BLACK IN TIME: A Moment In OUR History - Bill Russell Makes History

Bill Russell

William Felton "Bill" Russell Played His First Game With The NBA's Bonston Celtics On This Date In 1956.

In 1966, Russell Was Named Coach Of the Boston Celtics, Making Him The First Black Head Coach Of A Major Professional Sports Team. He Coached The Team Until 1969. Russell Succeeded 16-Year Veteran Coach, Arnold "Red" Auerbach, To Become The Basketball Team's Fourth Coach.

The 6 Ft. 10 In Hall Of Fame Center Was Still A Star Player For The Celtics At The Time He Became Coach. He Served As Player/Coach For His Entire First Season. He Became The Highest Paid Coach Or Manager At That Time, Earning An Estimated $125,000 Per Year.

Bill Russell Was Born In Monroe, Louisiana On February 12, 1934. His Family Moved To Oakland, California When He Was Eight Years Old. After Failing To Make The Varsity High School Team During His 9th- Grade Year, Russell Had A Growth Spurt And At 6 Ft. 5 In, Eventually Became A Star For His High School Team.

While At The University Of San Francisco, He Led His Team To Two NCAA Basketball Championships (1955 And 1956). He Also Won A Gold Medal At The 1956 Summer Olympics, As Captain Of The U. S. National Basketball Team.

Bill Russell Is Considered By Many As The Greatest Defensive Basketball Player In NBA History. He Made Shot-Blocking An Art And Was Also One Of The Top Rebounders To Ever Play The Game Of Basketball. During His 13 Seasons With The Boston Celtics, He Won 11 NBA Championships. He Is One Of Two Men Who Holds The Record For The Most Championships Won By An Athlete In A North American Sports League.

Bill Russell Is In The NBA Hall Of Fame And The National Collegiate Basketball Hall Of Fame. In 1996, He Was Selected As One Of The 50 Greatest Players In NBA History.

BILL RUSSELL

"In Order For Black History To Live, We Must Continue To Breathe Life Into It." -- Hubert Gaddy, Jr.

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