(LOT 191)
c.1930 John Wooden PSA Type 1 Encapsulated Newspaper E.A. Photo - Measures Approx. 8" x 10"
Long before John Wooden would be establishing himself as the NCAA's arguable greatest all-time coach, the 5' 10" star would display his "on the court" basketball skills at the University of Perdue. A formidable guard, Wooden was a three time All-American, and as a senior, was a significant cog for the Perdue team that claimed the 1931/'32 Helms National Championship. Yet, his impressive collegiate career is largely overshadowed by his nearly unparalleled 29-year coaching tenure that was highlighted by his remarkable 27 years as the UCLA Bruins head coach. From 1948 thru 1975, John Wooden would win an incredible 10 NCAA National Championships in a 12-year period, including a record 7 consecutive titles. Nicknamed the "Wizard of Westwood", during that record-breaking run he would win an unfathomable 88 consecutive games while claiming the illustrious Henry Iba Award as coach of the year a record seven times. His unprecedented collegiate achievements both on and off the court ultimately earned him nods in the distinguished Basketball Hall of Fame as a player (1960) and a coach (1973), thus becoming the first individual ever to be enshrined in both categories.

While we have seen so many photos and/or collectibles of the immortal John Wooden dressed in his formal attire as he manned the UCLA Bruins bench, trying to find an image of the legendary coach during his playing days at Perdue is synonymous to "finding a needle in a haystack." Simply stated, such mementos are few and far between, justifying why this 1930 photo of the bygone guard stands as one of Wooden's most extraordinary keepsakes. Measuring approximately 8" x 10", this classic 1930 offering depicts the All-American guard donning his period-style Perdue uniform as he is about to dribble the basketball with his right hand. Revealing fine contrast and amazing clarity, the only diminutive flaws are some corner wear and stray wrinkles predominately situated along the border. The verso includes the significant Feb. 19, 1930 N.E.A. (Newspaper E.A.) credit stamp as well as a "John Wooden – Floor Guard" written notation. An absolutely miraculous offering, it portrays an extremely rare illustration of the iconic John Wooden during his collegiate playing days, long before he would embark on his unfathomable coaching career at UCLA!

MIN BID $300
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