Role of a Lifetime: Larry Farmer and the UCLA Bruins

Role of a Lifetime is a book that chronicles the story of Larry Farmer's crucial role on teams that won three NCAA titles for UCLA under Coach John Wooden. It also details how Farmer, a self-taught player from Denver, managed to secure a full scholarship, make the varsity team as a sophomore, and ultimately become the head basketball coach at UCLA at the age of 30, the first black head coach for any sport at UCLA.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: Santa Monica Press

Role of a Lifetime is a captivating story that delves into the pivotal role Larry Farmer played on teams that achieved three NCAA championships under the guidance of Coach John Wooden at UCLA. Farmer's remarkable record at UCLA stands as the greatest winning percentage in NCAA history, with an impressive 89–1 record. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, another legendary player, had a record of 88–2.

The book also sheds light on Farmer's remarkable journey, starting as a self-taught player from the playgrounds of Denver. Despite facing numerous challenges, he secured a full scholarship to UCLA, made the varsity team as a sophomore, and eventually became the head basketball coach at the age of 30—the first black head coach for any sport at UCLA.

The book explores the reactions of black leaders to Farmer's groundbreaking role, as well as the intricate inside politics that led to his resignation after three years as coach, just days after accepting a two-year extension. Farmer also provides fresh insights into UCLA athletic booster Sam Gilbert and his role in the teams NCAA probation.

Farmer's insider perspective during UCLA basketball's most fabled period, coupled with his innate ability to relate entertaining and informative anecdotes about legendary figures such as John Wooden, Bill Walton, Jamaal Wilkes, Reggie Miller, and many other famous players and coaches from across the world of college basketball, makes Role of a Lifetime an essential read for all Bruin fans and basketball enthusiasts alike.

Dimension: 228 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781595801159