Skip to main content

Russell was a three-time All-American in 1964, '65, and '66, and was named the National College Player of the Year as a senior in 1966. He won three Big Ten titles during his time in Ann Arbor, played in three NCAA Tournaments, and led Michigan to a runners-up finish in 1965. 

Russell scored 30 points in his very first game, as a sophomore in 1964, and averaged 27.1 points in his illustrious career. His No. 33 jersey became the first uniform number retired by the Maize and Blue, in 1989. 

Russell was the No. 1 pick in the 1966 NBA Draft, going to the New York Knicks. He spent 12 years in the NBA, averaging 15.1 points per game.