The 2018 Coach Wooden "Keys to Life" Award will be presented to University of Tennessee men's basketball Head Coach Rick Barnes during the 22nd annual Legends of the Hardwood Breakfast, hosted by Athletes in Action during NCAA Men's Final Four weekend. Established in 1998, the Coach Wooden "Keys to Life" Award honors basketball figures who model the characteristics of UCLA men's basketball coaching legend John Wooden, including his high level of moral character, integrity and faith, on and off the court.
In addition to his legacy of more than 635 career Division 1 head coaching wins—the eighth-most among active coaches—Barnes' reputation reaches far beyond the court. Barnes has utilized his talent and influence to positively impact the lives of others, such as serving on the board of the Emerald Youth Foundation, which works to help urban youth become effective leaders. According to Tennessee, Barnes has produced 24 NBA draft picks, including Kevin Durant—the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft who refers to Barnes as "more than a coach," but also a "father figure." Barnes embodies the standout character and integrity reflected in the "Keys to Life" award.
"Athletes in Action is honored to name Coach Rick Barnes as the 2017 Coach Wooden 'Keys to Life' Award recipient," said Mark Householder, president of Athletes in Action. "Coach Barnes' life displays the character traits of integrity and leadership in the game of basketball, reflecting the values of legendary coach John Wooden, in whose name this award is presented."
Barnes joins an elite group of basketball greats who have received the honor, including Jerry Colangelo, Dick Bennett, Del Harris, Mark Price, David Robinson, Lorenzo Romar, Cazzie Russell and Paul Westphal.
WHEN
Saturday, March 31, 2018
8:30 a.m. CST
WHERE
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
900 E. Market Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
The event is open to the media. Credentials may be obtained on-site or in advance. On-site media contact: Shelley Faro, 937.352.1069 (cell).
The event will be emceed by ESPN basketball Analyst Adrian Branch and ESPN Sportscaster Jimmy Dykes. Honorary national chairmen of the Legends of the Hardwood Breakfast include Phoenix's Jerry Colangelo, managing director of USA Basketball; Mike Ingram, founder and chairman of El Dorado Holdings; and Dick Schultz, former executive director of the NCAA and the U.S. Olympic Committee.
Registration information about the 2018 Legends of the Hardwood Breakfast is available at 800.416.9473 and LegendsBreakfast.net.
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