Coach Wooden and Me: Our 50-Year Friendship On and Off the Court.

First edition of this memoir by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar detailing his deep, enduring bond with legendary UCLA coach John Wooden. Octavo, original publisher's half-cloth, illustrated with black and white photographs. Association copy, inscribed by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Bill Walton on the half-title page, "5/17 For Bill, I hope you get some insights into the way things were before your time. Wishing you all the best! Your friend, Kareem." The recipient, Bill Walton (1952–2024), was an American professional basketball player and Hall of Famer, widely regarded as one of the greatest centers in the history of the sport, known for his exceptional passing, defensive skill, and basketball intelligence. A standout at UCLA under coach John Wooden, Walton won multiple NCAA championships before achieving success in the NBA, including an NBA Most Valuable Player Award and two championships. His relationship with fellow UCLA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was particularly notable, evolving from early admiration and on-court rivalry into a deep personal friendship. Though they played at UCLA in different eras, the two were connected through Wooden’s influence and shared experiences, with Walton idolizing Abdul-Jabbar and modeling aspects of his game after him. In later years, Abdul-Jabbar described Walton as a “younger brother,” reflecting a bond grounded in mutual respect, competition, and enduring affection. From the library of Bill Walton with his ownership stamp to the front free endpaper. Fine in a fine dust jacket. Jacket design by Brigid Pearson.