John Wooden Crowned As The Best Coach Of All Time
John Wooden, the legendary basket ball coach, who had glittered the world of basket ball through his subtle yet brilliant tactics was voted as the greatest basket ball coach of all time by ‘The Sporting News’.
Wooden, now 98 years old, has been one of the brightest stars that the basket ball court has ever witnessed. A panel of 118 renowned and distinguished coaches from various sports were put together by ‘The Sporting News’ to rate the 50 greatest U.S. coaches from all sports.
The much awaited result did not come as a surprise as many believed that the 98 year old living legend truly deserved the honor. Wooden was a runaway winner as he picked up 57 first class votes. The margin of votes between the top spot and the second spot reflected a massive gap as the second spot was held by the Green Bay Packers legend, Vince Lombardi, who secured as many as 27 votes.
Following Vince were Bear Bryant, Phil Jackson, Don Shula, Red Auerbach, Scotty Bowman, Dean Smith, Casey Stengel and Knute Rockne.
Although Wooden doesn’t travel much any more due to his age barrier and remains curbed within his wheel chair, still his wit, modesty and his sharp mind are intact. When asked about what he felt after being considered as the best coach of all time, Wooden with utmost modesty said, “No one is deserving of being called the very best. No one.” Wooden then raised his fingers to point out the middle aged men who had been once his young men. “They are the ones who make coaches.
Coaches help. But if you do not have the youngsters, you are not going to do the job,” quipped the living legend.
He was warmly welcomed and honored on Wednesday which was attended by his family along with the former players.
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