Reaction to John Wooden’s death Friday:
“My reaction is sadness yet at this point we have to celebrate maybe the most important guy in the history of the game. There has been no greater influence on college basketball not just about the game but the team. He’s greatest coach in college basketball if not all basketball from the standpoint of all of us trying to emulate what he’s done. He gave so much to basketball and education. In my opinion if he’s not as important as Dr. Naismith, he’s right next to him.” – Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun.
” – Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim.
“This loss will be felt by individuals from all parts of society. He was not only the greatest coach in the history of any sport but he was an exceptional individual that transcended the sporting world. His enduring legacy as a role model is one we should all strive to emulate.” – UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero.
“We take a great deal of pride in his words, his experience and his ability to do what he did. A lot of people at UCLA know that his `Pyramid of Success’ is the foundation for a lot of the programs.” – UCLA softball coach Kelly Inouye-Perez.