Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

“My most memorable moment came in 1985 as we beat the Boston Celtics.”

“I rooted for the Dodgers when they were in Brooklyn.”

“I always thought I could do a good job coaching, but the opportunities have not presented themselves.”

“Five guys on the court working together can achieve more than five talented individuals who come and go as individuals.”

“I've always tried to stay out of the fray and not be an object of controversy.”

“I got all A's and was hated for it; I spoke correctly and was called a punk.”

“I need about three seats lengthwise to sleep on a plane. It's not easy for me to curl up.”

“You got guys now declaring they're ready to play pro ball in their second or third year of high school. It's crazy! They're missing so much.”

“If not for the success that medicine has made, I might be part of a much different story right now.”

“Black people don't have an accurate idea of their history, which has been either suppressed or distorted.”

“I try to do the right thing at the right time. They may just be little things, but usually they make the difference between winning and losing.”

“After practice, I would have to go back to the dorm and take a nap.”

“Michael Jordan and Magic and myself all learned how to play the game in college programs that emphasized the team.”

“Great players are willing to give up their own personal achievement for the achievement of the group. It enhances everybody.”

“I'm not exaggerating when I say that the 761st was Patton's best tank unit and nobody knew about it.”

“I would suggest that teachers show their students concrete examples of the negative effects of the actions that gangsta rappers glorify.”

“Jackie Robinson, as an athlete and as someone who was trying to make a stand for equality, he was exemplary.”

“As a parent, I have a job as a role model to my children, and by extension, to other young people.”

“The 3-point shot has created a situation in the game akin to 'Lotto' fever.”

“I was getting hot flashes and sweats on a regular basis. That's not normal, even for my age.”