We learn to make a shell for ourselves when we are young and then spend the rest of our lives hoping for someone to reach inside and touch us. Just touch usโanything more than that would be too much for us to bear.
Bill RussellI think what has happened to our basketball team, we've been badly distracted. They're not reading too many positive things in the paper.
Bill RussellMy father once told me that anyone who worked for three dollars an hour owed it to himself to put in four dollars' worth of work.
Bill RussellWhat distinguishes a great player is his presence. When he goes on to the court, his presence dominates the atmosphere.
Bill RussellA rebounder, or a shot-blocker for that matter, is always at a disadvantage if he tells himself the only way he can succeed is by out jumping the guy next to him. Sometimes he will have to, but most of the time he will not. Most of my rebounds came from positioning, where I was able to get the ball while in heavy traffic.
Bill RussellI don't have very many regrets, not because I lived a perfect life but because life is a bunch of rolling hills, not mountains, or speed bumps instead of stop signs, and so you come to a situation and it's neither good or bad, it just is, and what it means to you is what's your take on it. But the second part of the equation is what are you going to do about it. A lot of times I'm completely wrong, but all you do is back up and start over.
Bill Russell