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In a touching ceremony before Saturday’s UCLA-Michigan State game, 60 former players and 12,000 spectators attended the unveiling of the Nell and John Wooden Court in Pauley Pavilion, named after UCLA's legendary coach.

A movie consisting of photo and video clips spanning Wooden’s childhood, his marriage to his late wife Nell, and his prolific career at UCLA was followed by comments from UCLA Chancellor Albert Carnesale and Wooden himself. The film called Wooden “the best of sport, the best of life, the best of humanity.”

Introducing Coach Wooden, Carnesale called him “the greatest teacher and coach in UCLA and intercollegiate history, and the finest man in UCLA and intercollegiate history.”

Wooden gave credit to his former players, and expressed his gratitude for Edwin Pauley for making his dream of Pauley Pavilion a reality in 1965. He also reminded fans to be “gracious hosts to our opponents.”

Before a sell-out crowd, the ceremony was also attended by much of Wooden’s family, including seven of his 12 great-grandchildren – the twelfth’s birth announced during a time-out with 5:56 left in the second half – and the current UCLA men’s basketball team, along with head coach Ben Howland.

“I wanted the guys to feel the pride, tradition, and history to this program by being out there standing and watching the ceremony, which was really touching,” Howland said.

After posing for a picture with 63 former players in attendance, the north and south sides of the court were unveiled to read “Nell and John Wooden Court” in blue paint on opposite halves of the hardwood.

John Wooden was head coach at UCLA from 1948 to 1975, and led the Bruins to 10 NCAA championships, still a national record. This season marks the 40th anniversary of the Bruins’ first national title, won in 1964.

To commemorate the occasion, the Bruin squad wore replica uniforms of the 1964 team – all white with a yellow “Bruins” emblazoned on the front.

But to the players in attendance, and those who know the Wizard of Westwood’s legacy, know his record wasn’t why he is still a common name on UCLA’s campus.

“My players learned I was concerned with what they’d do after the game,” Wooden explained when prompted to discuss the difference between his coaching philosophy and those of other historic college basketball coaches. “I wanted them to know I cared about them more than just a basketball coach. I think somehow I was able to get that across in time.”

Former players in attendance explained the impact Wooden had on their lives – both on and off the basketball court. Bill Walton, who played for Wooden on two national championship teams from 1972 to 1974, called playing under his guidance “the ultimate celebration of life.” As Wooden passed by to attend the second half of the game, Walton stopped him, shook his hand and thanked him again for the impact he made on Walton’s life.

“He is a timeless treasure,” Walton said. “I learn more from Coach Wooden today than I ever did. This is a guy who is so remarkable in his vision and sense of perspective.”

That perspective, despite being 93 years old, is still as sharp as ever.

Wooden repeated again and again that Saturday’s dedication was not because of his own accomplishments, but those of his players, and UCLA’s current team.

Former players, though, know better.

“I personally really appreciate it,” said Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who played under Wooden from 1967 to 1969. “I think we all take it for granted that Coach Wooden will be around forever, but this is a 93-year-old man who has seen more days than we can even consider.”

Wooden’s legacy, though, has not been forgotten among students. During the second half, signs were held up throughout the student section which read: “Thank you, Coach,” and “Teacher, Coach, Legend.”

“Coach Wooden to this day has a new way of delivering the message of dreams come true and how to make that happen,” Walton said. “He is the perfect soul.”