"The Eagle" has landed on the parquet - Bill Russell's #6 is back

A couple of years ago, I did an ode to the legendary Bill Russell based on Tom Meschery's poem portraying the menacing defensive ace as An Eagle With a Beard.

Well, in a way, "the Eagle" will be back covering the lanes on the parquet at TD Garden - as his Number-6 will adorn both lanes at opposite ends of the court. A magnificent tribute to the man who revolutionized the game of basketball and led The Green to multiple Titles over the years. Or, as Meschery wrote, we will remember:

"Bill with slightly stooped
shoulders, long feathery arms and talons
hovering above the paint protecting it
like his nest intruders entered at their peril."

And I will add that TD Garden patrons can look forward to watching as Celtics center, Rob Williams, follows Bill's lead in "hovering above the paint, protecting it". I would have loved to have seen Russ mentor the supremely-athletic Williams III, but the #6 icons may be enough.

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