John Wooden

I grew up on a farm. We learned that there was a season to plant, a season to water, and season to harvest. The planting and watering could be laborious, but without those stages, there would never be a harvest.

John Wooden

I had three rules for my players: No profanity. Don’t criticize a teammate. Never be late.

John Wooden

I never let our players get satisfied, I never let our Coaches get satisfied, I was never satisfied. We can always do it better.

John Wooden

I never yelled at my players much. That would have been artificial stimulation, which doesn’t last very long. I think it’s like love and passion. Passion won’t last as long as love. When you are dependent on passion, you need more and more of it to make it work. It’s the same with yelling.

John Wooden

I talked to the players and tried to make them aware of what was good and bad, but I didn’t try to run their lives.

John Wooden

I think permitting the game to become too physical takes away a little bit of the beauty.

John Wooden

I think the teaching profession contributes more to the future of our society than any other single profession.

John Wooden

I wanted my players to always be searching, especially for truth. I wanted them to know what they believed and be able to defend it. Truth will always stand the test of scrutiny.

John Wooden

I was built up from my dad more than anyone else.

John Wooden

I would not tolerate profanity from anyone, anytime. I’d blow the whistle, pull you from the court and put you on the bench and talk to you before I would put you back in.

John Wooden