When did Kareem change his name?
1971Having converted to Islam while at UCLA, Alcindor took the Arabic name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1971.
What was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's original name and why did he change it?
Alcindor was named Finals MVP. Before the 1971-72 season Alcindor converted from Catholicism to Islam and took the name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, which means “noble, powerful servant.” He was certainly a noble, powerful player, enjoying stellar years with Milwaukee.
What was Kareem's name before?
Lew AlcindorKareem Abdul-Jabbar (born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor, Jr. on April 16, 1947) is an American former professional basketball player and current assistant coach. He was known as Lew Alcindor before changing his name in the fall of 1971, several years after converting to Islam.
What religion was Lew Alcindor?
He also quietly converted from Catholicism to Islam, a spiritual course that shaped his outlook during his early years in the NBA.
Who was better Wilt or Kareem?
In the 1972 season, Kareem outscored Wilt 201-70 in their five regular season games. In the six 1972 playoff games, Kareem outscored Wilt 202-67, but Wilt out-rebounded Jabbar and played better defense (i.e. shutting down the middle) when it counted.
Are Kareem and Magic friends?
They didn't dislike each other, but they weren't besties. As Kareem would state in a Los Angeles Times (opens in new tab) article from 1987: "Magic was very distant. Not unfriendly.
Why did Kareem wear goggles?
He would miss the next two games against Stanford and Portland. His cornea would again be scratched during his pro career, which subsequently caused him to wear goggles for eye protection.
Who is Kareem's wife?
Habiba Abdul-JabbarKareem Abdul-Jabbar / Wife (m. 1971–1978)
How tall is Will Chamberlain?
7′ 1″Wilt Chamberlain / Height
Why did Kareem switch to Islam?
Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr., who became Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, says he took to Islam to manifest his African history, culture and beliefs. Already a star man at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Abdul-Jabbar got acquainted with Islam as a freshman.
Did Kareem Abdul-Jabbar fight Bruce Lee?
Bruce Lee and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had an iconic fight scene in Game of Death. Here's the story behind the NBA superstar's cameo in the 1978 film. One of Bruce Lee's most famous movie battles is with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in his unfinished film, Game of Death.
Is Kareem Islamic?
Kareem-Abdul Jabbar wished he handled his conversion differently. The day after winning the NBA title with the Bucks, Lew Alcindor made a major change. The big man converted to Islam and changed his name, becoming Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Why was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar called Lew?
As a sports fan of a certain age, I know exactly why Kareem was called Lew. But for a young fan without a lot of knowledge about his life, it probably needs some explaining.
Why did Lew Alcindor change his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar?
Kareem’s parents were catholics. While they were not strict, they had raised him to believe in christianity.
Why was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar nicknamed the Tower from Power?
The Tower from Power nickname dates back to Kareem’s days in New York City. By 8th grade Kareem was 6’8” and could dunk a basketball. He says he was often depressed about his height in those days.
Why is Kareem Abdul Jabbar called Cap?
Kareem sometimes refers to himself as Cap on twitter. He got the nickname in his playing days for the obvious reason: he was the long-time Lakers captain. It has stuck more than most other nicknames because of his history.
Why was Kareem Abdul Jabbar called Murdock?
Kareem’s most fun nickname comes from one of his most fun jobs. He hilariously played pilot Roger Murdock in the movie Airplane! If you have not seen the movie, it is very much worth a watch when you want a laugh. Watch Kareem’s best moments below.
What other nicknames did Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have?
Possibly because he did not have a singular nickname like Earvin “Magic” Johnson or Julius “Dr J” Irving, Kareem Abdul Jabbar seems to have racked up the nicknames.
