He grew up in a racially segregated neighbourhood where his family was often subjected to rampant acts of racism. They were together from 1956 to 1973. Born in Dallas on November 8, 1935, William Russell "Bill" Goff was a lifelong Texan. "[206] To teammates and friends, Russell was open and amicable; he was extremely distrusting and cold towards anyone else. However, Russell fought a long and tough battle off the court as well. When I sent you to Harvard, I expected you to be able to do the same. I could hear anything, I could see anything, and nothing mattered. [142] By winning the 1956 NCAA championship with USF and the 1957 NBA title with the Celtics,[143] Russell became the first of only four players in basketball history to win an NCAA championship and an NBA championship back-to-back, the others being Henry Bibby, Magic Johnson, and Billy Thompson. [121] Russell also wrote books, usually written as a joint project with a professional writer, including 1979's Second Wind,[122] and played Judge Roger Ferguson in the Miami Vice episode "The Fix" (aired March 7, 1986). [172] The statue was unveiled on November 1, 2013, with Russell in attendance. Your login session has expired. Rose Swisher (1956-1973) - Bill began dating his college acquaintance Rose Swisher in 1956, his senior year in college. [19] While there, they fell into poverty and Russell spent his childhood living in a series of public housing projects. 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,. [215] He was quoted as saying: "From my very first year I thought of myself as playing for the Celtics, not for Boston. [5] Russell is the all-time playoff leader in total (4,104) and average (24.9) rebounds per game, he grabbed 40 rebounds in three separate playoff games (twice in the NBA Finals), and he never failed to average at least 20 rebounds per game in any of his thirteen playoff campaigns. He was a standout in the high jump and according to Track & Field News was ranked the seventh-best high-jumper in the world in 1956, his graduation year, despite not competing in Olympic high-jump competition. [144] He also won two state championships in high school. Rusell states, It was one bedroom, so my brother and I both had rollaway beds. Russell described himself as an avid reader of Dell Magazines' 1950s sports publications, which he used to scout opponents' moves for the purpose of defending against them. [222] In 1995, the Celtics left the Boston Garden and entered the FleetCenter, now known as the TD Garden; as the main festive act, the Celtics wanted to re-retire Russell's jersey in front of a sellout audience. Russell's 51 rebounds in a single game is the second-highest performance ever, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain's all-time record of 55. Although the salary was touted in the press as a record for an NBA coach, it is unclear whether Russell's continued $100,001 salary as a player was included in the calculation. The family of William 'Mr. Bill' Russell Jones is sad to announce his passing. He had a difficult childhood and grew up in poverty. He lived his young life with his parents in Indiana and with his grandmother (Mammy) in Lebanon, Tennessee. [5] Russell's team again beat Chamberlain's Philadelphia 76ers 41 in the Eastern Division Finals, proceeding to win the NBA Finals in a tight showdown against the Los Angeles Lakers, with Russell scoring 25 points and grabbing 32 rebounds, plus giving out an assist,[97] in a 9593 win in Game 7. [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. Just found out I will be receiving the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. NBA legend Bill Russell passed away at the age of 88. Bill Russell was born to Charles and Katie Russell on February 12, 2022, in West Monroe, Louisiana. The centerpiece of the Boston Celtics dynasty who earned 11 NBA titles during . [61] Russell scored 21 points and grabbed an NBA Finals-record 40 rebounds, plus an assist, in a Game 2 loss,[73] and he added 22 points and 35 rebounds, along with 4 assists,[74] in the deciding Game 7, a 122103 victory for Boston. The Bill Russell Legacy Foundation, established by the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, funded the project. American baseball player and coach. [136] Russell attended Game 5 of the 2009 NBA Finals to present Bryant the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award. "Bill was the ultimate winner and consummate teammate, and his influence on the NBA will be felt forever," Silver added. [49][89], In the 196364 NBA season, the Celtics posted a league-best 5822 record in the regular season. He was voted the NBA Most Valuable Player but only named to the All-NBA Second Team, something that would occur repeatedly throughout his career, as players voted for the MVP award, something that would last until the 197980 NBA season, while the media has always voted for the All-NBA teams. One of the greatest players in NBA history, Bill Russell, is currently in his 4th marriage. #ESPYsABC #ArthurAsheAward @NBA @espn @celtics @BleacherReport @SLAMonline @BostonGlobe @ESPYS pic.twitter.com/AybfEZOzAb, TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) May 30, 2019, SWEET . In 2014, after the unveiling of his statue at City Hall in Boston, Russell spoke a bit about his parents and what his life was like growing up. "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. [67][108] The Celtics held on for a 108106 victory and Russell claimed his eleventh championship in thirteen years. "[178], Russell was married to his college sweetheart Rose Swisher from 1956 to 1973. Russell played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. In the pivotal Game 7, Russell managed to hold Chamberlain to 22 points, 28 points below his season average, while scoring 19 points. Jacob H. Russell was born on July 6, 1959. A five-time NBA Most Valuable Player and a twelve-time All-Star, he was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty, winning eleven NBA championships during his . Bill Russell had three kids, Karen, William Jr., and Jacob. Bill Russell's daughter, Karen, was born in 1962. "[98], Boston's championship streak ended at eight in his first full season as head coach when Chamberlain's Philadelphia 76ers won a record-breaking 68 regular-season games and were the favorites heading into the 1967 NBA playoffs, where they beat the Celtics 41 in the Eastern Division Finals. So we never, or at least I never, ever considered him as having ulterior motives for whatever he did. [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. Bill Russell passed away peacefully at age 88 Sunday with his wife Jeannine by his side, according to his family; The NBA legend played for the Boston Celtics from 1956 to 1969 Auerbach replied that Gottlieb's statements were "absolutely ridiculous" and said any controversy was "a question of sour grapes". [20] Since Russell's previous experiences with white authority figures were often negative, warm words from Powles reassured him. He worked hard and used the benefits of a growth spurt to become a decent basketball player. Russell held Chamberlain to a pair of field goals in the first three quarters of Game 3. They are: Karen Rusell, William Russell Jr., and Jacob Russell. [149] He also had 51 in one game, 49 in two others, and twelve straight seasons of 1,000 or more rebounds. Russell also ignored Heinsohn's request for an autograph on behalf of his cousin and openly said to Heinsohn that he deserved half of his $300 Rookie of the Year check. The game featured Shane Battier, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Maya Moore, Alonzo Mourning, Joakim Noah, Chris Paul, Derrick Rose, and Obama's friends from high school. [221] When Russell originally retired, he demanded that his jersey be retired in an empty Boston Garden. [110] Russell notified Auerbach that he was resigning to join a career in television and movies "in order to find new sources of income for the future". [120], Russell became a vegetarian, took up golf, and worked as a color commentator for CBS and TBS throughout the 1970s into the mid-1980s, but he was uncomfortable as a broadcaster. He revealed that his mother died when he was 12. Jacob H. Russell was born on July 6, 1959 and lives in Renton, Washington with his 44-year-old wife Sara Marckx Russell. 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. I was the MVP at the Final Four. [49] After the Celtics' 10889 victory, Schayes, who made Johnny Kerr come off the bench because he struggled against Russell in the regular season, quipped: "How much does that guy make a year? "[65], In the 195859 NBA season, Russell averaged 16.7 points per game and 23.0 rebounds per game. [49] On offense, Russell's output was limited and his NBA career personal averages show him to be an average scorer (15.1 points career average), a poor free-throw shooter (56.1%), and average overall shooter from the field (44%, not exceptional for a center). . [19] When he later became a standout college player at USF, Russell recalled how he and his few fellow black teammates were jeered by white students. However, it is reported that he lives with his wife Sara Marckx Russell in Washington State. Bill Russell had three kids, Karen, William Jr., and Jacob. [98] On April 16, 1966, Russell agreed to become head coach of the Celtics, and a public announcement was made two days later. [57] Gottlieb protested the next day, saying that Russell played a one-man zone and goaltended numerous times, to only be called once. [65] Many observers thought that Boston could have won had Russell not been injured, but Auerbach commented: "You can always look for excuses We just got beat. Russell's Celtics went 5737 in the regular season against Chamberlain's teams and 2920 in the playoffs, Chamberlain's losing seven of the eight series. [48], In the draft, Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach set his sights on Russell, thinking his defensive toughness and rebounding prowess were the missing pieces the Celtics needed. [21] In delivering a eulogy for Chamberlain, Russell stated that he did not consider them to be rivals, but rather to have a competition, and that the pair would "be friends through eternity". [52], Due to his Olympic commitment, Russell could not join the Celtics for the 195657 NBA season until December. Career, Awards, and Achievements [56] Russell never had to work part-time. [5] He was also known as a fine passer and pick-and-roll setter, featured a decent left-handed hook shot, and finished strong on alley oops. Powered by. Russell died on Sunday at the age of 88 with his wife Jeannine by his side, his family said in a statement on Twitter. Arthur was a man of great courage. [109] In response, Russell described Boston as a "flea market of racism". He shared all three kids with his first wife Rose Swisher. By Bay City News and NBC Bay Area staff Published July 31, 2022 Updated on August 1, 2022 at 1:20 am. When he became player-coach in 1966, Russell bluntly said to his teammates that "he intended to cut all personal ties to other players" and seamlessly made the transition from their peer to their superior. He lost his mother when he was just 12 years old. Russell's daughter, Karen, is a legal and political analyst, as well as a blogger. [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. Later, hoping to better the family's . Bill Cosby's daughter Ensa was buried at the comedian's family compound outside Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts on Wednesday. Chamberlain often invited Russell over for Thanksgiving dinner; at Russell's place, conversation mostly concerned Russell's electric trains. [185] His older brother was the noted playwright Charlie L. "[200], Russell was driven by "a neurotic need to win", as his Celtic teammate Tom Heinsohn observed. [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). She used to admire her father, a national basketball player. This was in contrast to other Celtics who had to work during the offseason to maintain their standard of living; Tom Heinsohn sold insurance, Gene Guarilia was a professional guitar player, Cousy ran a basketball camp, and Red Auerbach invested in plastics and a Chinese restaurant. [5] Russell was known as one of the most clutch players in the NBA. [98] His second choice was Cousy, who declined the invitation, stating that he did not want to coach his former teammates. [59] With the Celtics leading 125123 with one second left, the Hawks had the ball at their own baseline. Russell was born on February 12, 1934, to Charles Russell and Katie Russell in West Monroe, Louisiana.Like almost all Southern towns and cities of that time, Monroe was very segregated and the Russells often struggled with racism in their daily lives. He is said to have made a conscious decision to put the team first and foremost, and not worry about individual achievements. The bill has specific provisions for protecting children and Molly's father, Ian, called for it to be introduced "urgently" after the hearing. [53] His former USF and future Celtics teammate K. C. Jones joined him on the Olympic squad and contributed 10.9 points per game,[54] including a RussellJones combined 29 points in the finals. She is a legal and political analyst who graduated from Georgetown University and Harvard Law School. At 85 years old, he is still active going to watch basketball games with his wife Jeannine Russell, as he shows in his Instagram account. From his early childhood years, Williams Jr. was fascinated by trucks, and that is why he pursued his passion of being a driver. Bill Russell, the NBA great who began his career in Oakland, anchored a Boston Celtics dynasty that won 11 championships in 13 yearsthe last two as the first Black head coach in any major U.S. sportand marched for civil rights with Martin Luther King Jr., died Sunday. Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell, who won 11 championships in 13 seasons with the team, has died, his family announced Sunday. It covered every area. [59] Despite their different ethnic backgrounds and lack of common off-court interests, his relationship with Cousy was amicable. [5][49], In the 196061 NBA season, Russell averaged 16.9 points and 23.9 rebounds per game,[1] leading his team to a regular season mark of 5722. . "[212] Describing the Celtics organization, as distinguished from Boston sports fans in the 1950s and 1960s, as very progressive racially, Russell recalled in 2010 a list of the organization's accomplishments on racial progress both in terms of objective milestones and his own subjective experience as a member of the organization. [126] On November 17, the two-time NCAA champion Russell was recognized for his impact on college basketball as a member of the founding class of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. [28], Russell was ignored by college recruiters and received not one offer until recruiter Hal DeJulio from the University of San Francisco (USF) watched him play in a high school game. What do we know about Russells personal life? I averaged over 20 points and over 20 rebounds, and I was the only guy in college blocking shots. Bill Russell, an 11-time NBA champion as a player and coach with the Boston Celtics and one of the most important figures in NBA history, has died at the age of 88, his family announced. [109][219], Russell refused to attend the ceremony when his jersey No. [116], After retiring as a player, Russell had stints as head coach of the Seattle SuperSonics (19731977) and Sacramento Kings (19871988). [107] It was so surprising that Auerbach was blindsided and made the mistake of drafting guard Jo Jo White instead of a center. He wrote these words after recounting how grandfather Jake Russell had stood up to the Ku Klux Klan and other whites who attempted to thwart his efforts to build a schoolhouse for black children; his grandfather was the first person in Russell's patrilineal line born free in North America and was himself illiterate. "[101] The game still ended on a high note for Russell. 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. "[5] After the Division Finals, the Celtics had an easier time in the NBA Finals,[95] winning 41 against the Los Angeles Lakers. Updated. Bill Russell, professional basketball's first Black superstar who reinvented the center position with the 1950s and '60s Boston Celtics, has died. Russell's stint with the Kings was considerably shorter, his last assignment ending when the Kings went 1741 to begin the 198788 NBA season. [109] The same fate awaited his Boston restaurant Slade's, after which he had to default on a $90,000 government loan to purchase the outlet. We won the National Championship. . Bill Russell. [30], Combining the stature and shot-blocking skills of a center with the foot speed of a guard, Russell became the centerpiece of a USF team that soon became a force in college basketball. The crowd gave Russell a prolonged standing ovation, which brought tears to his eyes. [104] He is one of four players (along with Cousy, George Mikan, and Bob Pettit) to have made all four NBA anniversary teams: the NBA 25th Anniversary Team (1970), the NBA 35th Anniversary Team (1980), the NBA 50th Anniversary Team (1996),[5] and the NBA 75th Anniversary Team (2021). When Chamberlain died in 1999, Chamberlain's nephew said that Russell was the second person he was told to call. [84] President John F. Kennedy posed for a picture with Auerbach and the nine Celtics but not Russell, who overslept because he thought it was just a tour of the White House and did not know President Kennedy would be meeting them. Mr. Russell has a large family and a large number of friends who are proud of him for his services to society. He also served a three-season (196669) stint as player-coach for the Celtics, becoming the first black coach in the NBA and the first to win a championship. His family posted the news on social media, saying his wife, Jeannine, was by his side. At one point, Karen asked her father if it was difficult to send her to school in Boston, where she attended Harvard Law School. "[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. Bill Russell Receives the 2017 NBA Lifetime Achievement Award | NBA on TNT. Bill Russell- a pioneer of NBA, legendary player, Hall of Famer, activist, and Boston Celtics icon who had bagged five MVPs awards and 11 Championships in his career, died on July 31, 2022, due to natural reasons at his home at the age of 88. 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. [224], 19561958: Rookie champion and early years, 19581966: Eight straight NBA championships, 19661969: Player-coach champion and final years, Racist abuse, controversy, and relationship with Boston fans. Cooper, the Boston Celtics will never embarrass you.' 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. The youngest son of the NBA legend hasn't led a very public life, which is why there isn't much information about him. Like almost all Southern towns and cities of that time, Monroe was very segregated and the Russells often struggled with racism in their daily lives. @NBATV before Game 6 of 2013 #NBAFinals. Around that time, according to John Taylors book, The Rivalry: Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and the Golden Age of Basketball, they grew emotionally distant and divorced. His nickname is Russell William Ellis. [159] In 2009, Slam named him the third best player of all-time behind Jordan and Chamberlain. As a child, he witnessed how his parents were victims of racial abuse, and the family eventually moved into government housing projects to escape the daily torrent of bigotry. This was the first time in seven years that he failed to average at least 23 rebounds a game. Here's what we know about his kids and family. "[49], Duiring the 196869 NBA season, Russell was shocked by the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, disillusioned by the Vietnam War, and weary from his increasingly stale marriage to his wife Rose; the couple later divorced. When their family uprooted to Oakland, California, they lived in the projects. In honoring the legendary athlete, ESPN writes that recipients of the distinguished award, reflect the spirit of Arthur Ashe, possessing strength in the face of adversity, courage in the face of peril and the willingness to stand up for their beliefs no matter what the cost.. In the interim, Russell won an Olympic gold medal in 1956. In addition to Macauley, who was the Celtics' premier player at the time, he wanted Cliff Hagan, who had been serving in the military for three years and had not yet played for the Celtics. Be the first one to comment on this story. Prior to Game 5, no NBA team had ever come back from a 31 deficit. [100] During the series, Russell said: "Right now, he (Wilt) is playing like me [to win]. [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. I owe so much to him it's impossible to express. Russell articulated these views with a measure of self-criticism, saying: "I consider this a deficiency in myselfmaybe. [13], Russell played in the wake of black pioneers Earl Lloyd, Chuck Cooper, and Sweetwater Clifton, and he was the first black player to achieve superstar status in the NBA. August 2, 2022. Nothing went on outside the borders of the court. Bill Russell, the NBA great who anchored a Boston Celtics dynasty that won 11 championships in 13 years the last two as the first Black head coach in any major U.S. sport and marched for . When Russell was eight years old, his father moved the family out of Louisiana and settled in Oakland, California. In protest, the whole team decided to camp out in a closed college dorm, which was later called an important bonding experience for the group. The Celtics made good use of the fact that the Los Angeles Lakers had exhausted the St. Louis Hawks in a long seven-game Western Conference Finals,[75] and Boston won the 1961 NBA Finals in five games. No cause of death was immediately available; Russell, who. As part of the 1961 Celtics boycott, he and the other black teammates refused to play in the exhibition game and flew home, drawing a great deal of controversy and publicity. [157][158] In 2007, he was voted the third best center of all-time by ESPN behind Abdul-Jabbar and Chamberlain. [16] In 2021, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame a second time for his coaching career. [156], On August 11, 2022, it was announced that Russell's No. Lakers coach Bill van Breda Kolff kept him on the bench until the end of the game, saying later that he wanted to stay with the lineup responsible for the comeback. 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. [5], On February 5, 1960, Russell had 23 points, 51 rebounds, and 5 assists in a 124100 win over the Syracuse Nationals. Her later father, Bill . 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. 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