The curtain was dropped on the long-awaited statue of John Wooden Friday afternoon, revealing the legendary UCLA coach in one of his iconic poses.
With his arms crossed and a rolled up game program in hand, the likeness of Wooden casts a stern glare on those approaching Pauley Pavilion from the east side of the renovated arena.
The statue was molded by Blair Buswell, a sculptor from Utah responsible for the busts of inductees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Input was gathered from Wooden’s children, Nan and Jim, during the process. The statue was shipped to UCLA on Thursday and placed adjacent to Bruin Walk, with the bespectacled Wooden looking toward the Hill.
The nameplate contains one of Wooden’s many famous quotes: “Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable.”
Wooden passed away in June of 2010 at the age of 99. His seat inside the new arena is marked in gold and reserved for members of his family during UCLA games.
Compiled by Ryan Menezes, Bruin Sports senior staff.