Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

A true champion is not only a great player, he is also someone who helps those around him perform better. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was both the dominant NBA basketball player of his era and one of those rare individuals who knew how to get the most out of his teammates. Even in his record 20th NBA season, Kareem could still inspire the Lakers to their fifth championship in nine years. When he finally retired after the 1989 season, he had amassed more points, more games, more playing time, more field goals and and more blocked shots than any player to grace the hardwood.

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No man ever brought to the center position the blend of power and finesse that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did. And never was there a more awesome, unstoppable shot than his famous "sky hook". Kareem would receive the ball at 10 to 15 feet out with his back to the basket. He would then roll two steps to either side before turning and shooting with a gentle motion. The result was nothing but net, as the agile big man actually shot downat the basket.

I bet you didn't know these amazing facts about Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

• Kareem practiced yoga, martial arts and meditation during his career. He also kept his fingers nimble by pick-pocketing teammates for fun! Guard Byron Scott was his favorite target.

• When the colleges came recruiting, his suitors included Princeton and over 50 other top academic institutions.

• Of the many NBA basketball records owned by Kareem, perhaps the strangest is that he played with 123 different teamates during his career, including Pat Riley, who later became his coach.

• In his first game at UCLA, Kareem scored 56 points. He proved to be so unstoppable the first year that NCAA coaches voted to outlaw the dunk the following season!

• Being born Lew Alcindor, he converted to Islam at age 23 and took the name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, which means generous, powerful servant of Allah.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Highlights On the Basketball Court

• 3-Time NCAA Tournament MVP

• NBA Rookie of the Year, 1970

• 19 Time NBA All-Star Selection

• 6 Time NBA MVP

• Kareem Abdul Jabbar played for the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks

• Kareem played in 90 varsity games for UCLA and walked off the court a winner 88 times.

• He led the UCLA Bruins to three NCAA championships in a row.

Here is a quote by Red Auerbach when he was asked about Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

"He was perhaps the most potent offensive weapon ever"