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Born
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Early Childhood
Russell live in Monroe, Louisiana when he was born. He and his mom ( Katie ) and his dad ( Charles ) suffered threw racism and segregation. -
Sickness
His early childhood was shaped by poor health, as the sickly Russell battled several different illnesses. -
Late Childhood
When Russell was 10, his father, Charlie, fed up with trying to navigate a racially charged South, moved his family across the country to Oakland, California, where he found work at a shipyard. -
Mothers Death
He had a difficult childhood and grew up in poverty. He lost his mother when he was just 12 years old. -
High School Carrer
He went to McClymonds High School (MACK) where he started playing basketball. His coach, George Powles, encouraged the youngster to develop his skills and become a good player. -
End of High School
He was offered a scholarship from the University of San Francisco (USF). He was very happy to receive this scholarship as it provided him an opportunity to escape a life of poverty and racism. -
Collage Career
He thrived at USF under Coach Phil Woolpert who helped him develop his unique technique of defense. He became the centerpiece of a USF team that became a formidable college basketball team. -
End of Collage Career
1956 NBA draft. In the 1956 NBA 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. -
Summer Olympics
Before his NBA rookie year, Russell was the captain of the U.S. national basketball team that competed at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia. -
Rookie Year of the NBA
Russell's rookie year he lead the team in rebound percentages and was the 3rd best on scoring and 2nd best on free throw average. -
Coaching Career
After Russell's basketball career he took the job of his coach Red Auerbach and became the first African-american coach, he was also the first player-coach to win 2 championships. -
NBA Carrer
Russell's career was amazing. He finished with 11 rings and had the 2nd most rebounds in the NBA. Also he got MVP in 1963 NBA championship, was a 5 time MVP for his team also. -
After coaching and playing
Bill Russell is one of the best NBA players ever. He has the most championships won ever in the NBA (11).Bill Russell is still alive right now and he is 84 years old today.
