John Wooden Game Quotations

Winning games, titles and championships isn't all it's cracked up to be, but getting there, the journey, is a lot more than it's cracked up to be.

Defense is a definite part of the game, and a great part of defense is learning to play it without fouling.

Generally speaking, individual performances don't win basketball games

I seldom was ever off my seat on the bench during the game.

I think permitting the game to become too physical takes away a little bit of the beauty.

The close games are usually lost, rather than won. What I mean by that is games are mostly won because of the opponent making mistakes during crucial moments.

A life not lived for others is not a life, a game not played for others is not a game.

You control the terms of the conflict. Make them play your game. Don't try to play theirs.

Never complain about the officiating. It does no good. During the game I don't want to be fighting two opponents.

I don't think I was a fine game coach I think I was a good practice coach.

It's not so important who starts the game but who finishes it.

You can lose when you outscore somebody in a game, and you can win when you're outscored.

I don't get all wound up. I accept things as they come. I've always stressed moderation. I never got too high or too low. I think it helps being on an even keel. It was the same way with our players. I never wanted any excessive celebration if we outscored someone in a game or excessive dejection if we didn't. If you can stick to it, it helps.

Being selected for the McDonald's All American Games is one of the greatest accomplishments in a basketball player's career. Not only will these youth contribute to the list of the best basketball players of all-time, but they will aid in raising money for a very important cause.