John Wooden passes away at 99. RIP to the Wizard of Westwood

[RobAce]

The sports world has lost the greatest basketball coach of all time.

The most respected and beloved coach in pretty much any sport, he lived a long, good life and touched the lives of many.

Fans and Rivals....no one could dispute his legend or his ability. The level of respect and brilliance he has achieved will never be surpassed, or a coach a coach like him seen again.

RIP Coach Wooden. The Wizard has passed.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/news?slug=ys-woodenobit060410

Rob

 

[kurchatovium]

As a long time UCLA fan this is sad news. He was a truely great man in ever way. He will be missed. RIP John. 🙁

 

[jaba]

As a long time UCLA fan this is sad news. He was a truely great man in ever way. He will be missed. RIP John. 🙁

A few years ago I had the pleasure and good fortune to meet the Coach at a book signing.

Wooden was one of the kindest, most humble and good natured human beings I have met in my life, and we only spoke for about a minute. It's hard to explain, but the man truly has an aura about him that you can feel in his presence. I thanked him for his contributions to the character development of the young athletes he influenced, and for his sharing of his wisdom and insight to us. He thanked me for my sentiments and actually blushed.

Can you imagine how better off we would be as a society if we simply adhered to three of Wooden's mandates, to always be on time, to refrain from profanity, and to never disrespect your team mate or colleague?