BILL WALTON: John Wooden's Pregame Speech

As entertaining as he is insightful, Bill is widely considered one of the best speakers from the world of sports. The lessons he learned on the basketball court became life lessons that served him well throughout his sports, broadcasting and business careers. No lesson was more important than the words from the legendary John Wooden, Bill’s basketball coach at UCLA, who simply said “Do your best.” Wooden never asked players to go out and win – simply to do their best and not beat themselves. Bill never forgot those words which helped him throughout his extraordinary career.

Following a celebrated college basketball career, Bill went on to have a Hall of Fame NBA career. After basketball, he pursued his dream job as a sports broadcaster – but first had to overcome the lifelong stuttering affliction. And then, in 2008, Bill endured risky back surgery for to repair damage done early in his basketball career. Through it all, Bill’s determination and positive attitude carried him through.

Bill is an authentic and true original who personifies greatness and is one of the most compassionate figures in sports with an extraordinary record of giving back through his work with numerous charities and non-profits.

Bill Walton is author of Back from the Dead and Nothing but Net. He currently resides in his hometown of San Diego with his wife Lori.

[charlesm]

Great and timely video - Coach did his teaching in the classroom not during the games. One of the best coaches the game has seen, he does not walk up and down the sideline as todays coaches do. Ucla men's and ladies basketball coaches walk up and down the sidelines. They don't know how to teach or they do not have the correct players. Example - Coach, Phil Jackson on the pro level sat in their seats during the game - two of the most winningest coaches.

[rexfoster]

Walton scores again!! Bill Walton... Best Pac 12 Commentator!!! You bring life to the game!!!

[JerichoMile]

UCLA Bruins basketball coach John Wooden was the greatest coach in sports history !!!!

[paulsonj]

Wooden did his teaching in practice and considered the games the final exam.

[rciesi]

Bill likes to use the term “harmonic convergence” to describe phenomenal things happening. Well, when John Wooden and Bill Walton crossed paths, it was a harmonic convergence of universal magnitude.

[hectorponce]

The greatest coach of all time in any sport on all levels

[DexterHaven]

That's why Wooden didn't coach boxing.

[kevinrens]

Bill, did you write the letter that ultimately led to Nixon’s resignation?

[aaprospects]

Wooden's speech should've been "Sam Gilbert has illegally paid the best high school players in the country, all of you, to be at UCLA so we have the best roster by far every year. So I get to look like a genius coach and pretend to be ethical. Now go out there and beat an opponent who doesn't have a single player who could make our JV team."

[dannyray]

Bill Walton, great player.He also cheated my friend. At a golf tournament he promised to go to dinner ( my friend paid $400.00 so his sons could meet Mr. Walton. Charity event) . Mr.Walton & his associates would not return calls. After a year of trying, my friend gave up. Mr. Walton does not keep his promises.

[joelanning]

No doubt Coach Wooden was a great coach and a better man but Bobby Knight has a very good point. That point was Sam Gilbert. Wooden certainly knew what Gilbert was doing yet he allowed it to continue. That is a stain on Wooden’s program.