These John Wooden quotes showcase the wisdom, intelligence, and winning attitude of the most successful college basketball coach ever. Sharpen your pencils, and take notes.
Best John Wooden Quotes
Never mistake activity for achievement.
Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.
Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation. Your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are.
The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.
The most important key to achieving great success is to decide upon your goal and launch, get started, take action, move.
Good John Wooden Quotes
Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.
Although I wanted my players to work to win, I tried to convince them they had always won when they had done their best.
It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.
It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.
Talent is God-given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.
Short Sayings from John Wooden
What you are as a person is far more important than what you are as a basketball player.
It’s not so important who starts the game but who finishes it.
You can’t let praise or criticism get to you. It’s a weakness to get caught up in either one.
Check out: Stephen A. Smith Quotes and Net Worth
Video on John Wooden requiring Bill Walton to get a haircut
On Basketball
Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.
Winning takes talent, to repeat takes character.
Young people need models, not critics.
Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.
By Mike O’Halloran
Mike has authored three basketball coaching books and is the editor of Sports Feel Good Stories.
Extra Points
You’re on the John Wooden Quotes for coaches, players, and parents page.
Basketball slogans and sayings
Team Names