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

Players: Politics and Religion

I wasn’t particularly concerned with what religious or political beliefs players had, but I wanted them to believe in something. “Have a religion and believe in it,” I told them. “Have reasons you believe in it, but always be willing to listen to others. Then stand up for what you believe in.”

Having beliefs and standing up for them go to the issue of character. What kind of man has no creed, no beliefs? What kind has beliefs but won’t stand up for them? I wanted athletes who were strong on the outside and the inside.