Del Harris Receives Coach Wooden 'Keys to Life' Award
Just hours before the NCAA Final Four tournament tips off in Dallas, basketball legends—from coaches to players to personnel—will gather off-court for something beyond a ball game. On April 5, Athletes in Action and Fellowship of Christian Athletes will host, with presenting sponsor Upward Sports, the 18th annual Legends of the Hardwood Breakfast at Dallas’ Sheraton Downtown. At the peak of competition, these sports ministries choose to focus on character, leadership and faith first.
During the breakfast, Athletes in Action will honor Del Harris for his contributions to basketball on and off the court with Coach Wooden’s “Keys to Life” Award. Harris’ more than 50-year coaching career spans all ages and skills—from junior high players to seasoned veterans of the NBA. A former head coach of the Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, Harris was named the 1995 NBA Coach of the Year and ranks in the top 25 in games won and playoff games coached in the NBA. In addition to coaching, Harris is also an ordained minister, author and the current vice president of the Texas Legends.
Established in 1998, the Coach Wooden “Keys to Life” Award is given to a college or professional basketball player or coach, current or past, who models the characteristics of UCLA men's basketball coaching legend John Wooden. Harris’ dedication to his faith, his generosity and his character are just a few reasons Athletes in Action will recognize him with this honor.
This year’s breakfast will feature special guests Jerry Colangelo, chairman of USA Basketball; Denny Crum, former men’s basketball coach at the University of Louisville; and Dale Brown, former LSU men’s coach and winner of this year’s Jerry Colangelo Award. In addition, CBS College Basketball Lead Analyst Clark Kellogg will serve as emcee at the breakfast.
Registration information about the 2014 Legends of the Hardwood Breakfast is available at 800.416.9473 and at LegendsBreakfast.net.
MEDIA NOTE: The Legends of the Hardwood Breakfast is open to media. Credentials can be obtained on-site or in advance at 770.813.0000. On-site media contact: Morgan Walker 765.586.0510.
John Wooden's Keys To Life
- Make each day your masterpiece
- Help others
- Be true to yourself
- Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible
- Make friendship a fine art
- Build shelter against a rainy day
- Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day
