UCLA To Unveil John Wooden Statue At Newly Renovated Pauley Pavilion On October 26

WESTWOOD (CBSLA.com) - The UCLA Bruins will unfurl a statue of the Wizard of Westwood,  John Wooden, on October 26 as part of the re-opening of newly renovated Pauley Pavilion in Westwood.

Wooden family members, including members of the Pauley family will attend the unveiling of the statue designed and sculpted by Blair Buswell of Pleasant Grove, Utah.

"The statue is a monument to a man who touched countless lives and showed us what it means to lead with integrity, humility, compassion and commitment," UCLA Chancellor Gene Block said on Bruins' website. "The legacy of the late Coach Wooden transcends athletics, our campus and the local community. I speak for many when I say with pride that his image will forever grace the main entrance to Pauley Pavilion."

Wooden, who retired from coaching in 1975, won 620 games and won seven straight NCAA Basketball titles with the Bruins from 1963-1973. He won an unprecedented 10 national titles.

The bronze statue is a gift from the UCLA athletic benefactors and will be unveiled Friday (Oct. 26)at 2:30PM as part of a week long ceremony of the re-opening to the $136 million face-lift of Pauley Pavilion.

Wooden died on June 4, 2010 at the age of 99.