John Russell
Inducted:
1964
Stats
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
175 lb (79 kg)
Born
May 31, 1902
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Died
November 15, 1973
Livingston, New Jersey, U.S.
Position
Guard
College
Alexander Hamilton
John "Honey" Russell was one of the greatest professional basketball players of the pre-NBA era and one of the finest defensive guards of his generation. Beginning his professional career at just 16 years old, he played more than 3,200 games over 21 seasons while starring for teams such as the Brooklyn Pros, Cleveland Rosenblums, and Chicago Bruins.He also helped the Cleveland Rosenblums win the 1925–26 ABL championship.
Russell earned four American Basketball League All-Star selections and became renowned for his outstanding defense, leadership, and versatility, often serving as a player-coach during his career. His influence extended from the barnstorming era into the early days of organized professional basketball. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1964 as a player.
Russell's Awards and Honor
- 2× ABL champion (1926, 1939)
- 4× ABL All-Star (1926–1929)
- 1925–26 ABL Champion
- Metropolitan League champion with the Brooklyn Pros
- Played professionally for more than 28 years
- More than 3,200 professional games
- Became one of the era's leading defensive players
NBA Position
Original Celtics (1924–1925)
Cleveland Rosenblums (1925–1927)
Chicago Bruins (1926–1930)
Rochester Centrals (1928–1929)
Brooklyn Americans (1931–1933)
New York Jewels (1935–1939)
New York Yankees (1938–1940)
Jersey Number
4, 61
NBA Stats
Professional Career:
1920–1945
Professional Games:
3,200+
Professional Teams:
34+
ABL All-Star:
4
Major ABL Teams:
Cleveland Rosenblums
Chicago Bruins
ABL Championship:
1925–26