XENIA, Ohio —The 2018 Coach Wooden “Keys to Life” Award will be presented to Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes during the 22nd annual Legends of the Hardwood Breakfast, hosted by Athletes in Action during the NCAA Final Four weekend. Established in 1998, the Coach Wooden “Keys to Life” Award honors basketball figures who model the characteristics of UCLA 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 650 career Division I head coaching wins—the seventh-most among active coaches—Barnes’ reputation reaches far beyond the court. He has utilized his talent and influence to positively impact the lives of others, such as serving on the board of Knoxville’s Emerald Youth Foundation, which works to help urban youth become effective leaders.
On the court, Barnes has developed 24 NBA Draft picks, including Kevin Durant—the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft who has referred 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 2018 Coach Wooden “Keys to Life” Award recipient,” Athletes in Action President Mark Householder said. “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.
The Athletes in Action Legends of the Hardwood Breakfast takes place Saturday, March 31, starting at 8:30 a.m. CT at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. Registration information is available at LegendsBreakfast.net.
The event will be emceed by ESPN basketball analysts Adrian Branch and 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.
UT Athletics
