Coach Wooden and Me

Our 50-Year Friendship on and off the Court

By: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Narrated by: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Former NBA star and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Kareem Abdul-Jabbar explores his 50-year friendship with Coach John Wooden, one of the most enduring and meaningful relationships in sports history.

When future NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was still an 18-year-old high school basketball prospect from New York City named Lew Alcindor, he accepted a scholarship from UCLA largely on the strength of Coach John Wooden's reputation as a winner. It turned out to be the right choice, as Alcindor and his teammates won an unprecedented three NCAA championship titles. But it also marked the beginning of one of the most extraordinary and enduring friendships in the history of sports.

In Coach Wooden and Me, Abdul-Jabbar reveals the inspirational story of how his bond with John Wooden evolved from a history-making coach-player mentorship into a deep and genuine friendship that transcended sports, shaped the course of both men's lives, and lasted for half a century.

Coach Wooden and Me is a stirring tribute to the subtle but profound influence that Wooden had on Kareem as a player, and then as a person, as they began to share their cultural, religious, and family values while facing some of life's biggest obstacles.

From his first day of practice, when the players were taught the importance of putting on their athletic socks properly; to gradually absorbing the sublime wisdom of Coach Wooden's now famous "Pyramid of Success"; to learning to cope with the ugly racism that confronted Black athletes during the turbulent Civil Rights era as well as losing loved ones, Abdul-Jabbar fondly recalls how Coach Wooden's fatherly guidance not only paved the way for his unmatched professional success but also made possible a lifetime of personal fulfillment.

Full of intimate, never-before-published details and delivered with the warmth and erudition of a grateful student who has learned his lessons well, Coach Wooden and Me is at once a celebration of the unique philosophical outlook of college basketball's most storied coach and a moving testament to the all-conquering power of friendship.

Instant New York Times and USA Today best seller

President Barack Obama's Favorite Book of 2017

A Boston Globe and Huffington Post Best Book of 2017 Pick

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2017 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (P)2017 Hachette Audio

4.5 Stars

Great book about two great men. Only thing that detracted from the story was the political rhetoric. I understand that Kareem's politics are very important to him and should be a part of the story, but there were times he could have mentioned his political thoughts and then moved on, but instead he would drag on about them.

Other than the heavy political sections, the book was fantastic. Wonderful story, wonderfully written, and wonderfully read.

This was an excellent book.

It was a heart-touching and meaningful listen. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is well-spoken. His friendship with coach Wooden inspiring.

Kareem is One of the Greatest

I have a better perspective for coaching, race and society after this listen. Kareem may be the best player of all time coached by the best coach of all time.

Insightful

Good to have a glimpse of some of the things that filled an NBA players (specifically one of color) mind on a daily during the time Kareem played. Some aspects are still relevant to today, although racial relations are getting better.

Great!

This is a must listen for all athletes and coaches and humans. I highly recommend!

Terrific Audio

Great insight in John Wooden as well as his and Abdul-Jabbar's incredible relationship. Especially wonderful that Kareem narrated it.

History and Basketball

To hear Kareem tell the story of his unlikely friendship with John Wooden was magical to to me. I grew up with those stars 50+ years ago.

Sky Hook - Nothing But Net

Really and truly enjoyed this book written with Love and performed like only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar could have performed this art.

Not what I expected!

I thought I was going to get an undiluted paean to Coach Wooden. What I got was a deeper understanding of two great men with balanced portraits of their flaws and weaknesses as well as their great qualities and achievements. I loved this book. It made me think. It deepened my understanding of so many things.

Well written, well read

This is different than other Wooden books I have read. It shows his fallibility along with his ability to learn and grow. Plus KAJ’s personal stories add heart & drama.