Rise to Success: Career Highlights of John Wooden

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how John Wooden made an impact.

John Wooden, nicknamed "the Wizard of Westwood," was a highly successful American basketball coach and player, most notably known for his tenure as head coach for the UCLA Bruins. He led UCLA to win ten NCAA national championships over a 12-year period, including a record seven consecutive titles. Wooden's teams also achieved a record 88-game winning streak. He received the Henry Iba Award as national coach of the year a record seven times and won the Associated Press award five times, solidifying his legacy as one of basketball's greatest coaches.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1927: State Tournament Title

In 1927, John Wooden led his high school team to a state tournament title.

1930: All-Big Ten and All-Midwestern Honors

From 1930 to 1932, John Wooden was named All-Big Ten and All-Midwestern while at Purdue.

1932: Coaching at Dayton High School

In 1932, John Wooden began coaching at Dayton High School in Dayton, Kentucky. The 1932-33 season marked the only time he had a losing record (6-11) as a coach.

1932: Graduation from Purdue and Honors

In 1932, John Wooden graduated from Purdue with a degree in English, was named All-Big Ten and All-Midwestern, was a three-time consensus All-American, and was awarded the Big Ten Medal of Honor.

1932: All-American and National Champion

In 1932, John Wooden was named an All-American for the third time, and his Purdue team was retroactively recognized as the pre-NCAA tournament national champion.

1937: All-NBL First Team Selection

For the 1937–38 season, John Wooden was named to the All-NBL First Team.

1946: Coaching at Indiana State Teachers College

In 1946, John Wooden began coaching at Indiana State Teachers College (later Indiana State University).

1946: Wooden's 1946-47 Indiana State Team

John Wooden coached the Indiana State team in 1946-47. In 2008, members of this team participated in the ceremony where the floor at the Hulman Center was named The Nellie and John Wooden Court.

1947: NAIB Tournament Refusal

In 1947, John Wooden's basketball team won the Indiana Intercollegiate Conference title but refused the NAIB National Tournament invitation due to its policy banning black players. One of Wooden's players, Clarence Walker, was a black man.

1947: Wooden's 1947-48 Indiana State Team

John Wooden coached the Indiana State team in 1947-48. In 2008, members of this team participated in the ceremony where the floor at the Hulman Center was named The Nellie and John Wooden Court.

1948: NAIB National Tournament Appearance

In 1948, John Wooden again led Indiana State to the conference title. He coached his team to the NAIB National Tournament final, losing to Louisville, after the NAIB reversed its policy banning black players. Clarence Walker became the first black player to play in any post-season intercollegiate basketball tournament.

1948: Wooden Arrives at UCLA

In 1948, John Wooden arrived at UCLA to begin coaching, inheriting a little-known program that played in a cramped gym.

1948: Coaching Baseball and Serving as Athletic Director

In 1948, John Wooden coached baseball at Indiana State (7-7 record) and served as athletic director, while teaching and completing his master's degree.

1948: Contract Offer from UCLA

In 1948, John Wooden was offered a three-year contract from UCLA, but before accepting it, he was pursued for the head coaching position at the University of Minnesota.

1948: Three-Year Commitment

In 1948, UCLA officials reminded John Wooden that he had insisted upon a three-year commitment during negotiations.

1949: Early Years at UCLA

By 1949, John Wooden was in his early years as the coach at UCLA.

1950: Conference Title at UCLA

In 1950, John Wooden's team won their second division title and overall conference title with a 24-7 record.

1950: Dissuaded from Returning to Purdue

In 1950, UCLA officials dissuaded John Wooden from returning to Purdue after Mel Taube left because Wooden had insisted on a three-year commitment to UCLA.

1955: Undefeated PCC Conference Title

By the 1955-56 season, John Wooden guided UCLA to its first undefeated PCC conference title.

1956: End of Winning Streak and NCAA Tournament Win

In 1956, UCLA's 17-game winning streak ended, losing to the University of San Francisco team that eventually won the NCAA tournament.

1957: Jerry Norman Coaches Under Wooden

From 1957 to 1968, Jerry Norman coached under John Wooden. He recalls that Sam Gilbert began to come around the program right when he was ready to leave.

1959: California Golden Bears Win NCAA Tournament

In 1959, the Pete Newell-coached California Golden Bears won the NCAA tournament, further delaying UCLA's chances.

1960: Enshrinement in the Basketball Hall of Fame

In 1960, John Wooden was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame for his achievements as a player.

1961: Return to the Top of the Conference

By the 1961-1962 season, John Wooden returned his team to the top of the conference after the probation was lifted.

1962: First Final Four Appearance

In 1962, UCLA reached the Final Four of the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history, losing a semi-final game against Cincinnati.

1964: USBWA and NABC Coach of the Year

In 1964, John Wooden received both the USBWA Coach of the Year award and the NABC Coach of the Year award, marking the beginning of numerous coaching accolades throughout his career.

1964: First NCAA National Championship

In 1964, UCLA won its first basketball national championship and had its first undefeated season, beating Duke 98-83 in the final with a score of 98-83.

November 27, 1965: Pauley Pavilion Christened

On November 27, 1965, Pauley Pavilion was christened in Westwood with a special game between the UCLA varsity and the UCLA freshmen, including Lew Alcindor. The freshmen team won 75-60, foreshadowing future success.

1965: Repeat as National Champions

In 1965, UCLA repeated as national champions, defeating Michigan 91-80 in the finals of the NCAA tournament.

1966: Denied Chance at Triple Crown

In 1966, UCLA was denied a chance at a triple crown, finishing second to Oregon State and becoming ineligible to play in the NCAA tournament.

1967: Wooden's Teams Win Seven Consecutive NCAA Titles

From 1967 to 1973, John Wooden's UCLA teams won seven consecutive NCAA titles.

1967: Coaching Awards in 1967

In 1967, John Wooden was recognized as coach of the year by USBWA, UPI, AP, and NABC.

1967: Reclaiming Conference and National Titles

In 1967, UCLA reclaimed not only the conference title but also the national crown, achieving another 30-0 season.

1968: Jerry Norman Coaches Under Wooden

From 1957 to 1968, Jerry Norman coached under John Wooden. He recalls that Sam Gilbert began to come around the program right when he was ready to leave.

1969: Coach of the Year Honors in 1969

In 1969, John Wooden was awarded Coach of the Year by USBWA, UPI, AP, NABC, and The Sporting News.

1969: Alcindor Wins Third Consecutive National Championship

In 1969, Lew Alcindor finished his career at UCLA, securing his third consecutive national championship with a 92-72 victory over Purdue. He also earned his third consecutive MVP award in the tournament.

1970: Andy Hill on NCAA championship Bruin teams

From 1970 to 1972, Andy Hill was on three Bruin teams under Coach Wooden that won NCAA championships.

1970: Sportsman of the Year

In 1970, John Wooden was named The Sporting News Sportsman of the Year and was awarded Coach of the Year by UPI, AP, and NABC.

1970: UCLA Wins Fourth Consecutive NCAA Title

In 1970, UCLA, led by Sidney Wicks, Henry Bibby, Curtis Rowe, John Vallely, and Kenny Booker, won their fourth consecutive NCAA title, defeating Jacksonville 80-69. Wicks and Rowe shut down Jacksonville's offense.

1971: UCLA Wins NCAA Championship

In 1971, UCLA won the NCAA championship, with Steve Patterson outscoring Howard Porter of Villanova. The final score was 68-62.

1972: Andy Hill on NCAA championship Bruin teams

From 1970 to 1972, Andy Hill was on three Bruin teams under Coach Wooden that won NCAA championships.

1972: Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year

In 1972, John Wooden shared Sports Illustrated magazine's "Sportsman of the Year" award with Billie Jean King. Wooden was also awarded Coach of the Year by USBWA, UPI, AP, and NABC.

1972: UCLA Wins NCAA Championship

In 1972, UCLA secured a close victory against Florida State, winning 81-76 to claim the NCAA title.

1972: Memorable Season for UCLA Basketball

The 1972-1973 season was memorable for UCLA basketball as freshmen became eligible again. The Bruins had won the championship in 1972.

1973: Wooden's Teams Win Seven Consecutive NCAA Titles

From 1967 to 1973, John Wooden's UCLA teams won seven consecutive NCAA titles.

1973: Coach of the Year Awards

In 1973, John Wooden was recognized as coach of the year by USBWA, UPI, AP, and The Sporting News.

1973: UCLA Wins NCAA Championship

In 1973, UCLA went 30-0 and won the NCAA tournament, defeating Memphis State 87-66 in the final. Bill Walton made 21 of 22 field goal attempts. Walton and Wooden were named Player and Coach of the Year.

1973: UCLA's Winning Streak Ends

In January 1973, UCLA's winning streak ended at 88 games with a 71-70 loss to Notre Dame.

1974: UCLA Loses in NCAA Tournament Semifinals

In March 1974, North Carolina State defeated UCLA 80-77 in double overtime in the NCAA tournament semifinals, ending their hopes for another championship.

March 1, 1975: Wooden Coaches Final Game at Pauley Pavilion

On March 1, 1975, John Wooden coached his final game in Pauley Pavilion, resulting in a 93-59 victory over Stanford.

1975: Retirement After NCAA Championship

Immediately following the 1975 NCAA championship, John Wooden retired.

1975: Wooden's Last Game

In 1975, John Wooden recounts walking off the court after his last game as a coach, having just won his tenth title, only to have a UCLA fan walk up and say, "Great win coach, this makes up for letting us down last year".

1975: Wooden's Salary and Retirement Gift

In 1975, the year he won his 10th national championship, John Wooden's salary was no more than $35,000 a year. He was given a Bruin powder blue Mercedes as a retirement gift that season.

1976: Bartow's First Season

In 1976, Gene Bartow, Wooden's successor at UCLA, went 28–5. His team was defeated twice by Bob Knight's Indiana Hoosiers, the second time being in the Final Four.

1977: Loss in West Region Semifinals

In 1977, UCLA, coached by Gene Bartow, lost 76–75 in the West Region semifinals to Idaho State.

1981: Larry Farmer Directs UCLA Program

In 1981, Larry Farmer started directing the UCLA program.

1981: NCAA Investigation and Sanctions

In 1981, following Wooden's retirement, an NCAA investigation sanctioned UCLA for its association with Sam Gilbert. The program was placed on probation for two seasons and ordered to disassociate from Gilbert. Three players at other universities alleged that Gilbert offered them cars to commit to UCLA.

February 3, 1984: Induction into Indiana State University Athletic Hall of Fame

On February 3, 1984, John Wooden was inducted into the Indiana State University Athletic Hall of Fame, honoring his contributions as a player and coach at the university.

1985: National Invitation Tournament Win

In 1985, Walt Hazzard's team won the National Invitation Tournament.

1988: Walt Hazzard Ends Directing the UCLA program

In 1988, Walt Hazzard ended directing the UCLA program.

1995: UCLA wins national championship

In 1995, 20 years after John Wooden's retirement, UCLA won another national championship under coach Jim Harrick, with Ed O'Bannon as the star player, defeating Arkansas 89–78.

2001: Publication of 'Be Quick—But Don't Hurry!'

In 2001, Andy Hill co-authored the book 'Be Quick—But Don't Hurry! Finding Success in the Teachings of a Lifetime' with John Wooden. The book details the application of Wooden's coaching style to the business world.

2003: Steve Lavin Fired from UCLA

In 2003, Steve Lavin was fired from UCLA. Following this, he said, "The mythology and pathology of UCLA basketball isn't going to change" due to Wooden's legacy and believes that every basketball coach will eventually be fired or forced out from UCLA.

2004: Wooden Expresses Interest in Assistant Coaching Role

In 2004, at the age of 93, John Wooden stated that he would be open to returning as an assistant coach to help players with practices and other light duties.

2006: UCLA reaches national championship game

In 2006, Ben Howland led UCLA back to the national championship game for the first time since 1995, but they were defeated 73–57 by the Florida Gators.