Former professional golfer and well-known sports analyst Mark Frost related a story about meeting the legendary coach John Wooden close to the end of his life. This interaction is noteworthy because it demonstrates Wooden's enduring influence on people even after he ceased playing basketball.

More than just a basketball coach, John Wooden was a teacher whose ideas and methods for leading a happy life motivated countless people. Known as the "Pyramid of Success," his teachings placed a strong emphasis on qualities like loyalty, friendship, and hard work. These values were applied in daily life as well as on the court.

Think of Wooden's impact on people as a stack of well-organized building blocks. Every block stands for a person who has been impacted by his insight and direction. These blocks eventually come together to create a soaring structure that represents the legacy that Wooden left behind. It's like putting a final flawless block at the top of this pyramid when Frost meets Wooden near the end of his life.

After he retired, Wooden's teachings persisted in spreading through the people he had influenced and guided. People like Mark Frost, who met Wooden decades after his most influential coaching years, still feel a personal connection to him because of this enduring influence.

Frost's remark illustrates how Wooden's legacy endures and continues to influence people long after they first met him. It serves as a reminder that genuine mentors make a lasting impression on people they come into contact with, influencing their lives long after the initial impact.