Lew Alcindor: The Untold Story Of A Basketball Legend

Reuben Jerde 13 May 2025

When you think about basketball legends, one name that often gets overlooked is Lew Alcindor. Before he became Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, this man was already making waves in the world of sports. His journey is not just about basketball; it's about resilience, transformation, and becoming an icon. Today, we're diving deep into the life of Lew Alcindor, uncovering the man behind the legend.

There’s something magical about how athletes rise from obscurity to become household names. For Lew Alcindor, it wasn’t just about talent—it was about perseverance and dedication. He didn’t just wake up one day as the greatest center in NBA history; he worked for it. This story is about more than just a basketball player; it’s about a man who changed the game forever.

As we explore his life, we’ll learn about his early years, his college career, and how he transformed into the player we all know today. If you’re a basketball fan or just someone curious about how legends are made, this article is for you. So grab your favorite drink, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of Lew Alcindor.

Early Life and Background
College Career: Undefeated Runs
NBA Journey: The Beginning
Championships and Legacy
Conversion to Islam: A New Identity
Impact on the Game of Basketball
Personal Life and Family
Awards and Honors
Philosophy and Mentality
Future Legacy and Influence

Early Life and Background

Let’s start where every great story begins—Lew Alcindor’s childhood. Born on April 16, 1947, in New York City, Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. grew up in a modest family. His father, Ferdinand Sr., was a transit police officer, while his mother, Cora, worked as a department store price checker. They lived in a modest apartment in Harlem, a neighborhood known for its rich cultural history.

Growing up, young Lew wasn’t always the towering figure we know today. At first, he was just a regular kid with regular dreams. But things changed when he hit his teenage years. By the time he was 14, he had already grown to 6 feet 8 inches. His height made him stand out, but it also came with its own set of challenges. Kids would tease him for being too tall, calling him names like “Giraffe.”

But Lew didn’t let the taunts get to him. Instead, he channeled his energy into basketball. His high school coach, Jack Donohue, saw potential in him and pushed him to excel. It wasn’t long before Lew became the star of Power Memorial Academy, leading his team to three consecutive city championships. His dominance on the court was unmatched, and scouts from all over the country were taking notice.

Early Challenges and Triumphs

Overcame bullying and self-doubt during his teenage years.
Set records in high school basketball, averaging over 30 points per game.
Caught the attention of college recruiters nationwide.

College Career: Undefeated Runs

When Lew Alcindor decided to attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), it was the start of something legendary. Under the guidance of Coach John Wooden, one of the most respected figures in college basketball, Alcindor became the cornerstone of a dynasty. During his three years at UCLA, the team went undefeated, winning three consecutive NCAA championships.

Alcindor’s dominance was unmatched. His skyhook shot, which would later become his signature move, was nearly impossible to defend against. Opposing teams tried everything to stop him—double teams, zone defenses, even physical play—but nothing worked. By the time he graduated, he had set records that still stand to this day.

But it wasn’t just about the numbers. Alcindor was a leader on and off the court. He inspired his teammates and earned the respect of his opponents. His time at UCLA wasn’t just about winning; it was about learning and growing as a person.

Key Achievements in College

Three-time All-American selection.
Two-time College Player of the Year.
Undefeated record during his three-year tenure at UCLA.

NBA Journey: The Beginning

After his incredible college career, the world was eager to see what Lew Alcindor could do in the pros. In 1969, he was drafted first overall by the Milwaukee Bucks. The pressure was immense, but Alcindor didn’t flinch. From day one, he proved that he belonged in the NBA.

His rookie season was nothing short of spectacular. He averaged over 28 points and 14 rebounds per game, earning him the NBA Rookie of the Year award. But it wasn’t just about individual accolades. In just his second season, Alcindor led the Bucks to their first-ever NBA championship, defeating the Baltimore Bullets in the finals.

During this time, Alcindor also began his transformation into Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. It was a personal journey that would define the rest of his career and life. We’ll dive deeper into that later, but for now, let’s focus on how he dominated the league from the start.

Early NBA Success

Rookie of the Year in 1970.
First NBA Championship in 1971 with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Established himself as one of the top centers in the league.

Championships and Legacy

The story of Lew Alcindor wouldn’t be complete without talking about his championships. After his early success with the Bucks, he moved to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1975. It was there that he truly cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

With the Lakers, Abdul-Jabbar (as he was now known) won five more championships, bringing his total to six. His partnership with Magic Johnson in the 1980s created one of the most dominant teams in NBA history. Together, they won five titles, making the Lakers a force to be reckoned with.

But it wasn’t just about winning. Abdul-Jabbar’s impact on the game was profound. He revolutionized the center position with his skyhook shot, a move that remains one of the most effective in basketball history. His longevity and consistency were unmatched, playing 20 seasons in the league and setting numerous records along the way.

Championship Highlights

Won six NBA championships throughout his career.
Set records for most career points scored.
Became synonymous with excellence and leadership.

Conversion to Islam: A New Identity

One of the most significant moments in Lew Alcindor’s life was his conversion to Islam. In 1971, he officially changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, reflecting his new faith and identity. This decision was met with both praise and criticism, but Abdul-Jabbar stood firm in his beliefs.

His conversion was more than just a name change; it was a spiritual journey. Abdul-Jabbar embraced Islam wholeheartedly, studying its teachings and living by its principles. He became an advocate for social justice and used his platform to speak out on issues affecting the Muslim community and beyond.

This transformation wasn’t just personal; it also affected his career. Many fans and critics wondered how his new identity would impact his performance on the court. But Abdul-Jabbar proved that his faith only made him stronger, both as a player and as a person.

Impact of Conversion

Embraced Islam and became a role model for young Muslims.
Used his platform to advocate for social justice.
Continued to excel in basketball despite external pressures.

Impact on the Game of Basketball

When you talk about Lew Alcindor’s impact on basketball, you’re talking about more than just stats and championships. He changed the way the game was played. His skyhook shot became a staple of the sport, and his dominance as a center redefined the position.

Abdul-Jabbar’s influence extended beyond his playing days. He became a mentor to younger players, sharing his knowledge and experience. His commitment to excellence inspired generations of athletes to strive for greatness both on and off the court.

But it wasn’t just about the game itself. Abdul-Jabbar used his platform to speak out on issues affecting society. He became an advocate for civil rights, education, and social justice, using his voice to create positive change.

Legacy in Basketball

Revolutionized the center position with his skyhook shot.
Became a mentor and role model for younger players.
Used his platform to advocate for social justice and education.

Personal Life and Family

Behind the public persona of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar lies a man with a rich personal life. He has been married multiple times and has several children. His family has always been a source of strength and support for him, even during the most challenging times.

Abdul-Jabbar is also an avid reader and writer. He has authored several books, sharing his thoughts on a wide range of topics, from basketball to history to social issues. His love for learning and education is evident in everything he does.

In recent years, Abdul-Jabbar has focused on giving back to the community. He has established several charitable organizations, focusing on education and empowerment. His commitment to making a difference continues to inspire those around him.

Family and Philanthropy

Married multiple times and has several children.
Authored numerous books on various topics.
Established charitable organizations focused on education and empowerment.

Awards and Honors

The accolades for Lew Alcindor are too numerous to count. In addition to his six NBA championships, he was a 19-time All-Star and a six-time NBA MVP. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995 and named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996.

But it’s not just about the basketball awards. Abdul-Jabbar has received numerous honors for his contributions to society. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016, recognizing his work as a humanitarian and civil rights advocate. His impact extends far beyond the court, touching the lives of countless individuals.

Notable Awards

19-time NBA All-Star.
6-time NBA MVP.
Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995.

Philosophy and Mentality

What made Lew Alcindor so successful? It wasn’t just his talent; it was his mentality. Abdul-Jabbar has always believed in the power of hard work and dedication. He credits his success to his willingness to put in the extra effort and never settle for mediocrity.

His philosophy extends beyond basketball. He believes in the importance of education, personal growth, and giving back to the community. His approach to life is one of continuous learning and improvement, a mindset that has served him well throughout his career and beyond.

Core Beliefs

Hard work and dedication are the keys to success.
Education and personal growth are essential for development.
Giving back to the community creates positive change.

Future Legacy and Influence

As we look to the future, it’s clear that Lew Alcindor’s legacy will continue to grow. His impact on basketball and society is immeasurable, and his influence will be

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