Early Years
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (formerly known as Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr.) was born in New York City on April 16th, 1947. Growing up, he was a dedicated student, excelling in multiple sports including basketball, and was heavily influenced by the civil rights movement, which ignited a passion for activism that would remain with him for the rest of his life.
Career
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1969 and went on to have a 20-year career, playing for the Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers. He won six NBA championships, was a record six-time NBA MVP, and a record 19-time NBA All-Star. He is most famous for his "skyhook" move, which he used to great effect over his career.
UCLA
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is best known for his legendary basketball career at UCLA, where he was a three-time All-American and two-time National Player of the Year. He also led the Bruins to three consecutive NCAA championships and was named Most Outstanding Player of the 1967 NCAA Tournament. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995.
NBA Great
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is widely considered one of the greatest players in NBA history. He played for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers during his 20-year career, during which he won six NBA championships, was a record six-time NBA MVP, and a record 19-time NBA All-Star. His most famous move was the "skyhook," which he used to great effect over his career.
Author
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is also an accomplished author. He has written several books throughout his career, including Giant Steps (1983), Kareem (1990), A Season on the Reservation (2000), Brothers in Arms (2009), What Color Is My World? (2012), and Coach Wooden and Me (2017). His books are insightful, thoughtful, and inspiring, and are a testament to his intelligence and passion for learning.
Accomplishments
Throughout his career, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar accomplished many feats, including:
- Winning six NBA championships
- Becoming a record six-time NBA MVP
- Becoming a record 19-time NBA All-Star
- Becoming the all-time leading scorer in NBA history
- Having his jersey retired by both the Bucks and the Lakers
- Being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame
