- The thing I may be ashamed of more than anything else is having talked to opposing players. Not calling them names, but saying something like 'Keep your hands off him' or 'Don't be a butcher.'
- Goodness gracious sakes alive!
- [In 1995 on this three main ideals]: One was to get his players in the best possible condition. Another was quickness. I wanted my centers to be quicker than my opposing center, the forwards quicker than their forwards, and so on. The third was teamwork. You better play together as a team or you sit. People ask me if I'd permit fancy things like dunks. Well, if they dunk, it was with no fancy flair. No behind-the-back dribbles or passes unless necessary. If it was for show, you were on the bench.
- [on Bill Walton's hair]: Bill, that's not short enough. We're sure going to miss you on this team. Get on out of here.
- [on Sam Gilbert in 1989]: I warned them, but I couldn't pick their friends. I honestly felt Sam meant well.
- His creed: Be true to yourself. Make each day a masterpiece. Help others. Drink deeply from good books. Make friendship a fine art. Build a shelter against a rainy day.
- What's the main ingredient of stardom? The rest of the team.
- Young people need models, not critics.
- Learn as if you'll live forever; live as if you'll die tomorrow.
- Failure is never fatal. But failure to change can and might be.
- Talent is God-given; be fruitful with it. Fame is man-given; be thankful for it. Conceit is self-given; be mindful of it.
- [on bravery] Success is never final. Failure is never fatal. It's courage that counts.
- [on control] I never preach religion to my players, but I won't tolerate profanity. This isn't for moral reasons. Profanity to me symbolizes loss of control; self-discipline is absolutely necessary to winning basketball.
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