As a part of our month-long series honoring black athletes who played on the Hilltop, today we are highlighting the legendary Don, Bill Russell.
 
Most are familiar with Russell's storied career for the green and gold. The two-time All-American led the Dons to back-to-back NCAA Championships in 1955 and 1956. A star on USF's frosh basketball team, the lanky Russell racked up 461 points in 23 contests, scoring a record 20 points per game average. With his hardworking determination and strong motivation to win, he set new scoring and defensive records throughout his career on the Hilltop. Not only did his name quickly become a household word for his feats on the court, but the rules of the game were changed as he introduced "goaltending" and "downward arc" to basketball vernacular. The rule change didn't stop him from winning.

Named Street & Smith's fourth greatest college basketball player, Russell was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1956. Leading the Celtics to multiple NBA championships, Russell was a five-time NBA MVP and twelve-time NBA All-Star. Declared the greatest player in the history of the NBA, Russell went on to further success as a coach for the Celtics, guiding the team to two NBA titles. He also coached for the Seattle Supersonics and Sacramento Kings. Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975, Bill Russell posted career tallies of 14,522 points, 21,620 rebounds and 4,100 assists.
 
Of course Russell went on to have a legendary NBA career that needs no explanation after realizing his 11 titles in 13 years. Not to mention his statue in Boston.
 
Although he is arguably one of the greatest ball players of all time, Russell stood for much more than basketball. He was an outspoken proponent of equal rights. In 1963 he marched on Washington for civil rights and he also came to Muhammad Ali's defense when the famous boxer refused to serve in the military on the basis of his religious beliefs.
 
The struggle of black Americans was very real for Russell, on the court and off, and he spread his efforts across both arenas. He hosted integrated basketball clinics in Jackson Mississippi, while also speaking fervently on issues that most other persons of his fame and stature would not touch. While being a stand out figure in sports and in the civil rights movements, Russell was an extremely humble, thoughtful and honest individual.
 
Ultimately, although he was and still is a basketball icon, his life as a black individual was similar to tens of thousands of other black Americans. Their journey was his journey, his journey was their journey and in this relationship, Russell became iconic as a civil rights leader as well as ball player.

We are honoring Russell as a Don who courageously fought for civil rights. We are honoring Russell because he deliberately put his fight against racism above his athletic accomplishments. We are honoring Russell as an exceptional leader in a global and political conversation that is ongoing. We honoring Russell in the hopes that our former and current athletes will appreciate his championing of the black athlete and the struggle for equality. Lastly, we are honoring Russell as a Don who embodies all four pillars.