John Wooden was at John R. Wooden High School in Reseda this morning. He was honored with a 20 by 25-foot mural which depicted his life. Check out the photo of the mural here.
I asked Wooden what he thought about the Lakers' run to the NBA Finals, and here's what he said:
``Before the season started, I felt after the trade that wasn't made (Kobe Bryant) that they'd go all the way,'' Wooden said. ``One thing they needed was a tremendous player but also an unselfish player. In my opinion, I saw a great change in Kobe. He was (second in the league in scoring), yet he's a better team player than he's ever been. In many ways, he should be the greatest individual player. He's the most talented individual. He can do so many things offensive and defensively.
``Last year, he knocked his teammates. He hasn't done that this season.''

The U.S. Olympic men's water polo team played Croatia tonight at Oaks Christian, and what an atmosphere. There were about 2,000 people sandwiched in the swimming pool stands and outside the pool on the grass. It looked like a concert in the park.
These are the guys you'll see on NBC in August in Beijing for the Olympics.
The U.S. beat Croatia - the No. 1-ranked team in the world - 8-5. It's not the Olympics, but that's a big deal for the Americans.

What do John Wooden and Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz have in common? It's not java. It's the new John Wooden Global Leadership Award.
Wooden was scheduled to present the John Wooden Global Leadership Award to Schultz Wednesday night at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. This is part of the UCLA Anderson School of Management leadership program.
The event will include a conversation between Wooden and Schultz, which will be moderated by. Fortune magazine's managing editor, Andy Serwer.
This is Wooden's second public appearance in as many weeks following a February fall in his Encino home.
"John Wooden is an illustrious leader, and we are thrilled to present the first John Wooden Global Leadership Award to one of the most influential business leaders of today," said Judy Olian, dean of UCLA Anderson School of Management. "Howard Schultz embodies the leadership ideals and values underlying Coach Wooden's leadership philosophy and is an inspiring choice for the award."

I was driving home from the Lakers game last night when I saw from a distance that a man was in the middle of Shoup to pick something up from the street. I figured something must have fallen out of his car. As I was driving by, I noticed he had scooped up a dog. I don't know about you, but nothing tugs at my heart more than a lost dog or dog in need. I turned around and went to see if I could help. Jackie, a small white dog with a few black spots, was breathing. What a relief. The man, probably a college-aged student, laid her on the grass and was petting her.
The man that stopped to pick her up was the one that hit her with his truck. She darted out in the street, and though he tried to avoid her, he couldn't, he said. His hands were shaking as he pet her and called the number on her tag. I called my vet's office to get the number of an emergency animal hospital. The one I called put me on hold, then said the hospital was full. I couldn't think of an animal more in need than one that was just hit by a car. I wasn't happy, but I asked them for another number, and thankfully the lady gave me one. But by this time, Jackie was starting to bleed.
I started to cry but quickly composed myself. This poor little dog didn't need a stranger blubbering all over her. She needed calm and comfort and help at an animal hospital. The dog's owner and her daughter (who was probably about 6 or 7) finally arrived. And guess what? Though Jackie was unable to move her body, her little tail started wagging mightily. I've never been happier to see a dog wag her tail in my life.
Jackie was finally comforted by her owners. I gave them directions to the pet hospital. The owner got a blanket from her car, and the man put the dog on the blanket and in the little girl's lap so she could pet her as they drove to the animal hospital. I hope Jackie made it. But all I know is if she didn't, she was with the people who she loved most and loved her most.
So the next time you see a lost dog or one that needs help, please take a few minutes out of your day. I know you're going to be late for the tv show/workout/dinner/time with your kids, but your boss/loved ones will understand if you're late for helping an animal.
I felt so bad for the guy who hit the dog, and I could tell he felt bad, too. But he did the right thing by stopping to help the dog, and I applaud him for that. He even said he was glad that he got her out of the street in time before another car hit the dog and so that she could be comforted by her owners.
I wanted to call the hospital to see how Jackie was doing, but I didn't want to know if something bad happened to her. So, I'll just remember that little tail wagging and know that whatever the outcome, she was OK.

I just finished reading ``The Last Lecture'' by Randy Pausch, an extraodinary man who has terminal cancer. My mom first told me about him, and even though my mom isn't savvy with computers, she told me to check out his last lecture on www.youtube.com. I did, and it was fascinating. I just finished reading the book - and sniffling. I would've read it all in one sitting, if not that it was 1 a.m. last night, and I had to be up by 7 a.m. today. So, I forced myself to put it down, and I fnished it tonight. I have never read so many wonderful life lessons all in one place. Wherever you are in life, you could benefit from his advice regarding love, family, friends, business, classmates, etc. I guarantee you won't be able to put it down, and you'll have a stronger appreciation for life. Unfortunately for Pausch, he has a finite time to enjoy life. You and I can arm ourselves with this man's wisdom and be better people for it.
Check out The Last Lecture Web site here.

I went to the Alamo today and while walking down Alamo Plaza in San Antonio, I noticed Kansas fans taking pictures of a storefront window. Turns out, there was a Kansas T-shirt that read: ``2008 NCAA Champions.'' Of course, that was this afternoon, and the championship game has yet to be played. Then, I looked at the name of the store: ``The Unofficial Best of Texas.'' Only a store with that name could get away with displaying that T-shirt already. One Kansas fan turned to me and said: ``How do you like them apples?'' His buddy said: ``That's making me nervous.''
Shops all around San Antonio will be open until 2 or 3 a.m., and they've advertised that they'll be selling championship gear of either Kansas or Memphis. Game time is set for 6:20 p.m. Pacific.

Still in San Antonio....While there aren't many UCLA and Kansas fans around anymore, San Antonio is still a hotspot for people. I was talking to a local sports reporter, and he was telling me how much the city has grown since he grew up here. I've had a couple of good meals on the Riverwalk, but the best meal was grilled shrimp tacos at Sazo's in the Marriott Rivercenter. It's not on the Riverwalk, so it was quiet. After I was done with interviews at the Alamodome, I came back to my hotel room and could hear Kansas and Memphis chants all day long. Fans had all day to tour the city, and most of tomorrow, as the game doesn't start until 8:20 p.m. local time. Will check out the Alamodome tomorrow during the day. I've been before, but it's been ages.

Hi. This is my first entry on my new blog. I'll periodically be checking in from wherever I am - whether it's a local golf course, Dodger Stadium, UCLA football practice or somewhere unexpected. I arrived in San Antonio yesterday and am in the Alamodome as we speak for Final Four practices and press conferences. I lived in West Texas for two years about 10 years ago and forgot how humid it is in the Lone Star state. I know the dry heat of the Valley, but this is something else. It's overcast outside and still humid.
The NCAA media hotel overlooks the Riverwalk, which is nice. Although, every once in a while you hear fans of the Final Four teams chanting. The first one I heard was a ``Let's go Jayhawks'' rendition.
Kevin Love had elementary students from Will Rogers screaming as he attempted halfcourt shots, fullcourt shots and even a halfcourt shot while sitting on the floor during UCLA's practice.
I also forgot how big everything is in Texas. I ate at a Mexican restaurant, Rio Rio, last night and the plate could barely fit on the table.
Thanks for reading, and if you have any questions or comments, be sure to let me know.