He led USF to NCAA championships in 1955 and 1956, including a string of 55 consecutive victories, and an unofficial double triple-double with 26 points, 27 rebounds, 20 blocks, 3 steals, and an assist. [77] In the Eastern Division championships of the 1962 NBA playoffs, the Celtics met the Philadelphia Warriors led by Chamberlain, who averaged 50 points per game that season, and Russell did his best to slow him down. Tonights event will be hosted by Tracy Morgan, and will air live on ABC from 7-10pm ET from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Bill Russell, the most prolific winner in American sports history, passed away peacefully today at age 88, with his wife, Jeannine, by his side. "[5][120] On November 3, 1979, Russell hosted Saturday Night Live, in which he appeared in several sports-related sketches. [96], Celtics coach Red Auerbach retired before the 196667 NBA season. Avery Brundage, head of the International Olympic Committee, argued that Russell had already signed a professional sport contract and was no longer an amateur sportsman, but Russell prevailed. In the 1959 NBA Finals, the Celtics recaptured the NBA title, sweeping the Minneapolis Lakers 40. [56] Russell had a more cordial relationship with many of his teammates with the notable exception of Heinsohn, his old rival and fellow rookie. [105] Russell pulled himself together and put up 9.9 points and 19.3 rebounds per game;[1] the aging Celtics stumbled through the regular season. There are no Insights into his past relationship. He was selected into the NBA 25th Anniversary Team in 1971 and the NBA 35th Anniversary Team in 1980, named as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996,[5] one of only four players to receive all three honors, and selected into the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. [50] Auerbach later said that Brown offered Harrison guaranteed performances of the Ice Capades if they did not draft Russell; it is difficult to verify or disprove this, but it is clear that the Royals underrated Russell. The couple got divorced in 1973. "[65], In the 195859 NBA season, Russell averaged 16.7 points per game and 23.0 rebounds per game. [49], Russell was considered the consummate defensive center, noted for his defensive intensity, basketball IQ, and will to win. Auerbach agreed to trade Macauley, who had previously asked to be traded to St. Louis in order to be with his sick son, if the Hawks gave up Russell. His time as a non-player coach was lackluster; he led the struggling SuperSonics into the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, but Russell's defensive, team-oriented Celtics mindset did not mesh well with the team, and he left in 1977 with a 162166 record. UCLA Bruins coach John Wooden called Russell "the greatest defensive man I've ever seen". In 1987, Karen Rusell penned an article for the New York Times titled, Growing Up With Privilege and Prejudice.. [222] He thanked Chamberlain for taking him to the limit and "making [him] a better player", and the crowd for "allowing [him] to be a part of their lives. In 1954, he became the first coach of a major college basketball squad to start three African-American players: K. C. Jones, Hal Perry, and Russell. I was able to separate the Celtics institution from the city and the fans. [Auerbach would] get the information from us and then make a decision based on that information and his thoughts. [163], Of Russell, former NBA player and head coach Don Nelson said: "There are two types of superstars. [215] He was quoted as saying: "From my very first year I thought of myself as playing for the Celtics, not for Boston. During Russell's college career, the conference was known as the California Basketball Association. Bill Russell's Siblings His only sibling is Charlie L. Russell. [70] Boston won a then-record 59 regular-season games, including a then-record tying 17-game win streak. The NBA great Bill Russell has died at age 88. After the loss, he led his grandfather through the Celtics locker rooms and the two saw the white Celtic Havlicek taking a shower next to his black teammate Sam Jones and discussing the game. He told her to go home and remove the dress, which he described as "white woman's clothing". I wanted you to have the best possible education and to be able to make the best contacts. [58], At that time, Russell received much negative publicity as a player. Arthur was a man of great courage. Russell, who had a difficult relationship with the media, did not attend either ceremony. William Felton Russell Summary William Felton Russell of 226 Causeway St, in Boston, Massachusetts United States was born on February 12, 1934 in West Monroe, Louisiana, and died at age 88 years old on July 31, 2022. Russell used a copy as extra motivation and told his team to play a running game because in that case it was not the better but the more determined team that was going to win. If you were too sheltered, Im afraid youd be too naive. [The sound of Russell throwing up] is a welcome sound, too, because it means he's keyed up for the game, and around the locker room we grin and say, 'Man, we're going to be all right tonight. [49] Boston's chances of getting Russell seemed slim because they had finished second in the previous season and the worst teams had the highest draft picks, and the Celtics had slipped too low in the draft order to pick Russell. (embedded photo)", "Rare Photos of Bill Russell (third photo in gallery", "Eight players who have won NCAA, NBA, and Olympic titles", "2003 draft eventually may be best in history", "Philadelphia Warriors vs Boston Celtics Box Score, January 1, 1957", "Russell of Celtics Violates N.B.A. He is quoted by Fox Sports as saying that his father lived in Louisiana. Russell responded to the honor by tweeting, Just found out I will be receiving the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. Both Cousy and Russell called it the greatest Celtics team of all-time. "We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Jeannine, his family and his many friends." His family said that arrangements for Russell's memorial service will be announced in the coming days. Celtics owner Walter A. Tune in July 10, this is a special honor! He included the picture below. He still holds the NBA record for rebounds in one half with 32 (vs. Philadelphia, November 16, 1957). I refuse to smile and be nice to the kiddies. 6 jersey was retired by the Celtics on March 12, 1972,[113] Russell had worn the same number 6 at the USF and for the 1956 U.S. Olympic team. Over 50 percent of responses said 'There's too many black players. The NBA legend was a victim of racism, and not even his basketball fame helped him. Chamberlain outscored Russell by 81 points in the series, but the Celtics walked off with a 42 series win. A 1987 essay by Bill Russell's daughter detailed racism the family faced in Mass. He is one of just two NBA players (the other being prominent rival Wilt Chamberlain) to have grabbed more than 50 rebounds in a game. When he attempted to leave and find a different station, the attendant stuck a shotgun in his face and threatened to kill him if he did not stay and wait his turn. "[203] Russell was also known for his natural authority. According to Taylor, he often perceived insults even if others did not. A five-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) and a 12-time NBA All-Star, he was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career. Early. [71][72] In the 1960 NBA Finals, the Celtics outlasted the Hawks 43 in the series and won their third championship in four years. Auerbach replied that Gottlieb's statements were "absolutely ridiculous" and said any controversy was "a question of sour grapes". [52] The U.S. dominated the tournament, winning by an average of 53.5 points per game. [189] He was issued a citation and released, and the Transportation Security Administration indicated it would levy a civil penalty, which would be between $3,000 and $7,500. 101", "The NBA's 75th Anniversary Team, ranked: Where 76 basketball legends check in on our list", "NBA 75: Top 75 NBA players of all time, from MJ and LeBron to Lenny Wilkens", "President Obama Names Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients", "Bill Russell to receive NBA's inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award", "Bill Russell's No. [100] During the series, Russell said: "Right now, he (Wilt) is playing like me [to win]. [109][219], Russell refused to attend the ceremony when his jersey No. Arthur was a man of great courage. [140], Russell is one of the most successful and decorated athletes in North American sports history. The champion marched with Martin Luther King for civil rights. The couple grew emotionally distant and divorced. Although Russell was a good runner and jumper and had large hands,[20] he did not understand the game and was cut from the team at Herbert Hoover Junior High School. [118] Russell then served as general manager of the Kings during the 198889 season. He was notorious for his public surliness and judgmental attitude towards others. [114] He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975. [2] Russell and Henri Richard of the National Hockey League are tied for the record of the most championships won by an athlete in a North American sports league. Cooper, the Boston Celtics will never embarrass you.' His 1956 rookie contract was worth $24,000 (equivalent to $239,207 in 2021), only fractionally smaller than the $25,000 of top earner and teammate Bob Cousy. [45][46] He also competed in the 440 yards (402.3m) race, which he could complete in 49.6 seconds. 1962) (TV Pundit, Lawyer) and 2 sons named William Russell Jr. and Jacob Russell. NBA legend Bill Russell, an 11-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics and the first Black head coach in the league, passed away "peacefully" Sunday, according to a family statement from. Bill Russell had three kids, Karen, William Jr., and Jacob. Bill answered, I played for the Celtics, period I did not play for Boston. Bill Russell with his coach, Red Auerbach, in December 1964 after scoring his 10,000th career point in a game in Boston Garden. ___ Bill Russell married his college Girlfriend Rose Swisher in 1956 and had one daughter named Karen Russell and two sons named William Russell Jr & Jacob Russell from the wedlock. [153] He was selected three times to the All-NBA First Teams (1959, 1963, 1965) and eight Second Teams (1958, 196062, 1964, 196668), and was a 12-time NBA All-Star (19581969). [5][41] His stint as coach of the Celtics was also of historical significance,[145][146] as he became the first black head coach in the NBA,[14] when he succeeded Red Auerbach. William Lane Russell (Bill), age 78 of Tunnel Hill, Georgia died unexpectedly on November 24, 2020. He passed away peacefully with . Bill Cosby's daughter Ensa was buried at the comedian's family compound outside Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts on Wednesday. July 31, 2022 1:27pm. We didnt have much, but there is something my father said: It is not what you give, but what you share, for the gift without the giver is bare. My fathers philosophy was, Always share what I have., Bill Russell Kids & Family: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. He had invested $250,000 in a rubber plantation in Liberia, where he had wanted to spend his retirement, but it went bankrupt. At age 35, Russell contributed with 6 points, 21 rebounds, and 6 assists in his last NBA game. 4 in a similar list by The Athletic. Russell anchored a Boston Celtics dynasty that won 11 titles in 13 years. [183][184] He was a resident of Mercer Island, Washington, for over four decades. While there is still progress to be made, the Hall of Famer should get a lot of credit for fighting against what was wrong. "[109][206] When his white Celtics teammate Frank Ramsey asked whether he hated him, Russell stated that he had been misquoted but few believed it. I was the MVP at the Final Four. Bill Russell of the Boston Celtics is awarded the 1963 NBA All-Star MVP Trophy after the 1963 NBA All-Star Game circa 1963 in Los Angeles,. [67][108] The Celtics held on for a 108106 victory and Russell claimed his eleventh championship in thirteen years. My wife and Russell's laugh. "[165] During the NBA All-Star Weekend on February 14, 2009, NBA Commissioner David Stern announced that the NBA Finals MVP award would be named after Russell. 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