Legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden is known for his record-breaking run of NCAA championships and for working with some of the best players in the sport. His principles for success have been used by not only coaches and athletes, but also business leaders, entrepreneurs, and others. But his reach stretches even farther than most people know--into the hearts and lives of the people who learned the game of basketball on one of Coach Wooden's forgotten teams.
For nearly twenty years, John Wooden ran scores of summer youth basketball camps in California and other states, imparting wisdom and teaching skills to thousands of boys and girls between the ages of eight and fifteen. Most would not grow up to play professional or even college ball, but all of them found their lives changed by their interaction with the greatest coach who ever lived. In those camps, Coach Wooden also impacted hundreds of camp counselors and assistant coaches. This one-of-a-kind new book shares their inspiring stories and six fundamental lessons for a life of success and an unforgettable impact on others.
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.
I grew up tall but clumsy, a poor basketball player who once attended a basketball camp when I was in junior high. I remember getting the "most improved" award, a basketball. I still remember some of the things that our high school coach pointed out about my play (while, I suspect, stifling his own laughter). Despite never playing organized basketball, I can see how a camp can make an impact. This book is about how the summer camps run by arguably the best college basketball coach in history worked. The author shares some of the lessons Coach Wooden shared throughout his many camps. These started with how to wear socks and shoes (a focus on the basics) which he started every camp teaching. Then he went on to teach his life philosophy, mixed in with basketball fundamentals and play. The author gives these two aspect an even share of the story here, perhaps leaning more on the philosophy side. He realized that most of his camp attendees would not play ball professionally, so used the camps as a way to influence the kids to live a kind and giving life. I loved the stories behind the scenes of the camp, including the stories of camp counsellors assigned to drive Wooden around. That was real pressure for these young drivers. Good for uplifting stories, and stories of the running of summer sports camps, but not as much basketball action as you might think.
I chose this book for review when it became available through the Revell Reads blogger program because I have watched John Wooden's PBS television show on his 'Pyramid of Success'. I enjoyed the show especially because of Coach Wooden's kind, heartwarming, folksy wisdom; and I wanted to read this book to learn more about his impact on youth basketball players.
This book was well-researched and was sprinkled with quotations from Coach Wooden, anecdotes from his UCLA players/summer campers/summer camp coaches/friends/family, and biographical information about this unique individual. This biographical information is included mostly in Chapter Eight, and I wish it would have been moved up to the beginning of the book so I would have known more about his background when I was reading about his various jobs and championships.
Throughout the book men and women shared examples of how Coach Wooden's fundamentals about life had a positive influence on their lives. Moreover, they gave concrete examples of how his teachings affected their lives outside of the basketball court. Many mentioned Coach Wooden had impacted their lives as husbands/wives, fathers/mothers, teachers, coaches, and citizens in general.
The coach's simple teachings have had a ripple effect because his players and campers have gone on to teach their players and campers how to be high-quality contributing members of society, and so his influence lives on and on. What a legacy John Wooden left of this world.
Two of my favorite pieces of wisdom garnered from Coach Wooden's teachings are to 'always do the best of which I am capable'. The other is to make it a practice to show kindness to, or do a good deed for, someone each day without the expectation of being repaid in any way.
**Interesting fact: John Wooden lived to be almost 100 years old. Born: 10/14/1910. Died: 6/4/2010. ---------------------------------------------------------------- I highly recommend this book for fans of Christian non-fiction, sports fans, men and women seeking to learn and grow in their own lives, and for individuals who seek to learn more about this fascinating man.
Disclosure from reviewer: I received a hardcover copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review to be posted on my blog and on retailer sites and Goodreads. I received no compensation for my review or posts here or on any other site.
It seems like basketball has been a part of our family forever. So when the opportunity came to read and review Coach Wooden's Forgotten Teams by Pat Williams, I quickly signed up. John Wooden is known for his legendary coaching, his record-breaking run of NCAA championships, and for having worked with some of the best players in the sport.
However I did not know he had run summer youth basketball camps for almost twenty years. He shared his wisdom and knowledge of the sport with boys and girls between the ages of eight and fifteen. More so, he impacted their lives teaching them to live with integrity as they reached for their goals in life.
The book is rich with quotes from Coach Wooden and inspiring stories, each one driving home the concepts and philosophies Coach Wooden sought to instill in every one he met. This is a book I found most easy to read and most difficult to put down. This is a book for everyone not just for coaches for we all should desire to be better people, encouraging others to be the best they can be.
People mattered to this man ... "Seek opportunities to show you care. The smallest gestures often make the biggest difference." ~ Coach John Wooden
His summer camps were more than camp to him. He and his wife, Nell, came straight from church on Sundays, to get camp started with Nell doing the check-in and registration of the campers. He stayed involved in the activities all week long, getting to know his campers.
Pat Williams writes: "As a coach, as a leader, as a teacher, as a mentor, and as a man of faith, Coach John Wooden was not merely a rarity. He was absolutely unique, incomparable, one of a kind. That's why, year after year, camp after camp, the young people he influenced rose up as one and gave him a standing ovation. No ovation was ever more fitting or more honestly earned. Coach Wooden influenced generations with authentic love. And that's why he received so much love in return." ~ page 45
This is a wonderful read with valuable insights sure to cause every reader to desire to be a better person. You will surely close the book desiring to be a person who influences and impacts others every day in all you do.
*** I received a copy of this book from Revell Books for review purposes. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I have never been much of a sports fan. I never played sports in school, and didn't really catch the fever later.
However, when I had the opportunity to review Forgotten Teams by Pat Williams I was intrigued. I vaguely remembered the great Coach John Wooden, and his UCLA basketball teams. Teams that brought players like Bill Walton, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and others to the forefront. This book however was about Coach Woodens summer basketball camps. Camps that exposed hundreds of kids instead of just 12 players to Coaches teaching. And teaching is what John Wooden did.
The campers who passed through the John Wooden Basketball Fundamentals camp all knew they were in the presence of greatness. Greatness as measured by John Wooden's depth of character and breadth of love. Not only did the campers learn character and life skills, the assistant coaches and counselors did as well. One thing that stood out to me was a comment made by one of the assistants.
"Coach told us that to be competitive you don't have to do extraordinary things. You simply have to do ordinary things extraordinarily well. Every detail is important when it comes to being the best you can be."
Coach Wooden was a simple and humble man. A man of faith and integrity. His emphasis at camp was not about winning, but about each camper (and coaches) to make the effort to do the best of which they are capable. And then be at peace with themselves. He cared about each camper and wanted his coaches to help every camper reach his full potential. He didn't cater to the most skilled players. And he insisted his coaches not cater to them either. Just give each camper the best experience they could have.
He was a coach for all times, a coach for all seasons.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
Coach Wooden's Forgotten Teams Stories and Lessons from John Wooden's Summer Basketball Camps By Pat Williams with Jim Denney Foreword by Nan Wooden
I don't personally remember seeing Coach Wooden during his coaching years but I do remember my mom and grandmother talking about what a gentleman he always appeared to. (And living in LA County and Thousand Oaks they had many opportunities during which to form this favorable opinion.) So when offered a chance to review this book and learn about Coach Wooden from those on whom he had a strong influence I admit I didn't think twice about it. And I was in no way disappointing in getting to know this man who was and is so highly respected.
In Coach Wooden's philosophy, there are no unimportant parts whether it be players on the team or the rules that he established for success. This fundamental belief is one that can be carried through into all aspects of life. Success is found in the details and the details are conditioning, execution, and teamwork. And when you make mistakes have the wisdom to admit it and rectify it immediately by apologizing with humility. Be a leader who helps others lead.
It is a shame that such people are so few in the world today, we need those who are willing to teach and inspire those who are seeking instruction now. I enjoyed getting to know the man behind the legend. This is a book that should be enjoyed and the wisdom within it shared. I highly recommend this book for any reader aged 13 and up as the lessons one can glean will stay with you for a lifetime.
I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher Revell with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
“Competitive greatness, as Coach Wooden defined it, is not only consistent with good character but also requires it. You can’t achieve competitive greatness without good character” (p.138 ).
Authors, Pat and Jim, spent an immense amount of time compiling videos, interviews, insights and much more on the structure, impact and background of the John Wooden summer camps. Over 30 years later, the campers and coaches attest to the effects the camp and Coach Wooden had on them. The influence that Coach Wooden so seamlessly emanated is what every coach, teacher, and human being hopes to leave on the world.
Regardless, the book lacked a logical timeline, cohesiveness and engagement. The quotes and MANY names dropped within this book were overly confusing. It was clear the authors idolized Coach Wooden, enough so that they’ve written several books on the subject. But, while I enjoyed learning more about the man who deceased in 2010, one book on him was certainly enough for me.
This is a difficult book for me to review. It was given to me as a 70th birthday present. I was not a fan of John Wooden when he was coaching basketball at UCLA. Perhaps that was because his teams won ten national championships, a fact hammered home often in this book. Perhaps it was because it looked like he wasn't coaching during the games; he just sat there. (He explains that in the book.)
I coached Little League baseball for a few years, but my coaching days have been over for a long time. But my living days hopefully aren't over. And there are some very valuable lessons in this book that I feel will make me a good grandfather to my two granddaughters, a better husband, and a better minister wherever and however I am serving. So thanks Coach.
Why just three stars? I didn't like the writing. I mentioned the ten championships. That was one example of the repetitiveness in the book. In one chapter, Pat Williams repeated one paragraph exactly one page later.
I was glad to finish reading but did appreciate the life lessons.
Coach Wooden’s Forgotten Teams: Stories and Lessons from John Wooden’s Summer Basketball Camps is an encouraging book by Pat Williams (with Jim Denney) that recounts stories about the legendary basketball coach John Wooden. I enjoyed reading about Wooden’s basketball camps and the positive impact that he made on the players; we often remember Wooden for his role as a UCLA basketball coach, so it was nice to read about him in a different setting. Wooden’s advice is applicable to everyone – whether or not you’re an athlete – because his advice is life advice. He taught people how to lead, strive for greatness, and empower others. Wooden was a great example to others – not just through his words, but through his actions. Coach Wooden’s Forgotten Teams is an excellent book to read if you want to be inspired.
Coach Wooden’s Forgotten Teams is a fascinating look at John Wooden’s often overlooked career as a coach at summer youth basketball camps. His love of basketball and his fellow man made his camps memorable for those who attended them over the years; he taught what he loved, and he loved what he taught. As we walk down the road of life, we might never meet any extraordinary individuals, but John Wooden was certainly one and was able to touch many lives. Don't miss this wonderful book and the stories and lessons it has to offer. “Coach Wooden isn’t with us anymore, but he left us his words, his passion, and his legacy of teaching and influencing future generations of young people.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.
Legendary Coach John Wooden...voted into the Men's College Basketball Hall of Fame for both his coaching career and as a player. Despite his great credentials and records, Coach Wooden is perhaps most known for his pyramid of success. Most people on the outside think of his ten national titles, but those who were closest to him were greatly impacted by his influence on them and teaching them what true success is. Greatly enjoyed reading this book, partly because I grew up playing basketball but mostly because I grew hearing about his success on and off the court. If there is a draw back to this book it would be the format in which the information is given; it seemed somewhat random otherwise definitely would have been a five star! I look forward to reading more about him!
Forgotten Teams by Pat Williams is rich book filled with inspiration, impact and valuable life lessons. This book is perfect for the coach who, especially the basketball coach who is looking for valuable insight on how to be better at basketball, life and faith. I love his serving heart and amazing attitude. Coach Wooden is captured throughout this book and Pat did a fantastic job at communicating the person he was. This is a must read for all coach's, fans of Wooden and those who want a transformation in how they conduct themselves daily. This book was very inspiring. I give this book a 4/5 stars. A favorable review was not required for this complimentary book.
This book teaches the true spirit of Coach Wooden; the art of giving back to others. Summer camps truly emphasizes the passion of Coach--leading young future leaders the life lessons he has instilled in his life on and off the court...Terrific insight and new material is presented by the author. Pat Williams' new book on coach, as he states I thought I knew everything about coach--then he researches new information which is then shared in this educational book. Coach is a teacher first.....
John Wooden is generally considered to be one of, if not the greatest coach in any sport ever. That's a high bar. But when you read this you may begin to realize why. Wooden was not only a sports coach, but he was a life coach long before the term was coined. He was a dedicated father, husband, friend, and above all a Christian man who lived what he preached and taught. This book covers the various summer basketball camps Wooden ran throughout and after his coaching career. An inspiring book, it is full of nuggets on life, sports, and many other things. I really wish I'd found this book during my youth sports coaching days. I would have been a wonderful text in my efforts to coach and help young kids.
I absolutely love this - an pretty much any - book about Coach Wooden. I have always admired him as a coach & a human being & consider him to be the universal role model. The book is genuine & uplifting in a time when our leaders disappoint &/or disgust. Everyone should read Wooden's words of wisdom. I was extremely fortunate to receive a copy from a Goodreads giveaway.
Coach Wooden's Forgotten Teams: Stories and Lessons from John Wooden's Summer Basketball Camps shows you the importance of the lessons learned on the court that can be used off the court in your everyday life. A book that is full of lessons and teachings that are sure to help improve different aspects of your life.
Coach Wooden's Forgotten Teams: Stories and Lessons from John Wooden's Summer Basketball Camps is written by professional sports figure and author, Pat Williams, with Jim Denney,—who seem to be monopolizing book opportunities on the subject of Coach Wooden: this is their fourth collaboration—and this newest book shares hundreds of stories and testimonials from former campers and counselors who attended the summer basketball camps that John Wooden was involved with for several decades after retiring from college sports, highlighting many of "Coach's" lessons, principles, and favorite sayings.
While I appreciated many of the values and principles found in this little book (and I can respect Coach Wooden as someone who impacted others not only through his coaching but also by living out the godly character and high standards he taught), nevertheless I had to slog through Coach Wooden's Forgotten Teams because it is so repetitive (and unorganized). If you boiled down all the individual testimonials, there isn't really book-length content, even a short one as this is, especially since I would venture a guess it's not new content (considering this is Williams and Denney's fourth book, and I'm sure there are other books on such a "legendary" coach!).
This book could be summed up as a collective thumbs-up for everyone's favorite coach, who practiced what he preached and had a lot of tweet-worthy quotes, and is known, in part, for his "Pyramid of Success":
Maybe I would've enjoyed it more if I was into sports?
Disclaimer: This book was received for free from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my honest review.
Note as with all reviews and references, I do not necessarily agree with (or am even aware of) any or all of the beliefs, views, etc. of the author; please read my disclaimer here.