[email protected] 10/30/13 Writing Day 35-37 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

“A lot of players think the game is all about individual performances when it's really all about a team game.” #This quote is very interesting coming from one of the greatest basketball players in American history. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar achieved a record six-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), a record 19- time NBA All-Star, a 15-time All-NBA selection, and an 11-time NBA All-Defensive Team member with just 20 years of playing the game. His great height, towering over 7’2”, allowed him to be the dominating center in the NBA of the 70’s and 80’s. As he went into retirement in 1989, Abdul-Jabbar went out in NBA history as the NBA's all-time leader in points scored (38,387), games played (1,560), minutes played (57,446), field goals made (15,837), field goal attempts (28,307), blocked shots (3,189), defensive rebounds (9,394), and personal fouls(4,657). Kareem was an amazing athlete, but even in his youth, it was apparent he was a born basketball star. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was born April 16, 1947, under the name Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor, Jr. He grew up in New York City, with his parents Cora Lillian and Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor, Sr. He learn his infamous Skyhook shot in 5th grade. Kareem grew up as a Roman Catholic, and attended high school at Power Memorial Academy, which was a Catholic school in Manhattan. Over his high school years he scored an extraordinary 2,067 points, which become the new school record. Abdul-Jabbar graduated from high school and went to UCLA in 1965; he played 4 seasons with the Bruins. He played for the freshman team from 1965-1966 and from 1966-1969 led by coach John Wooden. In a Cal game on Jan. 12, 1968, Kareem’s left cornea was scratched by a Cal player. He later received the same injury during his pro career, which caused him to wear protective goggles for the rest of his career. Along with playing basketball, he earned a degree in history and in his free time studied martial arts under Bruce Lee. Even though he had an outstanding college basketball career, Abdul- Jabbar would have an even greater NBA career. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks® in the 1969 NBA Draft after having declined a $1 million offer from the Harlem Globetrotters®. He join the NBA just in time; with legendary center Bill Russell retiring from the Celtics, and record-holder Wilt Chamberlain, though still able to play effectively, was reaching the ripe age of his late 30’s In 1974, Kareem won his third MVP Award within five years and was ranked among the top five NBA players in scoring. In 1975, the Los Angeles Lakers® received Abdul-Jabbar in a trade with the Bucks. His first season with them was a dominating one, averaging 27.7 points per game and leading the NBA in blocked shots, points and rebounding. Amongst many of his later career achievements, Abdul-Jabbar received his record 6th MVP Award in 1980. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had an amazing basketball career, but on June 28, 1989, this legend retired after 20 full seasons. This man is one of basketball’s greatest to ever play the game. He won many awards, and achieved many records. He did many great things, even though some things weren’t so great, like when he converted to Islam. But even though he was an amazing player, he started off normal. It was just hard work that got him to where he is.