Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Coach Wooden and Me summary
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Brief summary
Coach Wooden and Me is a memoir by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar that delves into his unique and enduring friendship with legendary basketball coach John Wooden. It offers valuable insights into leadership, mentorship, and the power of sports in shaping character.
Topics
Table of Contents
Coach Wooden and Me
Summary of key ideas
Exploring the Relationship
In Coach Wooden and Me by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, we delve into the profound friendship between the author and his legendary college basketball coach, John Wooden. Abdul-Jabbar, then known as Lew Alcindor, was a young basketball prodigy when he first met Wooden. Their relationship began when Alcindor enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where Wooden coached the basketball team. Initially, the relationship was strictly professional, but it evolved into a deep and enduring friendship.
Abdul-Jabbar describes Wooden as a father figure who was not only concerned about his players' performance on the court but also their character off it. Wooden's coaching style was based on his Pyramid of Success, a philosophy that emphasized values such as hard work, friendship, loyalty, and cooperation. Alcindor, who was raised in a strict Catholic household, found Wooden's teachings remarkably similar to the values instilled in him by his parents.
Success and Struggles
The book explores Abdul-Jabbar's time at UCLA, where he led the basketball team to three consecutive NCAA championships. During this period, he developed a close bond with Wooden, who helped him navigate the challenges that came with his rapid rise to fame. Wooden's calming influence and wise counsel were particularly important to Abdul-Jabbar, who faced racial discrimination and intense media scrutiny as a high-profile African-American athlete.
After graduating from UCLA, Abdul-Jabbar embarked on a successful professional basketball career in the NBA. Throughout this time, he remained in close contact with Wooden, seeking his mentor's advice on various matters, both personal and professional. However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for Abdul-Jabbar. He had to endure his share of struggles, including adjusting to life as a professional athlete and dealing with the loss of loved ones. Through it all, Wooden remained a constant source of strength and guidance.
Life Lessons from Wooden
In Coach Wooden and Me, Abdul-Jabbar reflects on the invaluable life lessons he learned from Wooden. He attributes his success, both on and off the court, to the principles instilled in him by his coach. These principles, derived from Wooden's Pyramid of Success, emphasized the importance of hard work, discipline, and integrity. Abdul-Jabbar also credits Wooden for helping him develop a strong sense of self and for teaching him to handle adversity with grace and resilience.
Moreover, Abdul-Jabbar shares how Wooden's influence extended beyond basketball. Wooden encouraged him to explore his interests outside of sports, leading Abdul-Jabbar to develop a passion for history and literature. This intellectual curiosity eventually inspired him to become an accomplished writer and historian in his post-basketball career.
A Lasting Legacy
In the final sections of Coach Wooden and Me, Abdul-Jabbar pays tribute to Wooden's enduring legacy. He highlights the profound impact Wooden had on his players, not just as athletes, but as individuals. He also emphasizes the importance of preserving Wooden's teachings for future generations, believing that his coach's wisdom holds valuable lessons for success and fulfillment in all aspects of life.
In conclusion, Coach Wooden and Me is a heartfelt tribute to a remarkable friendship and a testament to the enduring influence of a great teacher. Abdul-Jabbar's recollections offer a rare and intimate glimpse into the life and philosophy of one of basketball's most revered figures, John Wooden, and the profound impact he had on one of the game's greatest players.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Coach Wooden and Me about?
Coach Wooden and Me is a heartfelt memoir by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar that delves into the profound impact legendary basketball coach John Wooden had on his life. From their initial meeting at UCLA to their enduring friendship, Abdul-Jabbar reflects on the wisdom, guidance, and life lessons he received from Coach Wooden both on and off the court. It is a tribute to a remarkable mentor and the power of mentorship in shaping one's character and success.
Coach Wooden and Me Review
Coach Wooden and Me (2017) is a heartfelt reflection on the author's unique friendship with the renowned basketball coach John Wooden. Here's why this book is definitely worth a read:
- Explores the mentorship and meaningful bond between the author and Coach Wooden, offering valuable life lessons and insights.
- Shares personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories of their journey, providing a deeper understanding of their relationship and experiences.
- With its mix of sports history and life wisdom, the book offers a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged and inspired throughout.
Who should read Coach Wooden and Me?
Individuals looking to learn from the wisdom and insights of legendary basketball coach John Wooden
Basketball enthusiasts who want to gain a deeper understanding of the game and its principles
Readers interested in personal development and leadership, and how it applies to sports and life
Categories with Coach Wooden and Me
Book summaries like Coach Wooden and Me
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Coach Wooden and Me FAQs
What is the main message of Coach Wooden and Me?
The main message of Coach Wooden and Me is the enduring lessons of friendship, leadership, and mentorship.
How long does it take to read Coach Wooden and Me?
Reading Coach Wooden and Me takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in about 15 minutes.
Is Coach Wooden and Me a good book? Is it worth reading?
Coach Wooden and Me is worth reading for its insight into a legendary coach-athlete bond and valuable life lessons.
Who is the author of Coach Wooden and Me?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the author of Coach Wooden and Me.
What to read after Coach Wooden and Me?
If you're wondering what to read next after Coach Wooden and Me, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Happiness by Richard Layard
- The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Trust Me, I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz