Trapani talks Wooden as Bruins prepare for Wooden Classic

Published Dec. 16, 2010 1:29 p.m. ET

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By Ben Bolch
Los Angeles Times

December 15, 2010

Tyler Trapani didn't want to hear what John Wooden had to say.

The 8-year-old was shooting baskets outside his home when the coaching legend offered the boy a few pointers on rebounding and shooting free throws.

Trapani told him no thanks, only not as politely.

"I'm like, 'What are you doing? I know how to do it,'" Trapani recalled Wednesday.

Twelve years later, the UCLA junior winces at the thought of brushing off his great-grandfather.

"I thought he was just my great-grandpa," Trapani said. "I didn't realize he was one of the greatest basketball coaches.