wooden and UCLA basketball are almost synonymous today, there was a small twist of fate that led him to move from Indiana to California. In 1948, Wooden had decided to leave Indiana State University in search of a prominent coaching position. He truly wanted a coaching position in the Big Ten Conference and had a job offer from the University of Minnesota. At the time, Wooden was prepared to accept the Minnesota job and was awaiting a phone call from the Minnesota athletic director, but the call never came. A major snowstorm had struck Minnesota preventing the athletic director to call, so when a call came through from UCLA, he accepted. And the rest, as they say, is history.
             John Wooden didn't invent the game of basketball, but he was the driving force in shaping the way the game was taught and played and the success it is today. Although many coaches will try, the legacy Wooden left in college basketball may never be matched. The very name of John Wooden now stands for excellence and superior achievement.
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