David Robinson is "Keys to Life" Award Winner

By Katherine T. Phan, Christian Post Reporter Friday, April 02, 2004

During the 8th annual Legends of the Hardwood Breakfast, Legendary Coach John Wooden will present the “Keys to Life Award” to Texas’ Ten-time NBA All-Star David Robinson for those exemplifying excellent character, leadership and faith on and off the courts. The event will take place on April 3 at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center, San Antonio.

Jim Caviezel, actor who played Jesus in Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ”, has also been invited to attend the event as a special guest. Caviezel spent two years playing for Bellevue College in Washington before a he injured his foot and turned to acting.

The recipient of the “Keys to Life” award is seen as someone who has followed Wooden’s seven principles. They include:

1. Be true to yourself
2. Help others.
3. Make each day your masterpiece.
4. Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible.
5. Make Friendship a fine art.
6. Build a shelter against a rainy day.
7. Pray for guidance and count and give thanks for your blessings every day.

Robinson, who also received the Wooden award for "The Outstanding College Basketball Player in the United States" while in the Navy in 1987, received the 1987- First pick of the NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs; 1990- NBA Rookie of the Year; 1991- NBA Rebounding Title; 1992- NBA Defensive Player of the Year; 1994- NBA Scoring Title; 1995- NBA MVP; 1996- Named one of NBA’s 50 Greatest Players of all-time; 10-time NBA All-Star; Only player in NBA history to be named to both an All-NBA Team and an All-NBA Defensive Team in each of his first seven NBA seasons; Only male basketball player to represent the U.S. in 3 Olympic Games.

The other three finalists for the 2004 Keys to Life Award were Kevin Johnson (Phoenix Suns), Grant Hill (Orlando Magic), and Coach Dick Bennett (Washington State).

Past winners of the Coach Wooden Keys to Life Award include Clark Kellogg, Mark Price, Junior Bridgeman, Jerry Colangelo, A.C. Green, and Marv Harshman.

For ticket information, call 800-416-9473.