Bill Russell is considered by many to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He is most well-known for his 11 championships with the Boston Celtics, as well as his five MVP awards and 12 All-Star selections. He was also a great defensive player, and was the first African American coach in the NBA. But when did Bill Russell start playing basketball?
Early Years
Bill Russell was born in 1934 in Monroe, Louisiana. He was the fifth of six children, and his father worked in a paper mill. Russell was an excellent athlete from a young age and was involved in many different sports, including baseball, track, and football. He was also an outstanding basketball player, and his talent was quickly noticed by his coaches and peers.
High School
In 1949, Russell moved with his family to Oakland, California and enrolled at McClymonds High School. He quickly became a star player on the basketball team, and soon led the team to two consecutive championships in 1951 and 1952. During this time, he was also named to the All-City team and was considered one of the top players in the country.
Collegiate Career
In 1953, Russell enrolled at the University of San Francisco, where he continued to excel on the basketball court. He led the team to two consecutive NCAA championships in 1955 and 1956, and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament in both years. He was also named an All-American in 1955 and 1956, and was named the Player of the Year in both of those years as well.
NBA Career
In 1956, Russell was drafted by the Boston Celtics and began his professional basketball career. He immediately made an impact on the team, leading the Celtics to their first NBA championship in 1957. He would go on to lead the Celtics to a total of 11 championships in his 13-year career, and was named the MVP of the NBA five times. He was also a 12-time All-Star, and was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996.
Coaching Career
After retiring from playing basketball in 1969, Russell began a successful coaching career. He was the first African American head coach in the NBA, and led the Seattle SuperSonics to the NBA Finals in 1978. He also served as head coach of the Sacramento Kings, and was an assistant coach with the SuperSonics and Warriors.
Legacy
Bill Russell is widely considered one of the greatest players in NBA history, and his 11 championships with the Boston Celtics are the most of any player in NBA history. He is also recognized for his contributions to civil rights, as he was one of the first African American players in the NBA, and the first African American head coach in the league.
Personal Life
Off the court, Russell is widely known for his philanthropic work. He has been involved with numerous organizations, including the NAACP, the Urban League, and the Special Olympics. He has also been a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice, and has received numerous awards for his contributions to society.
Retirement
In 2018, Russell announced that he was officially retiring from basketball. He stated, “It has been an incredible journey, and I am proud of everything I have achieved. I am thankful to everyone who has supported me throughout my career, and I look forward to the next chapter of my life.”
Conclusion
Bill Russell is one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and his career has spanned generations. He began playing basketball in high school, and went on to have a successful collegiate and NBA career. He was also a pioneer in the civil rights movement, and has spent his retirement advocating for social justice.
When did Bill Russell start playing basketball? He began his basketball journey in high school in 1949, and went on to have a legendary career that spanned over 50 years. His legacy will continue to live on, and his impact on the game of basketball will never be forgotten.