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Monday News & Notes

A little hoops heavy roundup to start off our Monday. BBR spotted a great article on the Coach that ran in the Daily News. He is working on a new book and bunch of other projects, sharing his wisdom with rest of the world:

He's 96 now, but legendary basketball coach John Wooden still holds close the values passed on by his father when he graduated from grammar school.

In fact, tucked in his pocket is a copy of the seven-point creed his dad gave him that day, planting the seed in a boy who became known not only for his prowess on the court, but as a role model for generations.

And now those sentiments about life - among them, "Don't measure yourself by what you've accomplished, but what you should accomplish with your abilities" - will grace a new line of inspirational print products, from greeting cards to office supplies.

Wooden, who led UCLA to 10 national championships, is touched.

"Most people agree that the greatest joy is to learn that something you've said or done has been meaningful to others," Wooden said in a recent interview.

"I'm happy they think something I've said or done has been meaningful to another."

It's been 32 years since Wooden coached a championship Bruins team, but his message - one that has little to do with basketball and much to do with life - is more popular than ever.

Wooden and Steve Jamison, who's co-authored most of his books, are writing another children's book after the popularity of "Inch and Miles: The Journey to Success." Quotes, advice and his definition of success will decorate calendars and to-do lists, and his maxims will embellish an elementary school planner.
He is amazing.

Speaking of the Coach one of his former star pupil is now going to be coaching at Hawaii. Larry Farmer has found a new job. He is joining Bob Nash's staff as an assistant coach at University of Hawaii:
Larry Farmer's basketball foundation was formed at UCLA.

As a new assistant coach for the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team, Farmer plans to bring that foundation with him across the Pacific Ocean to share with the Rainbow Warriors.

Farmer was selected to join head coach Bob Nash's staff last week. Yesterday was his first official day of work on the UH campus.

"Everything that I learned, my fundamental roots, are from UCLA and Coach (John) Wooden," Farmer said. "My foundation is that of the UCLA foundation, and I think that's what excited Coach Nash the most."

It is quite an impressive foundation.

Farmer played on three national championship teams with the Bruins under the legendary coach Wooden. UCLA went 89-1 during Farmer's three seasons as a player from 1970-73. His teammates included Bill Walton, Henry Bibby, Keith (Jamaal) Wilkes and Sidney Wicks.
Good luck to Coach Farmer.

And we will end this Monday's roundup with another note on a former Bruin. Junior Taylor is getting a try out in the NFL:
Former UCLA wide receiver Junior Taylor, who wasn't selected in the NFL draft, is headed to Carolina for a workout with the Panthers on July 25, according to his representatives.
That was from Dohn's blog. Hope Junior lands on his feet somewhere. If he gets himself in the right situation where he will get some good coaching (something which he didn't get at UCLA) he may end up having a productive career.

Good luck to JT.

GO BRUINS.