Early Life and Education of Bill Russell: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Bill Russell. From birth to education, explore key events.

Bill Russell was a dominant center for the Boston Celtics (1956-1969), winning 11 NBA championships in 13 years. His leadership and defensive prowess anchored a Celtics dynasty. Widely considered one of basketball's greatest players, Russell's impact extended beyond statistics, influencing team play and inspiring generations.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

February 12, 1934: William Felton Russell's Birth

On February 12, 1934, William Felton Russell was born. He later became a celebrated American professional basketball player.

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1946: BAA Season

In the 1946-47 BAA season, the Celtics had their second-best record, marking an important milestone in the team's history.

1952: Graduation from McClymonds

In 1952, Bill Russell graduated from McClymonds High School.

1952: College Start at USF

In 1952, Bill Russell started college at the University of San Francisco (USF).

1954: Three African-American Players Started

In 1954, the coach of a major college basketball program was the first to start three African-American players: K. C. Jones, Hal Perry, and Russell.

1954: Racist Jeers at the All-College Tournament

In 1954, while in Oklahoma City for the All-College Tournament, Bill Russell and his black teammates faced racist jeers and were refused accommodation, leading the team to bond in protest.

1956: End of USF career

From 1953 to 1956, Bill Russell played on USF's varsity team.

1956: Declining the Harlem Globetrotters Invitation

In 1956, Bill Russell declined an invitation to join the Harlem Globetrotters due to racial prejudice issues with the owner, Abe Saperstein.

1956: Marriage to Rose Swisher

In 1956, Bill Russell married his college sweetheart, Rose Swisher. This was his first marriage.

1956: Russell Plays for the US Olympics team

In 1956, Bill Russell wore number 6 at the USF and for the U.S. Olympic team.

1962: Ted Kennedy Campaign

In 1962, Cousy campaigned for Ted Kennedy, whilst Auerbach had informed his players to not endorse candidates or causes, as it would alienate fans.

1967: Russell Participates in Cleveland Summit

In 1967, Bill Russell participated in the Cleveland Summit, along with other African-American athletes and a political leader, to support Muhammad Ali's decision to refuse being drafted.

1968: Dorothy Anstett Miss USA

In 1968, Dorothy Anstett was Miss USA. In 1977, she would marry Bill Russell.

1972: Russell refuses jersey retirement ceremony

In 1972, Bill Russell refused to attend the ceremony for the retirement of his jersey No. 6, reflecting his strained relationship with Boston at the time.

1973: Blocks and Steals Recorded

Blocks and steals became officially recorded statistics in the 1973-74 NBA season.

1973: Divorce from Rose Swisher

In 1973, Bill Russell and Rose Swisher divorced due to growing emotional distance.

1975: Russell refuses Hall of Fame induction ceremony

In 1975, Bill Russell refused to attend his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, highlighting his long-held negative feelings towards Boston.

1977: Marriage to Dorothy Anstett

In 1977, Russell married Dorothy Anstett, who was Miss USA of 1968.

November 3, 1979: Russell hosts Saturday Night Live

On November 3, 1979, Bill Russell hosted Saturday Night Live and appeared in several sports-related sketches.

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1979: MVP Award Voting System

The player's MVP voting system, which started around 1957, lasted until the 1979-80 NBA season, while the media always voted for the All-NBA teams.

1980: Divorce from Dorothy Anstett

In 1980, Russell and Dorothy Anstett divorced.

1985: Russell tutors Benoit Benjamin

In 1985, Bill Russell tutored Benoit Benjamin, a draft pick for the Los Angeles Clippers, at the request of Don Chaney.

March 7, 1986: Russell appears in Miami Vice

On March 7, 1986, Bill Russell played Judge Roger Ferguson in "The Fix" episode of Miami Vice.

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1995: Celtics move to FleetCenter

In 1995, the Celtics moved from the Boston Garden to the FleetCenter (now known as TD Garden).

1996: Marriage to Marilyn Nault

In 1996, Russell married Marilyn Nault, marking his third marriage.

May 6, 1999: Celtics re-retire Russell's jersey

On May 6, 1999, the Celtics re-retired Bill Russell's jersey in a ceremony at the FleetCenter, attended by Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Russell received a standing ovation and expressed gratitude.

October 1999: Russell returns to prominence after Chamberlain's death

Following Wilt Chamberlain's death in October 1999, Bill Russell returned to prominence after living as a recluse.

2001: Russell publishes 'Russell Rules'

In 2001, Bill Russell and David Falkner published 'Russell Rules: 11 Lessons on Leadership from the Twentieth Century's Greatest Winner'.

Russell Rules: 11 Lessons on Leadership from the Twentieth Century's Greatest Winner

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January 2006: Russell mediates Shaq-Kobe feud

In January 2006, Bill Russell convinced Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant to end their feud.

May 20, 2007: Russell awarded honorary doctorate from Suffolk University

On May 20, 2007, Bill Russell received an honorary doctorate from Suffolk University and served as its commencement speaker.

June 7, 2007: Russell receives honorary degree from Harvard University

On June 7, 2007, Bill Russell was awarded an honorary degree from Harvard University.

January 2009: Death of Marilyn Nault

In January 2009, Marilyn Nault, Bill Russell's third wife, passed away.

June 14, 2009: Russell receives honorary degree from Dartmouth College

On June 14, 2009, Bill Russell received an honorary degree from Dartmouth College.

2010: Russell recalls Celtics' racial progress

In 2010, Bill Russell recalled the Boston Celtics organization's racial progress, highlighting objective milestones and his personal experiences as a member during the 1950s and 1960s.

September 26, 2017: Russell takes a knee in solidarity

On September 26, 2017, Bill Russell posted a photograph of himself taking the knee in solidarity with the U.S. national anthem kneeling protests against social injustice, wearing his Presidential Medal of Freedom.