Those Southern Californians, They're So Laid Back

While we are on the subject of Bill Walton, I found this little tidbit that is slightly disturbing. John Wooden coached UCLA for 27 years, beginning in 1947, and won 620 games, 10 national titles (including seven consecutive titles from 1966-1973) and 88 straight games at one point. Gene Bartow replaced "The Wizard of Westwood" in 1975, and led the Bruins to a 52-9 record during two seasons as head coach. But Bartow could not replicate Wooden's penchant for winning titles and left the program amid threats to take his life if he continued coaching at the school. I guess UCLA students don't apply their "Life is a Beach" approach to winning basketball programs that fail to net national titles.