Oral Histories

Interview of John R. Wooden

UCLA head basketball coach. Interviewed because of connection to J.D. Morgan, UCLA tennis coach and athletic director.
Subtitle:
Right Man at the Right Time: J. D. Morgan
Series:
Right Man at the Right Time: J.D. Morgan
Topic:
Sports
UCLA and University of California History
UCLA Intercollegiate Athletics Staff
Biographical Note:
UCLA head basketball coach. Interviewed because of connection to J.D. Morgan, UCLA tennis coach and athletic director.
Interviewer:
Rose, David A.
Interviewee:
Wooden, John R.
Supporting Documents:
Records relating to the interview are located in the office of the UCLA Library's Center for Oral History Research.
Language:
English
Copyright:
Regents of the University of California, UCLA Library.
Series Statement:
This series documents the contribution of UCLA Athletics Coach J.D. Morgan through interviews with individuals who had worked with Morgan both inside and outside the UCLA community.
Abstract:
John R. Wooden on his memories of J. D. Morgan: First impressions of Morgan: an authoritative sports fan; Morgan’s impact on UCLA’s athletic department; Morgan’s assistance with basketball program; Morgan’s style in conducting business; Wooden’s working relationship with Morgan; Basketball extravaganza in Astrodome; Areas of agreement and disagreement between Morgan and Wooden; Morgan’s opinions on coaching issues; Morgan’s involvement in recruiting; Wooden’s strategies in recruiting; Recruiting Lew Alcindor; Rumors of Alcindor’s departure; Morgan’s attention to income-producing and non-income-producing sports; Admission of student-athletes under special circumstances; Advantages of freshmen over junior college recruits; Morgan’s interest in academic progress of athletes; Black athletes in late sixties; Coaching relationship with Sidney Wicks; Coaches’ prerogatives in setting team policy; Bill Walton’s antiwar activities; Discussions of racial issues with black athletes; Wooden’s disciplinary standards; Morgan’s feelings concerning women’s athletics; Morgan’s supreme confidence; Others’ perceptions of Morgan; Morgan’s activity in NCAA; Morgan’s interest in basketball rules; Keith Erickson’s conflict between basketball and volleyball; Bill Seibert’s banquet statement; Players disgruntled about playing too little; Story behind Wizard of Westwood; Adherence to NCAA rules; Sam Gilbert’s involvement in basketball program; Breakup of Pacific Coast Conference; Role of intercollegiate athletics in overall university; Professionalization of intercollegiate athletics; State of compliance in college athletics; successors as basketball coach; State of UCLA basketball at Wooden’s arrival; Development of winning traditions; Construction of Pauley Pavilion; Wooden’s involvement with basketball program after retirement; Fond recollections of Morgan; Changes in athletic program after Wooden’s retirement; Typical fringe benefits of big-time college coaching; Changes in athletic department since Morgan’s retirement; Changes in athletic director’s role since Morgan’s retirement.