SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Bill Russell, the inspirational leader and dominating basketball superstar who led the University of San Francisco to back-to-back national championships and 11 NBA Championships with the Boston Celtics, passed away on Sunday morning July 31, his family announced via social media.
"Bill Russell helped put USF on the map in the 1950's", said USF President Rev. Paul J. Fitzgerald, SJ. "We are grateful not only for his many contributions to our community, the athletic department and Jesuit education, but also for his courage and commitment to advancing justice, on and beyond the basketball court.