John Wooden, the quintessential American coach, arrived at UC Los Angeles in 1948 to take over a little-known basketball program that played in a cramped gym. He left in 1975, having transformed the Bruins into a powerhouse with 10 national championships. Wooden was said to be as conversant in Shakespeare and the Bible as basketball, imparting lessons that transcended sport.

Here are 11 favorite Woodenisms:

“Don’t measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability.”

“A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment.”

“Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.”

“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”

“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”

“The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.”

“Ability is a poor man’s wealth.”

“You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.”

“If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?”

“Make friendship a fine art.”

“Make each day your masterpiece.”

This article is from the California Sun, a newsletter that delivers must-read stories to your inbox each morning . Sign up here.