(KRON) — After Bay Area legend Bill Russell’s loved ones announced his passing on Sunday, various people and organizations shared tributes to Russell and his life. Check out some of the highlights below.
Russell attended McClymonds High School in Oakland, and made a name for himself on the basketball court even then.
Bill Russell was not only an NBA legend, he was a McClymonds High School legend. From his time here leading the Warriors on the basketball court and in the classroom, to more recent times when he would come back to visit his alma mater and share his wisdom with our current students, he was always the personification of class, dignity, and inspiration. The McClymonds family mourns the loss of Bill Russell, and sends our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
McClymonds High School Principal, Jeffrey Taylor
Russell led the University of San Francisco Men’s basketball team to back to back NCAA championships in 1955 and 1956.
Rest easy, Bill Russell 🙏
— San Francisco Men’s Basketball (@USFDonsMBB) July 31, 2022
Champion. Pioneer. Legend. 🏆#USFDons | #WCChoops pic.twitter.com/gUrHmOPY7r
Former President Barack Obama presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Russell in 2010 for his accomplishments in the civil rights movement as well as for his basketball legacy.
Bill Russell, who spent many of his formative years in the Bay Area, was a true giant in the game of basketball, and more importantly, in the game of life.
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) July 31, 2022
While the accolades on the court were immense, it was his overall impact as a pioneer that will leave the greatest legacy. pic.twitter.com/dfWxKDPW1q
Russell was a part of 9 NBA Championships with the Boston Celtics starting in 1958. He then became the team’s coach in 1966, making him the first Black head coach in NBA history.
To be the greatest champion in your sport, to revolutionize the way the game is played, and to be a societal leader all at once seems unthinkable, but that is who Bill Russell was. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/K0Ue0hKiLs
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) July 31, 2022
Legends are forever.
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) July 31, 2022
RIP Bill Russell, truly a titan of our game. pic.twitter.com/EKpLABwzmT
A statement from Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan on the passing of NBA legend Bill Russell. pic.twitter.com/RdYcnuCrmb
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) July 31, 2022
I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of the greatest winner the game of basketball has ever seen, a legend, hall of famer, mentor and my friend for over 30 years, Bill Russell. 💔 pic.twitter.com/iiSkVq2kdn
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 31, 2022
