Bill Russell
Bill Russell
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Full Name and Common Aliases
William Felton Russell was born on February 12, 1934, in West Monroe, Louisiana. He is commonly known as Bill Russell.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: February 12, 1934
Passed away: July 31, 2022 (at the age of 88)
Nationality and Profession(s)
Russell was an American professional basketball player and coach who played for the Boston Celtics in the NBA. He is widely considered one of the greatest players in basketball history.
Early Life
Bill Russell grew up in McClellan, California, where he attended McClymonds High School. He was a standout athlete in multiple sports, including basketball, football, and track and field. After high school, Russell enrolled at the University of San Francisco (USF), where he played college basketball under legendary coach Phil Woolpert.
Major Accomplishments
During his six-year tenure with the Boston Celtics, Russell won an unprecedented 11 NBA championships, including an incredible eight in a row from 1959 to 1966. He was also named the NBA's Most Valuable Player five times and was a 12-time All-Star. In addition to his on-court accomplishments, Russell was a pioneering figure off the court as well.
Notable Works or Actions
Russell's most notable contributions were made during his playing career with the Boston Celtics. However, he also had a successful coaching career, leading the Seattle SuperSonics and Sacramento Kings for several seasons.
Impact and Legacy
Bill Russell's impact on basketball extends far beyond his impressive on-court achievements. He was an instrumental figure in breaking down racial barriers in professional sports during the 1950s and '60s. As one of the first African American players in the NBA, Russell faced significant racism and prejudice throughout his career.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Bill Russell is widely quoted for his insights on basketball strategy and leadership. He is also remembered for his commitment to social justice and equality.
Quotes by Bill Russell
Bill Russell's insights on:
I’ve been fortunate to meet and work with a lot of really smart people. The thing that strikes me most about them is how they continue to explore and learn every day. I have tried to apply that approach in my modest career as well.
I think what has happened to our basketball team, we’ve been badly distracted. They’re not reading too many positive things in the paper.
We couldn’t sustain it. And they got a lot of kids that can shoot. We just couldn’t close out well enough.
The last five or six days, I’ve been running. The last two days, I’ve been running pretty hard. Everybody’s got to be someplace.
If you can take something to levels that very few other people can reach, then what you’re doing becomes art.
If Shakespeare can compare all of life to a stage, maybe it’s not odd to believe that part of the play can take place on a basketball court.
Remember that basketball is a game of habits. If you make the other guy deviate from his habits, you’ve got him.
Heart in champions has to do with the depth of our motivation and how well your mind and body react to pressure – that is, being able to do what you do best under maximum pain and stress.
We learn to make a shell for ourselves when we are young and then spend the rest of our lives hoping for someone to reach inside and touch us. Just touch us – anything more than that would be too much for us to bear.