'NBA 11-time Champion' American Basketball Legend Bill Russell Passes Away at 88 Years Old

Bill Russell [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Bill Russell, known as a legend of the American men's professional basketball (NBA), passed away on the 31st of last month (local time) at the age of 88.

According to the Associated Press and others, Russell's family posted the news of his death on social networking services (SNS) along with a photo taken with him. Russell's family stated, "Bill Russell, an incredible figure in American sports history, peacefully passed away at the age of 88 beside his wife Jeannie." Although there was no specific mention of the cause of death, it is known that he had been battling illness until recently.

Born in 1934, Russell is called an American basketball legend who played for the Boston Celtics and won a total of 11 championships over 13 years, including eight consecutive titles from 1959 to 1966. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980, was named NBA MVP five times, and was selected as an All-Star 12 times. The NBA Finals MVP award is named the "Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP Award" in honor of Russell, who holds the record for the most championships.

Russell also held the title of the first Black coach in major American sports. The Celtics mourned his death, saying, "From his relentless pursuit of excellence to celebrating team achievements over individual glory, and his dedication to social justice and civil rights off the court, Bill Russell's DNA permeates every aspect of the Celtics organization."

Michael Jordan, another NBA legend, described Russell as a "pioneer," saying, "He set an example for all Black players, including me, and paved the way. The world has lost a legend. My condolences go out to his family."

The AP reported that Russell holds the record as the most decorated American athlete in terms of medals. Former U.S. President Barack Obama, who awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, also posted on SNS that day, saying, "On the court, he was the greatest champion in basketball history, and off the court, he was a pioneer of civil rights alongside Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. and Muhammad Ali. For decades, he endured insults but never stopped speaking out about what was right. I learned a lot from the way he lived his life, both as a player and a coach."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.