Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court

Swen Nater Understood His Role

Swen Nater was playing basketball at Cypress Junior College in Southern California when I spoke to him about coming to UCLA. He was nearly seven feet tall and had an outstanding physique, although his basketball skills were somewhat limited because he had spent his early years in Holland.

I told him, “Swen, if you come to UCLA you will play very little in actual games, maybe not at all because I’ve got someone coming in who is extremely talented.” The player coming in was Bill Walton.

“However,” I continued, “if you work with us, practice with and against this player, by the time you graduate I feel certain that you’ll get a pro contract. You’ll be that good because of the role you’ll play on our team.”

Swen listened ...