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.

Sections (7)

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

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.

Others born on this day/year

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.