Trapani talks Wooden as Bruins prepare for Wooden Classic

By foxsports
Published

By Ben Bolch
Los Angeles Times

December 15, 2010

Tyler Trapani didn't want to hear what John Wooden had to say.

The 8-year-old was shooting baskets outside his home when the coaching legend offered the boy a few pointers on rebounding and shooting free throws.

Trapani told him no thanks, only not as politely.

"I'm like, 'What are you doing? I know how to do it,'" Trapani recalled Wednesday.

Twelve years later, the UCLA junior winces at the thought of brushing off his great-grandfather.

"I thought he was just my great-grandpa," Trapani said. "I didn't realize he was one of the greatest basketball coaches.