50 years after his last title, John Wooden’s influence endures on and off the court

By March 29, 1975, Andre McCarter, a veteran of UCLA basketball, noticed a different atmosphere in the locker room after their latest victory. Unlike today’s celebrations with loud music and water pouring, the Bruins didn’t celebrate NCAA Tournament wins unless it was a championship. But this win was special. UCLA had narrowly escaped disaster when Louisville’s free throw shooter, who had been perfect all year, missed the front end of a one-and-one with 20 seconds left. If he had made both, UCLA’s season would have ended. Instead, a late jumper by Richard Washington sent them to the championship game.

Despite the relief of advancing, Coach John Wooden quickly called for silence. He then shocked the team by announcing that the upcoming championship game would be his last. McCarter, determined to send Wooden out a winner, rallied the team, declaring they would win the title for their coach.

Fifty years after Wooden’s last game, the college game has drastically changed. The dunk returned to the game a year after his retirement, and the addition of the shot clock and three-point line transformed play. Players now enter the NBA younger, and the money in the game is immense—far more than Wooden ever made in a season.

Wooden finished his career with 664 wins, 85 losses, and 10 NCAA titles, double the next closest coach, Mike Krzyzewski. His influence endures through his Pyramid of Success, which is still used by coaches, educators, and business leaders. Even after his passing, Wooden’s lessons on leadership, sport, and life continue to resonate.