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Bill Russell: The Greatest

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      William Felton Russell aka Bill Russell aka The Greatest. What words truly convey this man not only on the court but off of it. Winner, fighter, class, leader, and so many many more. Not only did he accomplish a lot as a basketball player, he did so much as a civil rights leader which  the character of this great man. As a player, he did all the little things but did them with a greatness. He was a dominant defensive player, he could block any shot, play man-to-man D like you have never seen and could teach a master class in rebounding. He never averaged over 19 points in any season yet let's be real. He could have averaged whatever he wanted. 

     Talk about a winner in college! He led San Francisco to back to back titles in 55 and 56. Following that he led the USA to gold in the Olympics. Selected by the Boston Celtics in the draft allowed history to write itself. Bill was an eleven time NBA champion winning in 57, then 8 titles in a row from 59 to 66, finishing with back to back titles in 68 and 69. Bill led the first all black starting five in NBA history.

      Bill was a five time MVP in 58, 61, 62, 63, and 65. A twelve time All Star winning the MVP in 63. He was recognized as a three time All NBA first team and eight time All NBA second team. He was a four time rebounding champion and was named to the All Defensive team in 69. Bill was named to the NBA's 25th, 35th, and 50th Anniversary NBA teams. 

     Bill has been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a player and now coming up he will be inducted as a coach. Bill was the first black head coach in NBA history. He's also a part of the FIBA and college basketball Hall of Fame. Talk about an amazing resume.. He coached the Sonics from 73 to 77 and also had a one year stint as Kings coach in 87/88. 

     Bill was active during the black power movement and fought hard for civil rights. In 2011 he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. A man who was willing to sacrifice it all off the floor for what he knew was right. On or off the floor, this man is recognized as one incredible human being. 

Could "Big Bill" play today? You bet he could!

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