Bill Russell, the legendary NBA star who won 11 championships with the Boston Celtics, passed away on July 31, 2022 at the age of 88. Russell leaves behind an unparalleled basketball career as well as an inspiring legacy of activism and leadership in the civil rights movement.
Before becoming a star in the NBA, Russell honed his skills right here in the Bay Area as a standout player for the University of San Francisco. Russell helped put USF basketball on the map in the 1950s, leading the Dons to two consecutive NCAA titles in 1955 and 1956. During his USF career, Russell compiled an astounding 55-game winning streak and established himself as one of college basketball’s all-time greats.
Beyond his dominance on the court, Russell was known at USF as an intelligent, hardworking student-athlete. He demonstrated character and poise in leading the Dons to success in an era when many major colleges excluded black athletes. Russell’s coach Phil Woolpert celebrated him as a “good citizen” who absorbed strong values from his family. His gracious and affable personality earned the respect of teammates and opponents alike.
After graduating from USF, Russell joined the Boston Celtics in 1956. He quickly established himself as one of the NBA’s first legitimate superstars, leading Boston to 11 championships in 13 seasons. The athletic center pioneered a new style of dominant interior defense and rebounding. Russell’s extraordinary leaping ability and wingspan enabled him to grab rebounds and swat shots at a record pace. He fundamentally changed the way defense was played in the NBA.
Russell’s individual accolades and championship success cemented him as one of basketball’s all-time greats. He was a 12-time All-Star, five-time MVP, and remains tied for the most championships won by any player in NBA history. Beyond the stats, Russell was hugely influential in shaping the culture of the league and elevating the status of the game globally. His rivalry with Wilt Chamberlain captured the public’s imagination, boosting the NBA’s popularity during the 1960s.
Off the court, Russell was a prominent voice in the civil rights movement. Having grown up facing prejudice in segregated Louisiana, he was active in fighting for racial equality from an early age. In the 1950s, Russell participated in several high-profile sit-ins protesting discrimination against black students. He marched with Dr. Martin Luther King at the 1963 March on Washington and supported Muhammad Ali’s conscientious objection to the Vietnam War.
Throughout his career and after retirement, Russell leveraged his platform to speak out against racism in sports and society. He boycotted games in 1961 after facing intolerable racism in cities like Lexington, Kentucky. He was the first African American coach in NBA history when he served as player-coach for Boston’s 1968 and 1969 championship teams. Russell pioneered the hiring of black coaches and challenged the prejudices that stifled opportunities for minorities.
In 2011, Russell was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his athletic excellence and dedication to civil rights. He was honored for using his fame as an athlete to promote social justice and equality for all. Few have embodied the intersection between sports and activism as profoundly as Russell.
For the USF community, Russell will forever be remembered as a treasured alum who helped establish the university as a basketball powerhouse. His two NCAA titles put USF on the national map. More importantly, Russell demonstrated that student-athletes can leverage their talent and exposure to fight for a more just society. He exemplified USF’s values of social justice through his courageous leadership in the civil rights movement.
Bill Russell leaves behind a towering legacy of athletic greatness, principles, and activism. As a USF alum, civil rights figure, and 11-time NBA champion, he set the standard for excellence on and off the court. Russell’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations to fight oppression and promote social justice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bill Russell’s Life and Legacy:
- What is Bill Russell best known for?
Bill Russell is best known as one of the greatest NBA players of all time and a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement. He won a record 11 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics and pioneered a new style of interior defense and rebounding. Off the court, Russell was an outspoken advocate for racial justice and the first African American head coach in NBA history.
- Where did Bill Russell attend college?
Bill Russell attended the University of San Francisco (USF) for college from 1952-1956. He led USF to back-to-back NCAA basketball championships in 1955 and 1956.
- How many championships did Bill Russell win as a player?
Bill Russell won 11 NBA championships as a player with the Boston Celtics between 1957 and 1969, the most in league history. He was the cornerstone of the Celtics dynasty that won eight consecutive titles from 1959 to 1966.
- Did Bill Russell win any championships as a coach?
Yes, Russell served as player-coach for the Boston Celtics in 1968 and 1969, leading the team to NBA titles both seasons. He was the first African American head coach in NBA history.
- How many MVP awards did Bill Russell win?
Russell won the NBA Most Valuable Player award five times in his illustrious career – in 1958, 1961, 1962, 1963 and 1965. He also made 12 All-Star teams.
- What makes Bill Russell one of the greatest NBA players ever?
Russell dominated games with his defense, rebounding, and shot-blocking like few players in history. His athleticism and wingspan allowed him to grab rebounds and block shots at an incredible rate. Russell was seen as the consummate team player, leading Boston to historic success through his tenacious defense and leadership.
- What civil rights activities was Bill Russell involved in?
Russell was an active participant in sit-ins and marches protesting racial injustice in the 1950s and 60s. He marched on Washington with Dr. King in 1963 and supported Muhammad Ali’s objection to the Vietnam War. Russell also boycotted games in response to racism and became the first black NBA head coach.
- Why did Bill Russell refuse to attend his own jersey retirement ceremony in 1972?
Russell refused to attend because of the racial tensions in Boston at the time. He felt uncomfortable returning to Boston Garden given the city’s issues with race relations and lack of opportunities for African Americans in coaching and management positions with the Celtics organization.
- When did Bill Russell first experience racism?
Russell faced racism from a very early age growing up in Louisiana in the 1930s and 40s. His family was forced to move multiple times due to racial prejudice. He recalled having his home attacked and his father nearly lynched by white men when Russell was a child.
- What awards and honors did Bill Russell receive?
Russell received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, the highest civilian honor in the U.S. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975. In 2021, the NBA named its NBA Finals MVP award after Bill Russell in honor of his legendary career.
Bill Russell’s incredible accomplishments as a player and activist made him a beloved figure both in Boston and around the country. His courage and character in the face of prejudice helped reshape professional sports and inspired generations. Russell will forever be remembered as a celebrated USF alum, civil rights leader, and basketball legend. His enduring legacy continues to make a profound impact to this day.