In 'Coach Wooden and Me,' basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar shares his transformative journey under the mentorship of iconic coach John Wooden. The memoir unfolds the profound lessons of resilience, discipline, and leadership that shaped both his career and personal life. Abdul-Jabbar uncovers the deep bond between coach and player that transcended the game, revealing Wooden's unique philosophies that can inspire anyone, on or off the court. Through anecdotes and reflections, readers discover how Wooden's wisdom impacted not just the sport, but also the way Abdul-Jabbar approached challenges in life. This inspirational narrative invites readers to explore the timeless teachings of one of basketball's greatest mentors.
By Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Published: 2018
"Success is a journey, not a destination; it is the commitment to continual improvement and the wisdom to understand that the true measure of greatness lies not in trophies, but in the integrity we build along the way."
Former NBA star and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Kareem Abdul-Jabbar explores his 50-year friendship with Coach John Wooden, one of the most enduring and meaningful relationships in sports history. Instant New York Times and USA Today BestsellerPresident Barack Obama's Favorite Book of 2017A Boston Globe and Huffington Post Best Book of 2017 Pick When future NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was still an 18-year-old high school basketball prospect from New York City named Lew Alcindor, he accepted a scholarship from UCLA largely on the strength of Coach John Wooden's reputation as a winner. It turned out to be the right choice, as Alcindor and his teammates won an unprecedented three NCAA championship titles. But it also marked the beginning of one of the most extraordinary and enduring friendships in the history of sports. In COACH WOODEN AND ME, Abdul-Jabbar reveals the inspirational story of how his bond with John Wooden evolved from a history-making coach-player mentorship into a deep and genuine friendship that transcended sports, shaped the course of both men's lives, and lasted for half a century. COACH WOODEN AND ME is a stirring tribute to the subtle but profound influence that Wooden had on Kareem as a player, and then as a person, as they began to share their cultural, religious, and family values while facing some of life's biggest obstacles. From his first day of practice, when the players were taught the importance of putting on their athletic socks properly; to gradually absorbing the sublime wisdom of Coach Wooden's now famous "Pyramid of Success"; to learning to cope with the ugly racism that confronted black athletes during the turbulent Civil Rights era as well as losing loved ones, Abdul-Jabbar fondly recalls how Coach Wooden's fatherly guidance not only paved the way for his unmatched professional success but also made possible a lifetime of personal fulfillment. Full of intimate, never-before-published details and delivered with the warmth and erudition of a grateful student who has learned his lessons well, COACH WOODEN AND ME is at once a celebration of the unique philosophical outlook of college basketball's most storied coach and a moving testament to the all-conquering power of friendship.
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“Success is a journey, not a destination; it is the commitment to continual improvement and the wisdom to understand that the true measure of greatness lies not in trophies, but in the integrity we build along the way.”
Coach Wooden and Me
By Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a renowned author, cultural critic, and former professional basketball player, celebrated for both his athletic achievements and his literary contributions. As the NBA's all-time leading scorer, he has authored several notable works, including 'Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off the Court,' 'Writings on the Wall: Searching for a New Equality Beyond Black and White,' and 'Coach Wooden and Me: Our 50-Year Friendship On and Off the Court.' Abdul-Jabbar's writing style is characterized by its clarity, depth, and engaging prose, often reflecting his personal experiences and a profound understanding of social issues, history, and culture.
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