The John Wooden Pyramid of Success: The Authorized Biography, Philosophy and Ultimate Guide to Life, Leadership, Friendship and Love of the Greatest Coach in the History of Sports [Paperback]

Neville L. Johnson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2003

The John Wooden Pyramid of Success features the words and values of the master: the official Pyramid of Success Lecture, Coach's favorite maxims, interviews with him about his life and philosophy, and 30 photos of Wooden throughout his life. Wooden is the consummate businessman, who during the last twelve years of his job obtained a virtual monopoly on the national title for collegiate basketball. Learn how he did so as the master strategist, psychologist, motivator, and example. Husband, father, friend, educator, poet, athlete, Hoosier, and just plain great guy, Coach Wooden':s story and approach to life is an inspiration for all ages. At last, the complete story is told. For the inside story of a true hero in sports and life, this is indispensable and joyous reading.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"(The Pyramid of Success) is a very effective blueprint for life." -- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Basketball Hall of Famer

"The Pyramid is very simple, very clear, and it makes sense. It':s a tremendous motivational tool for self-esteem, personal development. -- Walt Hazzard, Olympic Gold Medalist

". . . the greatest teacher of all time . . . I':d take a look at this book. It':s a very, very good read. -- Jim Rome, national sports broadcaster

A wonderful book . . . It':s a book not only enjoyable for basketball fans but should be shared with kids. --Larry Grossman, ESPN Radio

"Everything anyone could possibly want to know about the UCLA basketball coach. If you're a fan [it's] worth the price. . ." --Larry Stewart, Los Angeles Times

Everything anyone could possibly want to know about the UCLA basketball coach. If you're a fan [it's] worth the price. . . --Larry Stewart, Los Angeles Times

. . the greatest teacher of all time . . . I'd take a look at this book. It's a very, very good read. --Jim Rome, national sports broadcaster

From the Publisher

John Wooden, owner of many unequaled and mostly unapproachable records, coached the legendary UCLA basketball teams to ten national championships between 1963 and 1975. He is without question the best coach in the history of collegiate basketball. His accomplishments on the court alone make him a fascinating person. But Coach Wooden is much more‹a philosopher and creator of the Pyramid of Success, which is a plain-spoken guide to achieving success that is packed with good, honest common sense. The Pyramid of Success is about balance and love--what Wooden says are the two most important ingredients in a person--and how to nurture those attributes in one¹s self and others.

In this authorized Wooden biography, you will find the wisdom of this extraordinary man. Wooden has allowed rare access to members of his family--brothers, children and grandchildren who for the first time take you into his home life--as well as superstar athletes (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Walton, Willie Naulls, Walt Hazzard, Gail Goodrich, Sidney Wicks plus many others) and nationally known broadcasters. You will also meet Ann Meyers-Drysdale, one of the greatest female basketball players in history. New to this edition are interviews with H.R. "Bob" Haldeman, (former Chief of Staff to President Richard Nixon) with whom Wooden maintained his friendship, even during his incarceration; Jack Tobin, the co-author of Wooden¹s autobiography, They Call Me Coach; and Andy Hill, a former UCLA player who went on to be a top entertainment executive and who co-authored with Wooden the recent best-seller, Be Quick But Don't Hurry.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Cool Titles; 2nd edition (April 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967392020
• ISBN-13: 978-0967392028
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #747,359 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The John Wooden Pyramid of Success, April 20, 2004

By 

Barbara Gabriel (San Francisco, California United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The John Wooden Pyramid of Success: The Authorized Biography, Philosophy and Ultimate Guide to Life, Leadership, Friendship and Love of the Greatest Coach in the History of Sports (Paperback)

I am a licensed psychotherapist practicing in San Francisco for the past twenty years. I am always looking for books that give people a healthy and motivational structure for living life.
John Wooden's Pyramid of Success is one of those books that I recommend to my clients. This book was recommended to me and although I did not know much about John Wooden, I was very inspired by his life and his work. His ability to educate, and help others build character, gain wisdom and expand their capacity to live a life of integrity, service and love is remarkable.
Most people come into therapy because there is some area of their life that they are dissatisfied with. Therapy is about bringing into consciousness deeper emotional truths that can keep us from achieving a truly satisfying and meaningful life.
The Pyramid clearly defines the actions we are taking and the decisions we are making when we are living life to the fullest. John Wooden is an important role model and teacher for us all. This book is an excellent resource for living on purpose and for reaching the upper limits of what is available to us all in life.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The John Wooden Pyramid of Success, May 13, 2007

By 

E. Cynthia Duemey (Oceanside, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The John Wooden Pyramid of Success: The Authorized Biography, Philosophy and Ultimate Guide to Life, Leadership, Friendship and Love of the Greatest Coach in the History of Sports (Paperback)

Basketball fan or not, this is a good read. Even better if you are. John Wooden's Pyramid is a pattern for successful living with tools that provide the means & inspiration to guide you to a more worthwhile and fulfilling life. Teamwork is the foundation for success in any team effort, on or off the court. This would be a great gift for teenagers invloved in sports. Coach Wooden's teams proved you don't have to be a "glory hound" to gain recognition.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, April 22, 2003

By 

Rebecca S. Leeds (Irvine, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The John Wooden Pyramid of Success: The Authorized Biography, Philosophy and Ultimate Guide to Life, Leadership, Friendship and Love of the Greatest Coach in the History of Sports (Paperback)

This is the best book to date on Coach Wooden. He is an outstanding person who was able to motivate his players to be their best, without putting undue pressure on them. The Pyramid of Success can be helpful for business people, athletes, teachers, students, and just about everyone looking into learing a new philosophy on life. Great book. Highly recommend it.