ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- There are many qualities in Cazzie Russell that draw people to him.
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He exhibits a lively nature, team attitude, drive, spiritual strength, a hearty laugh, dancing eyes, a warm smile, honesty and compassion. And I'm probably leaving something out. But there's no denying that he's a magnet, and it was that drawing power that helped him put University of Michigan basketball on the map in a big way more than 50 years ago.
Russell drew teammates together by showing that the greatest player on the team, and eventually the best player in the nation, would work harder than anyone, running through the streets in the snow and shooting in the summer until the nets begged for mercy.