The most decorated basketball player in NBA history has died

MOSCOW, Jul 31 Eleven-time NBA champion with Boston Celtics Bill Russell passed away at the age of 88, according to Russell's official Twitter page. «With a very heavy heart, we would like to convey to all friends, fans and followers that Bill Russell passed away peacefully today at the age of 88,» the message reads. Russell played center and was one of the first black players in the NBA. Throughout his 13-year NBA career (1956-1969), he played for Boston, from 1966 to 1969 he was the team's playing head coach, becoming a two-time NBA champion, being both a player and coach. Russell also became the first black head coach in the NBA. Russell was named MVP of the NBA five times and was a 12-time All-Star. As a coach, Russell also worked with the Seattle SuperSonics and Sacramento Kings clubs. As part of the US team, he became an Olympic champion at the 1956 Games in Melbourne. Russell is included in the Basketball Hall of Fame as a player and as a coach, as well as in the Hall of Fame International Basketball Federation as a player. He shares with hockey player Henri Richard the record for the number of champion titles won by an athlete in one of the North American sports leagues. Since 2009, the NBA Finals MVP award has been worn by his Russell.