Basketball, awarded to Bill Russell for 10,000 Rebounds

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Object Details

associated institution

Boston Celtics

user

Russell, Bill

maker

Wilson Sporting Goods Company

Description (Brief)

In his day, Bill Russell (born 1934) was considered the best defensive center in the history of the game, initiating strategies that remain key to championship basketball. A star college player, 1956 Olympic gold medalist, and famed defensive center for the Boston Celtics, he became the first African American head coach in the NBA, coaching first the Celtics and later the Seattle Supersonics. This Wilson game ball marked Russell's 10,000th rebound; he ultimately achieved 21, 620.

Credit Line

Gift of William F. Russell

date made

1962

ID Number

1979.0622.01

accession number

1979.0622

catalog number

1979.0622.01

Object Name

ball

basketball

Physical Description

rubber (overall material)

paint (overall material)

Measurements

overall: 10 in; x 25.4 cm

See more items in

Culture and the Arts: Sport and Leisure

Highlights from the Culture and the Arts Collection

Sports & Leisure

Exhibition

Entertainment Nation

Exhibition Location

National Museum of American History

Data Source