John Wooden

Coach Wooden's Pyramid of Success Playbook
$5.99
What coach worth his salt, can not see even the most minute value in what this book has to offer. While the Pyramid was developed over many years, its time tested success is unquestionable. If you are a coach, looking to make a difference and have success on and off the field/court, this book is for you.

My Personal Best : Life Lessons from an All-American Journey
$23.95
I was raised in Southern California and now reside in Indiana. I could not be happier that Coach Wooden also called both places his home. Though he clearly is a midwesterner at heart---as am I now---his legend truly grew in Los Angeles.

As my title indicates, we need more coaches like John Wooden here in 2008. Can you imagine what the current crop of college ballers would be like if they had a mentor and role model like Wooden? He had depth, insight, was spiritual, a reader, a thinker, etc. This was not required, but he knew all these attributes were necessary to grow "student athletes" into successful players and adults. Even a hippie like Bill Walton, the antithesis to a noble, mature person like Wooden---respects and admires "Coach." Wooden knew how to reach all. His quotes---taken from other coaches, his father and his own mind---are ones to heed. I have the Pyramid of Success on my wall at work.

He hated dunking, showboating, selfishness, hedonism, etc. He'd loathe the brainwashing and lack of civility rampant on today's college and high school campuses.

This bio spans a wonderful, rich life, leaving no stone or thought unturned; no mind or theory unchallenged or ungrown.

A remarkbale living legend, G-d bless Mr. Wooden (who is still alive at the age of 97) and all he has done for the game and collegians everywhere.

Wooden on Leadership: How to Create a Winning Organizaion
$24.95
John Wooden is a reluctant legend, but a legend nonetheless. His leadership practices are pillars that support sustainable success in leaders. If you're wondering how to be an inspired leader in this sea change or perfect storm, read Wooden on Leadership. His leadership tenets are grounded in what I know for sure: Who you are as a leader is who you are as a person.

Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections on and Off the Court
$19.95
Wooden was perhaps the greatest basketball coach ever. His basketball wisdom and ideas on excellence and leadership development are timeless. All of his books are must reads for a basketball coach and most players.

But this little blue book is for anyone. It truly is the wisdom of Wooden.

I don't really know how else to describe it. This book is not so much about basketball as it is life and how to do it the right way.

I gave this little book to every player who graduated from my program. My copy is beat up, underlined, dog-eared, and highlighted. I cannot tell you how many times I have read it and learned something from it with each reading.

The only book I know of that has more wisdom and allows you to learn from each reading is the Bible.

Kevin Sivils - author of Game Strategy and Tactics for Basketball
Game Strategies and Tactics for Basketball: Bench Coaching for Success