Remembering NBA Legend Bill Russell!
Story by Mitchell Smith
Bill Russell was born in 1934 in Monroe Louisiana. Russell who often gets overlooked in the goat conversation lead San Francisco to 2 NCAA titles, won Olympic gold, and won 11 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics. Russell struggled as a young kid growing up in the racist south and his father moved the family to Oakville, CA to get out of the south but still struggled as they lived in poor neighborhoods. Russel lost his mother when he was 12 and that was devastating for him as he was really close with his mother.
In high school Russell was a revolutionary as he struggled on the basketball court, off the court he studied other peoples play. Coaches tried to keep Russell flat footed to play defense but Russell would stay on his toes and jump to block shots. Russell was never considered an all time great scorer but his defense was his greatest asset in his championships and his 5 finals MVP awards. Russell was in the NBA during a time of racism and turmoil around the country.
He had to play during times where the crowd could have effected his play but Russell pushed on and eventually would become a lead advocate in equality for all. After his NBA career Russell turned to coaching where he would stay till 1988. I started watching Basketball in the nineties but Russell was still a face in the NBA. He never stopped making appearances and his presence was always graceful whether he was talking to announcers or talk show hosts.
Everyone just knew his greatness and everyone respected his accomplishments on and off the court. Russell will be missed by many but his legacy is forever etched in a Celtics uniform. Rest In Peace Mr. Russell.
