How Many Titles did Russell Win?

In "Russell Rules," Bill Russell writes:

I played basketball for twenty-one years. The teams I played for won 18 championships. From the day I began as a junior varsity player at McClymond's High School in Oakland to my last day as a player-coach for the Boston Celtics, winning was a way of life for me.

I've given this some thought. Others have given this some thought. As a group, we've all given this some thought.

It might be time to declare ourselves stumped.

The math necessary to get us to 14 is easy.

United States National Basketball Team, Gold Medalist
University of San Francisco 2 Titles
Boston Celtics 11 Titles

Then things get a little fuzzy.

The Boston Celtics web site indicates that Russell's High School team, McClymonds High School in Oakland, won three championships during his tenure.

What role did he play?

Well, NBA.com writes that Russell "was an awkward, unremarkable center on McClymonds' basketball team" who didn't become a starter until his senior year.

Ok, so he didn't play a huge role on his high school's three championship teams.

No biggie, right?

Still there is the matter of that 18th championship.

I'm only counting 17.

Someone postulated that his junior varsity team won a title, after which Russell was added to the varsity squad, and, thus, Russell in effect won two titles in one high school season.


Possible.


But check out this ESPN article noting that Russell was cut from his JV team during his junior year.