Wooden was a three-time All-American guard at Purdue University on the 1930-32 teams. As a coach, "The Wizard of Westwood", led the UCLA Bruins to a record 88 straight victories and 38 straight NCAA Tournament victories. Wooden led the Bruins to 10 National Championships in 12 years - including 7 in a row. He was named National Coach of the Year six times. The NCAA Player of the Year award is named in his honor.

Coach Wooden spreads his philosophy in basketball clinics, books, personal appearances and interviews. "The Essential Wooden", co-authored with Steve Jamison was published in 2007.