One of the greatest to ever play on the hardwood has just been honored with an award named after “The Greatest” himself. UCLA Basketball great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (aka Lew Alcincor) has just received the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award which honors individuals for their “athletic achievement and leadership as social activists”.
The award was given by Sports Illustrated at the 2016 Sportsman of the Year Ceremony. The Bruin legend received the award along with NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown and 11-time NBA Champion Bill Russell.
Abdul-Jabbar had told Sports Illustrated, “To receive an award in his name is especially moving because it means I am honoring his legacy as a man who defied conventions and courageously risked life and career to making America a land of freedom, equal opportunity and social justice.