Interesting facts
- Bill Russell was born February 12, 1924, in Monroe, La., but moved to Detroit, and then on to Oakland during his boyhood.
- At San Francisco University, the 6'9" Russell and guard K. C. Jones led the Dons to 60 straight wins, a record not surpassed until 1972 by UCLA.
- Bill Russell claimed a gold medal in the 1956 Olympic Games at Melbourne.
- Bill Russell has been married twice, first to Dorothy Anstett and then to Rose Swisher, a former Miss USA. He has no children from his first marriage, but has three from his second marriage.
- In Russell's 13 seasons (1956-1969), Boston won 11 NBA championships.
- During his career, Bill Russell took 21,721 rebounds and led the league 4 times. He corralled 51 rebounds in one game, 49 twice. Russell was All-Pro 1st team 3 times, league MVP 5 times, and participated in 12 All-Star games.
- His duels with Wilt Chamberlain will be talked about as long as the game is played. Their rivalry turned bitter in later years, and neither would utter a kind word about the other.
- Bill Russell championed black causes and racial harmony. He exuded warmth and possessed an infectious, high-pitched cackle, but refused to sign autographs, considering it too impersonal.
- Bill Russell was consider the greatest player of all time until Michael Jordan.
- After retiring, he became a commentator for ABC sports, and a lecturer on college campuses.
- NCAA Most Outstanding Player (1955).
- Enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame, 1975.
- NBA All-Defensive First Team (1969).
- Holds career playoff record for most rebounds (4,104, 24.9 rpg) in 165 games.
- Celtics retired his jersey number 6.
- As head coach, Bil Russell compiled a 341-290 record (.540) in eight seasons.
- Named "Sportsman of the Year" by Sports Illustrated (1968).
