7/25/1968 & 8/27/1968 John Wooden UCLA Hand-Written Letters to HOFer Stretch Murphy About Lew Alcindor

Rare Handwritten Letters by John Wooden: A Glimpse into UCLA Basketball’s Past

An Unveiling of Historical Significance

In the realm of basketball memorabilia, few items capture the essence of history and personal insight like these handwritten letters by the legendary coach John Wooden. Written in 1968, these letters offer a rare and intimate look into the dynamics between Wooden, his star player Lew Alcindor (later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), and the fervent fans of UCLA basketball. These documents are not merely letters; they are a vivid portrayal of a pivotal era in college basketball.

The Content of the Letters

Addressed to Wooden’s close friend and fellow Hall of Famer, Charles “Stretch” Murphy, these letters reveal Wooden’s candid thoughts during a time of social and athletic upheaval. The first letter, dated July 25, 1968, is penned on UCLA stationery and discusses a newspaper clipping sent by Murphy regarding Alcindor’s comments. Wooden expresses his frustration with Alcindor’s remarks, yet acknowledges the racial tensions of the time, citing derogatory comments made by others about Alcindor. The letter poignantly states, “Frankly, I am disgusted with many of his comments but I am probably more tolerant because I have heard remarks by white people such as ‘Hey, look at that big black freak’, ‘Look at that big n*****’, and many others of a similar nature.”

The second letter, dated August 27, 1968, continues in a similar vein, with Wooden expressing his weariness of defending Alcindor. He writes, “I am tired of making excuses for him. He is over it now and feel its time for him to accept the facts of life… we would have had fine teams and less problems without him and if he shouldn’t return this year, I’d probably leap with joy.” This letter also highlights the pressures Wooden faced from various external parties, including alumni and outsiders, regarding Alcindor’s participation in the team.

Why These Letters Matter

• Historical Context: These letters provide a firsthand account of the racial and social dynamics within college basketball during the late 1960s.
• Personal Insight: They offer a rare glimpse into John Wooden’s personal thoughts and challenges as a coach during a tumultuous period.
• Unique Provenance: Handwritten by Wooden himself, these letters are a testament to his legacy and the complexities of coaching a star player like Alcindor.
• Condition and Authenticity: Accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from JSA, these letters are in near-mint condition, showcasing Wooden’s clear and bold handwriting.

A Legacy Preserved

These letters are not just pieces of paper; they are artifacts that encapsulate a significant chapter in the history of UCLA basketball and the broader social landscape of the time. For collectors and enthusiasts, they represent an unparalleled opportunity to own a piece of history that is both deeply personal and historically significant. As part of our sports memorabilia auctions, these letters stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of John Wooden and the transformative era of college basketball.

For those interested in exploring more about basketball history or considering consigning sports memorabilia, these letters are a prime example of the treasures that can be found within the world of basketball collectibles for sale. Embrace the opportunity to delve into the past and celebrate the legacy of one of basketball’s most revered figures.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.