An 11-time NBA champion one of the champion players who spent much of his formative years in the Bay Area and won two NCAA Tournament Championships at the University of San Francisco (USF), Bill Russell dies at 88. He finally ended his successful life and passed away peacefully on Sunday.
Russell leaves as a basketball player he has an enormous legacy of all time and was a key figure in the civil rights movement. He barely took the typical path to sports fame.
His wife and family members posted the news on social media, saying Russell died this morning.
Bill’s wife, Jeannine, and his many friends and family thank you for remembering Bill in your prayers. Perhaps you’ll relive with your trademark laugh into our mind and one or two of the golden moments he gave us, as he delighted in enlightening the real story behind how those moments unfolded,” the statement said. “And we firmly believe that each of us can find a new way to act or speak up with Bill’s unbending, dignified and always constructive obligation to principle. That would be one remain for life, and lasting, win for our beloved”.
“Today we lost a giant,” Just after the announcement by his family that he had died on Sunday at 88, Obama tweeted shortly. “As tall as Bill Russell stood, his legacy increases far higher — together as a persona and as a player.”
Off the court, Russell was working for the civil rights movements as an outspoken advocate. And in 2011 he was rewarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
Russell’s immense skill set and strength afforded him the capability to support teammates while still defending his man and protecting the rim.
Russell didn’t stop after he retired from NBA he worked for Sacramento Kings as a coach from 1987-88. Also serving in various capacities in the NBA.