Childhood and Education Journey of John Wooden in Timeline
An overview of the childhood and early education of John Wooden, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.
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.
13 hours ago : John Wooden's UCLA Legacy: Dominance in College Basketball Championships and Rankings
John Wooden's UCLA teams are celebrated for their unparalleled dominance in college basketball. Their numerous championships and top rankings solidify Wooden's legacy. Other teams are also listed.
October 14, 1910: John Wooden's Birth
On October 14, 1910, John Robert Wooden was born. He later became a famous basketball coach and player.
1918: Family Move to Centerton
In 1918, John Wooden moved with his family to a small farm in Centerton, Indiana.
1919: Start of UCLA Basketball
In 1919, the UCLA basketball program began.
1919: The Franklin Wonder Five
Starting in 1919, Fuzzy Vandivier of the Franklin Wonder Five dominated Indiana high school basketball until 1922, becoming Wooden's role model.
1922: The Franklin Wonder Five
Until 1922, Fuzzy Vandivier of the Franklin Wonder Five dominated Indiana high school basketball since 1919, becoming Wooden's role model.
1927: Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Since winning the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in 1927, UCLA had not won a conference title of any sort until John Wooden's arrival.
1928: Attendance at Purdue University
In 1928, John Wooden began attending Purdue University and was coached by Ward "Piggy" Lambert.
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.
1942: Enlistment in the United States Navy
In 1942, John Wooden joined the United States Navy during World War II.
1944: Goaltending Rule Instituted
In 1944, the goaltending rule was instituted to counter George Mikan's dominant defensive play near the basket.
1946: Departure from the Navy
In 1946, John Wooden left the United States Navy, having served as a lieutenant during World War II.
1947: Double Eagle and Hole in One
In 1947, Golf Digest lists John Wooden as one of four people to score both a double eagle and a hole in one in the same round of golf.
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.
1950: Death of Joshua Wooden
In 1950, John Wooden's father, Joshua Wooden, passed away.
1959: Death of Roxie Wooden
In 1959, John Wooden's mother, Roxie Wooden, passed away.
1967: Dunk Shot Outlawed
In 1967, the dunk shot was outlawed primarily because of Lew Alcindor's dominance. This rule was reinstated in the 1976-1977 season, shortly after Wooden's retirement. This was in reaction to the domination of a superstar player.
1976: Dunk Shot remained outlawed
In 1976, the dunk shot remained outlawed, following its initial ban in 1967 due to Alcindor's dominance.
1977: Dunk Shot Reinstated
In the 1976-1977 season, shortly after Wooden's retirement, the dunk shot was reinstated. It had been outlawed in 1967 due to Alcindor's dominance.
April 3, 2006: Wooden hospitalized for diverticulitis
On April 3, 2006, John Wooden was hospitalized for three days in Los Angeles for treatment of diverticulitis.
2007: Wooden hospitalized for colon bleeding
In 2007, John Wooden was hospitalized for bleeding in the colon, with his daughter reporting that he was "doing well" upon his release.
March 1, 2008: Wooden breaks wrist and collarbone
On March 1, 2008, John Wooden was hospitalized after a fall at home in which he broke his left wrist and collarbone but remained in good condition.
February 2009: Wooden hospitalized with pneumonia
In February 2009, John Wooden was hospitalized for four weeks due to pneumonia.
2009: Wooden describes himself as a "liberal"
In 2009, John Wooden described himself politically as a "liberal", noting that he had voted for some Republican presidential candidates.
May 26, 2010: Wooden admitted to UCLA Medical Center
On May 26, 2010, John Wooden was admitted to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center after suffering from dehydration.
June 4, 2010: John Wooden's Death
On June 4, 2010, John Robert Wooden passed away, marking the end of his life.
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