Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s journey began on UCLA’s hardwood, where he led the Bruins to three NCAA crowns. Three NCAA championships at UCLA, six NBA titles, and countless accolades later, he’s getting UCLA’s highest honor – the Presidential Medal. Talk about a full circle!

Just a few days ago, The LA Lakers legend stood on the UCLA campus, not as the towering basketball icon we all know, but as an alumnus receiving one of the university’s most prestigious honors. During the ceremony, Abdul-Jabbar reflected on his journey, sharing how his UCLA degree opened doors to a fulfilling second career. From novelist to activist, he spoke about how his education shaped the writer and thinker he is today.

Adding to the emotional weight of the event, Abdul-Jabbar’s longtime friend and former teammate, Byron Scott, chimed in with a touching tribute. “Congratulations Cap!” Scott wrote, sharing how special it was to witness Abdul-Jabbar being recognized alongside some of their old Showtime Lakers teammates, including AC Green and Michael Cooper. “It was an honor to see you get recognized with this prestigious medal at your Alma Mater.”

Abdul-Jabbar’s dominance began the moment he stepped on the court for UCLA in 1966. He earned the nickname “The New Superstar” from Sports Illustrated after an impressive performance in his first varsity game, scoring 56 points. To this day, Abdul-Jabbar’s name remains etched in UCLA’s history, with records like the highest season scoring average still standing. His jersey, No. 33, hangs proudly in the rafters—a permanent reminder of his legacy.

Yet, this honor wasn’t just about basketball. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has made waves far beyond the court, using his voice to champion important causes, proving that his influence reaches far beyond the game.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s legacy in a different light

UCLA Chancellor Darnell Hunt recently reminded us of the depth of his influence both on and off the court. After the ceremony, Hunt took to social media, congratulating the basketball legend: “Kareem’s impact extends far beyond the court—he’s a champion for equality and justice. @ucla is proud to call you a member of the Bruin family.”

Of course, we all know Abdul-Jabbar for his incredible basketball career. But what stands out even more is his work off the court. As a writer, cultural critic, and activist, he has been a powerful voice in discussions about race and politics, using his platform to shape national conversations on important issues.

In addition to his writing, Abdul-Jabbar has been a fierce advocate for education. He serves as the chairman of the Skyhook Foundation, dedicated to providing STEM opportunities to underserved communities. It’s no surprise that in 2016, President Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, calling him “physically, intellectually, spiritually—one-of-a-kind.”

And if that wasn’t enough, Abdul-Jabbar is also a prolific author with 15 books to his name, including Becoming Kareem and Coach Wooden and Me. He continues to write for top publications like The Hollywood Reporter and Time, showing us all that his influence continues to grow.