How to Be Like Coach Wooden: Life Lessons from Basketball's Greatest Leader

by Pat Williams, Bill Walton (Foreword), David Wimbish (Contributor)

John Wooden is an American icon. Since he announced his retirement thirty years ago, “Coach” remains one of our country's most popular and heroic figures. What John Wooden accomplished as basketball coach at UCLA will never be repeated—eighty-eight victories in a row, ten national championships—but what makes his legacy even more amazing is how he
did with honor, integrity and grace. In his research for How to Be Like Coach Wooden, Pat Williams recounts well over 800 interviews. The result is an inspiring motivational biography about a great hero of basketball and one of the most amazing leaders in history. How to Be Like Coach Wooden is the next dynamic book in the How to Be Like "character biography" series, which focuses on drawing out important lessons from the lives of great men and women. In this book, readers will learn from Coach Wooden, a beacon of honesty, goodness and faith. Wooden cared about winning in basketball, but he cared more about winning in life.

292 pages, Paperback

First published March 7, 2006

About the author

Patrick Livingston Murphy Williams was an American sports executive, who served as senior vice president of the Orlando Magic. Williams began his career as a minor league baseball player, and later joined the front office of his team. In the late 1960s he moved into basketball, with his biggest achievements being the 1983 title of the Philadelphia 76'ers and being a partner in the creation of the Orlando Magic.

Reviews

[Jim Serger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book 5 stars because of the material I learned that had nothing to do with sports; but had to do with living a fulfilling life and giving back to others. I have read all three of the authors books on Coach Wooden, all three are different in that each one captivates and enriches the other--the author knows his material first hand. He was personally engaged with coach, visiting him and conducting interviews with over 400 people on writing this book.......very well written...

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A treasure trove of wisdom about life--applications from coaching that drive success on and off the basketball court. I read this book when it was published in 2006 and was inspired by the leadership lessons. When I read it again several years later, I realized the book's insights go far beyond leadership--they can motivate anyone who wants a better, more purposeful life.

[Mark Bowser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! What a Great Role Model

I love Pat Williams’ “How To Be Like” series of books. This one about John Wooden is incredible...because Coach Wooden was incredible. Read it, digest it, live it!

Mark Bowser
Author of “Sales Success” with Zig Ziglar
Co-Author of “Some Gave It All” with Danny Lane

[gosobooks.com · Rating 2 out of 5]

I will advise you read Wooden by Coach himself rather than read this book. This is another of Pat Williams's sugar coated writing.

[Theo]

Really good!

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough about this book and Coach Wooden. Everyone could benefit by reading this book.