Celebrating Bill Russell’s 86th birthday in photos

On Boston Celtics legendary big man Bill Russell’s 86th birthday, we celebrate his long and rich life and contributions to basketball and civil rights.


THE EARLY YEARS — UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO

Russell was born in rural north Louisiana, and moved to northern California while still a child. He would later play basketball for the University of San Francisco, where he would win two NCAA championships with future Celtics teammate, K.C. Jones.

Bill Russell dunks the ball while playing for the University of San Francisco in 1955 (AP Photo)

 

Future Celtics teammate K.C. Jones, captain of the University of San Francisco Dons, right, with Bill Russell in 1956 (AP Photo).

 

Russell holding his Most Valuable Player trophies at Madison Square Garden in 1956 (AP Photo)