Bill Russell

Later years (NBA bio (http://www.nba.com/history/players/russell_bio.htm))

From being in the shoes of a pro NBA player to coaching the ones that looked up to him, Bill Russell is one of the best on the court and off. Bill Russell is an inspirational hero because he was perseverance to overcome setbacks and he is a great leader. Bill Russell did a lot as he played on the court, however he had the dedication to help the team he played for by coaching. "In the 1966-67 season, longtime Celtics Coach Red Auerbach retired and chose Bill as his successor, making Bill the first black head coach of a major sport" (Great pp 2180). This shows that he didn't care what people thought of him as being the first black head coach and did what he felt was right. Not only did Bill Russell set accomplishments on the court he also did it off. He set many records as a Professional NBA player, however after his career he led a team to championships and won. Bill Russell is considered one of the best in the NBA, and as a coach. This was because he was put into the Hall of Fame and as a coach he led a team that wasn't talked about a lot, to a championship to win.

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Bill Russell is a successful basketball player because he pushed through the struggles of his rough childhood. "Russell entered McClymonds High School in Oakland as a gangly young man who did not seem to do anything well. As a sophomore, he was the sixteenth man on the fifteen-man basketball team" (Contemporary 2009). Mr. Russell did not start off High School basketball the way he probably wanted to. However he did not give up on his dreams and took action. He did everything he could to put himself out there. "Russell's teams achieved a pinnacle unmatched in any professional sport: they won eleven world championships in thirteen seasons" (Contemporary 2009). From a team that wasn't talked a lot or put into any type of history. Bill Russell must be looked at for what he did for the team and after. For him to believe in the program means a lot. When starting his career he didn't have much, he didn't have what he wanted, however he made the most out of what he could.

Coaching (http://wanderingeyes.weebly.com (website))

Bill Russell was successful in the NBA but his leadership is what he is most known for. "In the 1966-67 season, longtime Celtics Coach Red Auerbach retired and chose Bill as his successor, making Bill the first black head coach of a major sport" (Bill pp 2180). Bill Russell opened a lot of people's eyes when head coaching for the Celtics. This led to him being known for leading a team who hasn't won a championship to them being one of the best team in that era. "The Celtics retired his jersey number 6 in 1972" (Bill pp 2180). Russell had his jersey retired due to him making history with the team. However this could also mean that he had many people's attention and respect for what he did on the court. Bill Russell inspired many people from what he did on and off the court. Also he inspired many from being a coach in the NBA because he had dedication and faith in the team he played for.

NBA rings (http://newsroom.mohegansun.com (newsroom))

Bill Russell inspired many people from what he did on and off the court. Also he inspired many from being a coach in the NBA because he had dedication and faith in the team he played for. He didn't have what he wanted growing up and had to do what he could to help himself. Also he helped the ones he played for. He didn't give up after his career in the NBA he continued to pursue in basketball but as a coach for the team he played for. He didn't give up after his career in the NBA he continued to pursue in basketball but as a coach for the team he played for.
Bill Russell inspires me because the fact that he came back to help others succeed like he did, makes me want to do the same. All in all Bill Russell has inspired others to pursue what they love and has inspired me too. Bill Russell inspired many people from what he did on and off the court. Also he inspired many from being a coach in the NBA because he had dedication and faith in the team he played for.

"Contemporary Heroes and Heroine, 1990 Updated: March 02, 2009

"Bill Russell Biography Reference Center"