I was saddened to learn about DeMatha High School basketball coach Morgan Wootten's decision to retire.

When you talk about the greats, giants and legends in coaching, in the pros you mention Arnold "Red" Auerbach. In college, it is the Wizard of Westwood, Mr. John Wooden. On the scholastic level, it is Morgan Wootten.

All three are very good friends and have the utmost respect for each other. Isn't it amazing how great people want to be around each other? They want to share their successes.

Wootten's knowledge of the game is so special. Perhaps more impressive is his ability to communicate, which made him a brilliant teacher. Watching him at any clinic, you had to be in awe. And if you were lucky, part of him rubbed off on you.

To his players, Wootten was more than just a winning coach, he was also a father figure. His development of players and people is impressive. Think about all of those who received scholarships and went on to be successful in life -- James Brown went on to Harvard and later to TV at Fox; Kenny Carr went to N.C. State and the NBA; Danny Ferry was player of the year at Duke; Adrian Dantley starred at Notre Dame and had a great NBA career; Sidney Lowe is now coaching the Memphis Grizzlies; Adrian Branch and Hawkeye Whitney were standouts in the ACC.

The list goes on and on.

The numbers are amazing too. Wootten won almost 87 percent of his games, going 1,274-192 during 46 years at DeMatha.

Wootten will be missed in coaching circles. He is a rare, rare individual who battled back from a liver ailment and recovered courageously. He's a special guy who achieved fame and never ran for the dollar, despite many opportunities at the collegiate level. He wanted to stay with the young kids, where he was a treasure.

Morgan, thank you for all you have done for so many people. You are awesome, baby, with a capital A!