Personal honors never meant much to Bill Russell, one of America's most successful athletes with 2 college titles, 1 Olympic gold medal and 11 - count 'em, 11 - N.B.A. championships with the Boston Celtics.
As I grew older, it wasn't just to be in the NBA. The dream was to be successful in the NBA.
I just wanted to get to the NBA. I never thought I would have a career that I've had now.
My dream was to be in the NBA. I wasn't really focused on being a star player on a team. I just wanted to make it to the NBA. I've been blessed for the opportunities to be in the Finals, been in the playoffs ever since I've been in the NBA.
The NBA has more than 435 players and there are at least 100-some players doing more than expected. Shaq is doing a lot. Dwight Howard, [Manu] Ginobli. Dirk [Nowitzki] is doing a lot, and not just in Europe; he's reaching out to Africa and all other places.
During my 11-year coaching tenure, Saint Joseph's won or tied for the Big Five championship seven times, went to 10 postseason tournaments - including seven NCAA appearances - and reached the Final Four in 1961.
I think everybody's goal is to make the NBA. My goal is to be a star.
I have 'the first' attached to my name in a whole lot of different aspects when it comes to the sport of basketball.
Getting to the NBA really helped me personally on a lot of levels. I liked it so much that I wanted to stay there.
Since I've been in the NBA, I've showed what I can do on the court.
It's the Basketball Hall of Fame, not the NBA Hall of Fame. So, for basketball, I played in Olympics; I played in the Junior Olympics. With what I've done and given to basketball is all Hall of Fame.
