First published 2009
Bill Russell opens his heart to share memories of Red Auerbach, the coach who shaped him into a champion. Russell recounts their first meeting, when the young player from San Francisco encountered the cigar-smoking mastermind of the Boston Celtics. Their bond grew beyond basketball as Auerbach became Russell's mentor, teaching him lessons about leadership, competition, and life. Russell describes their conversations, their conflicts, and the mutual respect that developed between two strong-willed men from different backgrounds. He shows how Auerbach's guidance helped him navigate the pressures of professional basketball and the challenges of being a Black athlete in 1960s America. Through specific moments and personal anecdotes, Russell reveals how their relationship endured long after their playing and coaching days ended. This tribute captures the deep friendship between two basketball legends.
Genres: 20th-century, african-american, leadership, autobiography, sports, biography-memoir, basketball, american-history
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, mentor-mentee
Setting: Boston, San Francisco
Period: 1960s
208 pages · Hardcover · Harper