Becoming Kareem by HARVIR SINGH

MLA Citation

singhhar022_2 — 2025-03-03 03:34:43 UTC

Abdul-Jabbar, Kareem. Obstfeld, Raymond. Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off the Court. Free press, 2017.

#1 Growing Up Tall and Awkward

singhhar022_2 — 2025-03-03 03:40:37 UTC

When Lew Alcindor was a child in New York City, he struggled with his height and feeling different.

Quote 1

"I was nine years old but already five foot eight" (25)

#2 Experiencing Racism in New York City

singhhar022_2 — 2025-03-03 03:47:22 UTC

Growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, he faced racial discrimination from an early age, things like being called racial slurs and feeling unwelcome in certain places.

#3 Finding Comfort in Basketball

singhhar022_2 — 2025-03-03 03:49:34 UTC

While initially shy and uncomfortable with his height, Kareem found that basketball gave him confidence. The game allowed to use his size to his advantage rather than seeing it as a burden.

Quote 2

"At nine years old, I had found the shot that made me feel like an athlete, that made me feel I was in control of this gangly body that so far had done nothing but isolate me from others" (29)

#4 Developing a Relationship with His Father

singhhar022_2 — 2025-03-03 03:52:39 UTC

His father, Ferdinand Alcindor, was a quiet but disciplined man who worked as a transit police officer and jazz musician. Though not very expressive, he played a crucial role in shaping Kareem's sense of discipline and commitment.

#5 Training Under Coach Jack Donohue

singhhar022_2 — 2025-03-03 03:54:53 UTC

His high school coach at Power Memorial Academy, Jack Donohue introduce discipline and helped him shape his game.

#6 Winning High School Championships

singhhar022_2 — 2025-03-03 03:56:02 UTC

Under Donohue, he led his team to an incredible undefeated season and also led his team to multiple championships.

Quote 3

"We finished the season undefeated, then won the city championship for the second year in a row" (106)

#7 Meeting Coach John Wooden

singhhar022_2 — 2025-03-03 03:57:03 UTC

At UCLA, he played under legendary coach John Wooden, who became a lifelong mentor.

#8 Becoming Socially Aware

singhhar022_2 — 2025-03-03 03:58:46 UTC

Lew was influenced by people like Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, he later began questioning his identity.

Quote 4

"I instantly felt connected to the evolution portrayed. Like them, I had started in the dark about who I was, being the person everyone expected me to be without really knowing who I wanted to be" (113)

#9 Converting to Islam

singhhar022_2 — 2025-03-03 03:59:34 UTC

He converted to Islam, changing his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to reflect his faith and heritage.

#10 Facing Backlash for His Faith

singhhar022_2 — 2025-03-03 04:00:35 UTC

His name change and religious beliefs led to criticism from fans and by the media.

Quote 5

"When I climbed the stairs from the subway to the street, I felt as if I were stepping into a war movie. Except this wasn't a movie. Real gunshots cracked the air. Real glass windows shattered" (128)

#12 Refusing to Play in the 1968 Olympics

singhhar022_2 — 2025-03-03 04:06:16 UTC

He declined to play in the U.S Olympic basketball team, because he wanted to fight for what he believed in by protesting.

Quote 7

"But I decided I would not go" (256)

"Given all this, going to Mexico to win medals didn't seem to be the highest priority for me...I realized that even though I was only twenty-one, I still had to speak up" (258)

#11 Meeting Muhammad Ali

singhhar022_2 — 2025-03-03 04:09:02 UTC

He formed a friendship with Ali, who inspired him to stand up for his beliefs despite public criticism.

Quote 6

"After that evening, Muhammad took on a big-brother role in my life. His influence extended way beyond our connection as athletes" (199)

#14 Winning NCAA Championships

singhhar022_2 — 2025-03-03 04:13:00 UTC

At UCLA, he dominated college basketball and won three consecutive championships.

#13 Battling NCAA Championships

singhhar022_2 — 2025-03-03 04:15:13 UTC

The NCAA banned dunking partly due to his dominance, forcing him to develop his signature skyhook shot.

#15 Joining the NBA

singhhar022_2 — 2025-03-03 04:16:40 UTC

He was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks and quickly became a star in the league.

#17 Winning His First NBA Championship

singhhar022_2 — 2025-03-03 04:18:16 UTC

He led the Bucks to their first NBA championship in 1971, proving himself as an elite/dominate player.

Quote 9

"We were already the NBA champions. During that season, I scored 2,599 points, nearly a thousand more than the next player on our team. I was honored as the NBA Scoring Champion, NBA Most Valuable Player, and the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player" (286)

#16 Dealing with Fame and Isolation

singhhar022_2 — 2025-03-03 04:19:06 UTC

Despite success, he struggled with being the center of attention and felt disconnected from others.

Quote 8

"I thought the transition from college player to pro would be a lot easier than it was. But I didn't take into consideration the fact that I would be living alone. In a city far away from all my friends and family" (282)

#18 Advocating for Civil Rights

singhhar022_2 — 2025-03-03 04:23:16 UTC

He used his platform to speak out against racism and injustice.

#19 Transitioning to the Lakers

singhhar022_2 — 2025-03-03 04:28:58 UTC

He moved to the Los Angeles Lakers, setting the stage for his legendary career.

#20 Reflecting on His Journey

singhhar022_2 — 2025-03-03 04:30:12 UTC

By the end of the book, he acknowledges how mentors, activism, and basketball shaped him into the person he became.

Quote 10

"I didn't have to walk it alone, even when I thought I was. No one has to. Coaches and teachers and family and friends are everywhere, reaching out a hand for you to take" (289)

Outside Source #1

singhhar022_2 — 2025-03-03 06:59:16 UTC

This is the Link to outside world for #2.

Outside Source #2

singhhar022_2 — 2025-03-03 07:01:26 UTC

This is the Link to outside world for #9.

Outside Source #3

singhhar022_2 — 2025-03-03 07:02:38 UTC

This is the Link to outside world for #14.

Outside Source #4

singhhar022_2 — 2025-03-03 07:04:19 UTC

This is the Link to outside world for #15.

Outside Source #5

singhhar022_2 — 2025-03-03 07:05:22 UTC

This is the Link to outside world for #19.