How Bill Russell was Discovered

Bill Russell's senior year at McClymonds High School was quickly coming to an end. He hadn't done much to distinguish himself thus far. While he had earned a spot as a starter on the boy's basketball team, not one college had contacted him to express interest. The Celtics' legend only post-graduate plans included going to work as an apprentice sheet-metal worker at the nearby Navel Shipyard.

Russell had been playing basketball for only a few years, and then only after the junior varsity coach, George Powels, had urged him to try out for the team. Powels had been tipped-off by the physical education teacher, who had described Russell as a gangly, awkward adolescent with extremely large hands. Because Powels only had fifteen jerseys and Russell was the sixteenth player added to the roster, Russell had to share a jersey with another player for his entire sophomore season.

As it turned out, Russell didn't need a jersey, as he spent most of his sophomore year glued to the bench, watching his teammates play. At the end of the year, Powels gave Russell $3 and told him to go join the Boys Club and play basketball every day, all summer long. The plan seemed to work at first, with Russell making visible progress. But another growth spurt retarded his athletic development.

When Russell tried out for the Junior Varsity during his junior year, he looked awful and was eventually cut from the team. The JV was now coached by someone else, who told Russell he didn't have a place for a kid who could barely dribble a basketball.

Powels, now the varsity coach, saw Russell turning in his uniform, and asked him to try out for his team. "I don't know what good it would do," Russell responded, "I can't even make the jayvees." Powels didn't relent, and Russell agreed. Powels again made sure that Russell had a spot on his team.

Russell didn't play much his junior year, either, but he did experience another growth spurt. This time, Russell's coordination began to catch-up. He became known as the quickest player on the team, and also the best jumper.

By his senior year, Russell had leveraged his burgeoning talent into a starting role. But because he never scored more than 10 points in a game, and often only made a basket or two, he rarely garnered much attention. While college scouts would attend games at McClymonds, none were there to watch the eleven-time NBA champion.

One such scout was named Hal DeJulio. He attended a late season game to watch all-city center Truman Bruce, who played for Oakland High. Bruce had a poor outing, only shooting 2-11. It was obvious to everyone that Bruce couldn't get his shot off over his opponent. Meanwhile, the guy guarding Bruce had put up 14 points, scoring the first six points of the game and the last eight in an upset win for McClymonds.

After the game, DeJulio asked Powels about the player who had shut down the all-city center from Oakland High.

"Am I overreacting or is this Russell kid pretty good?" asked DeJulio.

"He's good." said Powels.

"Is he smart?"

"He knows what you're going to do almost before you do."

That was enough for DeJulio, who then went to visit Russell that night at his home.

"Hello, Bill. My name is Hal DeJulio. I'm from USF."

"I'm sorry, I don't have any money to give you."

"No, Bill, I'm a college scout. USF is the University of San Francisco."

"And you're here to see me?"

"Yes."

"About playing basketball for you next year?"

"Yes. Well, there's a little more to it than that. But, yes."

"I'm listening."