Shining star in basketball history

History is full of greats in athletic brilliance. One such name that always will be remembered is of Kareem Abdul – Jabar. Born in Manhattan, as Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr.; where street ball has always been the only means of entertainment for black dominance and prominence. Gifted with exceptional height and a natural knack for basket ball, Abdul – Jabar did not have any qualms in getting through high school and later college, as being the most sought after student for the basket ball program.

His illustrious career kicked off with the UCLA Bruins (1966 - 1969) and later he also went back to LA where he was to play with the L.A. Lakers for his remaining time in the NBA. Jabar was known through out the Basket ball playing world for two very significant things, his trade mark goggles and his Skyhook shot. Due to his position on the court, his body mass and weight were both inadequate, however while remaining there for 20 years, Kareem Abdul – Jabar holds six most valuable player awards and the world record for a staggering 38,387 points – the highest by any player in the history of NBA.

An extremely shy an introvert personality, Jabar was loved by everyone associated with the NBA. On his farewell tour, Jabar was honoured by every team with presents that ranged from a yacht which said ‘Captain Skyhook’, to framed jerseys of his most memorable games to expensive Afghan rugs. Magic Johnson, another great Lakers player, in his book, states instances where he was shrugged away by Jabar for asking for an autograph when he was just a ball boy. Many a times he never used to take his eyes off the news paper while giving interviews to the media. Magic also recalls his last game when the each player had to wear Jabar’s signature goggles and try the hook shot for once, which had extreme ‘comical results’.

Kareem is also a best selling author, his latest one being ‘on the shoulders of giants: my journey through the Harlem renaissance’. Despite his shy attitude Jabar has guest starred in several sitcoms and also a movie appearance. Most significant being ‘Hakim’, a tall body guard and the final hurdle between Bruce lee and his enemy; in the movie, ‘Kiss of death’. He has also starred in the hit sitcom Scrubs; fresh prince of Bellaire and every body loves Raymond.

On 5th of February, 1989, Kareem Abdul - Jabar became the first (and the only … so far) NBA player to reach 38,000 points in his NBA career. He is still celebrated by many and idolized by plenty; this great athlete has left an ever lasting impression on the hall of fame for future athletes to aspire from.