Quotes by John Wooden

About John Wooden:

John Robert Wooden is even more remarkable and impressive because to this day no other coach or school has won the tournament more than two consecutive years.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

What you are as a person is far more important than what you are as a basketball player.

John Wooden

Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability.

John Wooden

Winning takes talent, to repeat takes character.

John Wooden

You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one.

John Wooden

Be more concerned with your character than your reputation.

John Wooden

The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.

John Wooden

Discipline yourself, and others won't need to.

John Wooden

Earn the right to be proud and confident.

John Wooden

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

John Wooden

Consider the rights of others before your own feelings, and the feelings of others before your own rights.

John Wooden

Be prepared and be honest.

John Wooden

Never lie, never cheat, never steal.

John Wooden

If there's anything you could point out where I was a little different, it was the fact that I never mentioned winning.

John Wooden

Young people need models, not critics.

John Wooden

When you hurry you're more apt to make mistakes. But you have to be quick. If you're not quick you can't get things done.

John Wooden

Well, your greatest joy definitely comes from doing something for another, especially when it was done with no thought of something in return.

John Wooden

I think you have to be what you are. Don't try to be somebody else. You have to be yourself at all times.

John Wooden

You can lose when you outscore somebody in a game. And you can win when you're outscored.

John Wooden

Ability is a poor man's wealth.

John Wooden

Adversity is the state in which man most easily becomes acquainted with himself, being especially free of admirers then.

John Wooden

It's not so important who starts the game but who finishes it.

John Wooden

Author Bio

  • NameJohn Wooden
  • DescriptionAmerican basketball coach
  • BornOctober 14, 1910
  • DiedJune 4, 2010
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionOfficer; Basketball Coach; Basketball Player
  • AwardsPresidential Medal Of Freedom