1947
Born April 16th to Cora and Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor in Harlem, New York. At 12 pounds, 11 ounces, his large size was no surprise with his father standing 6’3” and mother at 5’10”.

1950
Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Sr., a New York City police officer, moved his family to a better neighborhood in Manhattan.

1956
Attempted his first hook shot. Although he missed, it felt natural for the 5’8” nine year-old.

1960
He was the tallest child among his classmates, standing 6'8 as a thirteen year-old eighth grader. There were rumors that NBA scouts were already beginning to take notice.

1966
Graduated from Power Memorial Academy after leading his team to a record of 96-6, three straight New York City Catholic Championships, and a record 71-game winning streak. He was a High School All-American and had his choice of any school in the land. He chose John Wooden’s UCLA Bruins.

1967-69
Led the Bruins to an 88-2 record winning three consecutive national championships, two regular season player-of-the-year awards and three Most Outstanding Player honors for the NCAA tournament.

1967
Turned down a $1 million offer to play for the Harlem Globetrotters.

1969
After tying for the worst record in the NBA in their respective conferences, the expansion Suns and Bucks flipped a coin for the rights to draft Lew Alcindor. Phoenix called heads and the rest is history.

1970
Kareem earns Rookie of the Year honors and leads the Bucks to 56 wins, a 29-game improvement over their previous season, and 2nd place in their conference.

1971
In his sophomore season, leads the Bucks to a franchise record 66 regular season wins, a 12-2 playoff record, their only world championship, and his first of 6 MVP honors.

1971
Changed his name from Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, which means “noble, powerful servant.”

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