"What you are as a person is far more important than what you are as a player." - John Wooden

This quote means it all depends on what kind of person you are on the inside. When you play on the field or in the gym it doesn't define the person that you are. For example, when being on the court you may act a little different because you're too focused on the things that are going on around you. But when you are not in the court you may be a good person and that's what makes you a good player. The person you are off court is the person you are in the court. Being respectful, responsible, etc. can make you a good sportsmanship. It can make you become a better player. John Wooden taught his players how to be a good sportsmanship, he never taught them how to win. They won many games with just one phrase. The person you are is what makes up the player you are.