Basketball at U.C.L.A.
Starting his fourth year at the helm of the Bruin cagers, Johnny Wooden boasts a remarkable 65 won, 24 lost (73.0 pet.) record, including three straight PCC Southern Division championships, since his arrival at Westwood.
Wooden's biggest ambition at present is the quest for a national championship title for his UCLA basketballers. He believes in lining up the toughest competition available at every opportunity, and these games against the top US fives have provided his charges with an incalculable amount of added experience.
Famed as a member of the all-time All-American cage team, Wooden was a star guard for three years at Purdue University, and captained the 1932 Boilermaker National champions. Upon his graduation from college, Wooden enjoyed a highly successful prep coaching career for the next ten years at Dayton, Kentucky, and
JOHN R. WOODEN Central High of South Bend, Indiana.
After spending three years as athletic officer in the Navy, Wooden mentored the Sycamores of the Indiana State Teachers College in Terre Haute, Ind., for two seasons before switching to UCLA in 1948. Wooden is now 41 years old, and has been hailed by many experts as one of the top brains in the cage sport today.
Shortly after graduation from Purdue, Wooden also scored another triumph, when he entered into a lifetime contract with the present Mrs. Nellie C. Wooden.
The Helms Athletic Foundation selected Johnny Wooden to their All-Time All-American College Basketball team in 1943, and stated: "Wooden was probably the greatest all-around guard of them all. Brilliant on defense, and an exceptional shot."
Another Wooden may be around to add his name in the cage world in the not too distant future. Fifteen-year-old Jimmy will try to start emulating the accomplishments of his illustrious father this year at the nearby University High School in West Los Angeles, where he and his attractive 17-year-old sister, Nancy Anne, are currently in attendance.
Season Outlook
Three for Three!That's the perfect record which UCLA's basketballers have achieved in Southern Division competition since John R. Wooden took over the Bruin coaching reins back in 1948.
The lack of cage savy will provide Bruin cage aspirations with the biggest obstacle this winter. Coach John Wooden's varsity is loaded with youthful talent, but is short on experienced hands.
The UCLA "Youth Movement", accentuated by the arrival of a host of talented and colorful newcomers, figures to be mighty interesting to watch. As is to be expected from any green, inexperienced team, this winter's Bruins will probably be very inconsistent. They may be capable of being very good at times; but a polished veteran opponent may make them look very bad at times. Improvement is expected as the season progresses, and the tough practice schedule should provide very valuable experience for the many promising freshmen and sophomores on the squad.
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