# Bill Russell

> American basketball player (1934–2022)

**Wikidata**: [Q242185](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q242185)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Russell)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bill-russell

## Summary
Bill Russell was an American basketball player (1934–2022) who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history. He won 11 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics, including eight in a row (1959–1966), and was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1969. His career spanned from 1956 to 1969, during which he earned numerous accolades, including multiple NBA MVP awards and All-Star selections.

## Biography
- Born: February 12, 1934
- Nationality: United States
- Education: University of San Francisco
- Known for: Winning 11 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics
- Employer(s): Boston Celtics (1956–1969)
- Field(s): Basketball

## Contributions
- **NBA Championships**: Won 11 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics, including eight consecutive titles from 1959 to 1966.
- **NBA Finals MVP**: Earned the NBA Finals MVP award in 1969.
- **NBA MVP**: Won the NBA MVP award five times (1958, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1965).
- **All-Star Selections**: Played in the NBA All-Star Game 11 times.
- **Presidential Medal of Freedom**: Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992 for his contributions to basketball and civil rights.
- **FIBA Hall of Fame**: Inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 1991.

## FAQs
**What is Bill Russell known for?**
Bill Russell is known for winning 11 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics, including eight consecutive titles from 1959 to 1966. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in NBA history.

**Where did Bill Russell attend college?**
Bill Russell attended the University of San Francisco.

**What awards did Bill Russell receive?**
Bill Russell received the NBA Finals MVP award in 1969, the NBA MVP award five times, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992. He was also inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 1991.

**How many NBA championships did Bill Russell win?**
Bill Russell won 11 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics.

**What is Bill Russell's nationality?**
Bill Russell was an American basketball player.

## Why They Matter
Bill Russell's impact on basketball is profound. His dominance on the court, particularly during the Celtics' dynasty of the 1960s, revolutionized the game with his defensive prowess and leadership. His 11 championships and eight consecutive titles set records that remain unmatched. Russell's influence extended beyond basketball, as he became a symbol of civil rights and social justice. His legacy continues to inspire players and fans, cementing his status as one of the greatest athletes of all time.

## Notable For
- **11 NBA Championships**: Won more championships than any other player in NBA history.
- **8 Consecutive Championships**: Holds the record for the most consecutive NBA championships.
- **NBA Finals MVP**: Earned the NBA Finals MVP award in 1969.
- **NBA MVP**: Won the NBA MVP award five times.
- **Presidential Medal of Freedom**: Received the highest civilian award in the United States.
- **FIBA Hall of Fame**: Inducted into the international basketball hall of fame.
- **University of San Francisco**: Attended the university before entering the NBA.

## Body
### Early Life
Bill Russell was born on February 12, 1934, in Monroe, Louisiana. He grew up in a working-class family and developed a passion for basketball. Russell attended the University of San Francisco, where he played college basketball and quickly became a standout player. His talent and leadership on the court caught the attention of the Boston Celtics, who drafted him in 1956.

### NBA Career
Russell joined the Boston Celtics in 1956 and quickly established himself as one of the greatest players in NBA history. He won his first NBA championship in 1957 and went on to win 11 more championships, including eight consecutive titles from 1959 to 1966. Russell's dominance on the court was unmatched, and he earned numerous accolades, including five NBA MVP awards and 11 All-Star selections.

### Awards and Recognition
Russell's contributions to basketball were recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was named the NBA Finals MVP in 1969 and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992 for his contributions to basketball and civil rights. He was also inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 1991.

### Legacy
Bill Russell's legacy extends far beyond his playing career. He became a symbol of civil rights and social justice, using his platform to advocate for equality and opportunity. Russell's impact on basketball is profound, and his records remain unmatched. He continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest athletes of all time.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/russell-bill-1934/)
2. FIBA database
3. College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com
4. [Source](https://bostoncelticshistory.com/all-time-player-list/)
5. RealGM
6. Basketball Reference
7. [Source](http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/celebrities/9717835/The-problem-with-other-faces)
8. [Source](http://sports.espn.go.com/highschool/rise/football/news/story?id=4064085)
9. [Source](http://www.tv.com/shows/iconoclasts/samuel-l-jackson-on-bill-russell-903945/)
10. Find a Grave
11. [Source](https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47639)
12. Honoris Causa
13. BlackPast.org
14. International Standard Name Identifier
15. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
16. [Baloncesto, NBA | Fallece a los 88 años de edad Bill Russell, ganador de 11 campeonatos de la NBA. 2022](https://www.eurosport.es/baloncesto/nba/2018-2019/bill-russell-fallecimiento-muerte-hoy-edad-anos-nba-anillos_sto9070616/story.shtml)
17. [Celtics great Russell, 11-time champ, dies at 88. 2022](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34323568/boston-celtics-great-bill-russell-11-nba-champion-dies-88)
18. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
19. Integrated Authority File
20. [Source](https://bostoncelticshistory.com/retired-numbers/)
21. Quora
22. The Movie Database