I would love to know what Mr. Russell’s thoughts are on his own younger days with the game of basketball. We live in a day where pressure is put on kids at a younger and younger age to perform: acceleration training, year round competitive play, structured weight room sessions (at eight and nine).

(One of the most disturbing things I ever saw was a nine year old pitcher icing his arm between innings.)

My dad was a local all star athlete- he thought this early obsession (usually forced by parents) was bad for kids and could lead to burnout- and often does. I would love to know what Mr. Russell thinks of this.

Thank you!

I’m a big Celtics fan and a bigger Bill Russell fan. Much as I loved his playing and his fabulous sense of humor, he gave me more than enjoyment. As a small-town girl from Maine, I didn’t know much about race and the problems blacks faced, but his book Second Wind opened my eyes. He taught me things I needed to know, and I’m grateful.

Let Bill Russel finish his answers. Quit interrupting. Wonderful guest. Thanks.

Can Mr Russell comment on Walt Bellamy, the third great center of his era, who is now seemingly forgotten.

dlh, scottsdale

My husband and I flew from Seattle to Boston in July, 5 or 6 years ago. There were just 3 of us in first class on that flight. My husband immediately recognized the other passenger, Bill Russell, although he did not speak to him till we landed in Boston. The entire flight my husband shared with me moments he recalled from his growing up days in Syracuse, NY, in the 50′s. He explained at that time Syracuse had a pro basketball team and the Celtics always beat them, he took that really hard! Despite the losses he truly admired Bill Russel, not just for his athletic ability but for the way he conducted his life. He knew that Bill Russell was a private person who didn’t like being approached and questioned and he respected that. As we were disembarking my husband simply said ” Mr Russell, as a kid growing up in Syracuse in the 50′s you caused me a lot of heartache. ” Bill Russell said nothing but turned around and smiled. For the rest of the day my husband’s feet didn’t touch the ground. He would have been listening today, recalling all the events discussed but he passed away 3 years ago. Wish he could have heard your show. Thanks for giving me this moment to recall a very happy memory.

Much enjoyed interview. Great stuff.

I was an all state player in high school and later attended a division2 college on a basketball scholarship. I went to many Celtics weeknight home games in the mid-late 60′s,when they won 11 NBA championships in 13 years, a record that will never be broken.

In those days, you could pay $2.oo for a 3rd balcony seat, then sneak down to courtside seats in the first few rows, again, for weeknight home games in the old garden.

I saw Bill Russell up close dozens of times.Young kids today find it hard to believe when I tell them that to this day, William Felton Russell is still the fastest, and quickest 6’10″ player and the best rebounder and shot blocker in the history of the game.

I regard myself as a true student of the game.Believe me when I tell you that Bill Russell would be a totally dominant player in today’s NBA.People are incredulous when I tell them that Russ’s teammates, like Sam Jones(The greatest forgotten player in NBA history, who like Ray Allen,also scored 51 in a 1967 playoff game against The Knicks prior to the 3 point field goal), John Havlicek and Tommy Heinsohn Would be great players in today’s NBA.

Bill Russell is still the first player I would draft, ahead of all others, even Larry Bird,LeBron, Michael or Koby were I to start ramping up a team to compete for an NBA title

GREAT SHOW. THANK YOU FOR INVITING SUCH GREAT GUEST. I REMEMBER WHEN I WAS A KID AROUND 12 YEARS OF AGE …MY FIRST BOOK ABOUT BASKETBALL WAS A BOOK AUTHORED BY RED AUERBACH. IT WAS A GREAT BOOK FOR ME … AND IT IS A ONE MORE REASON WHY I LIKED SO MUCH THIS INTERVIEW. THANK YOU AGAIN .