USA - Kareem the global cultural ambassador

WASHINGTON (NBA) - It's been a very good week for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

The NBA legend who won six titles and was six times the league's most valuable player, Abdul-Jabbar was named as the United States global cultural ambassador.

"I look forward to meeting with young people all over the world and discussing ways in which we can strengthen our understanding of one another through education, through sports and through greater cultural tolerance," Abdul-Jabbar said.

Famous for his sky-hook, Abdul-Jabbar broke into the NBA after a terrific career at UCLA with Milwaukee and led the Bucks to their one and only title in the 1970-71 season.

He moved to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1975 and spent the rest of his career with them.

When he stopped playing at the age of 42 in 1989, no player in the league had ever scored more points, swatted more shots, captured more MVP awards, played in more All-Star Games or more seasons. 

Abdul-Jabbar has written several books and also acted.

One of his famous roles was that of pilot Roger Murdock in the spoof Airplane!

Abdul-Jabbar now has a golden opportunity to represent his country, something he never did as a national team player.

Before changing his name from Lew Alcindor to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, he boycotted the 1968 Summer Olympics as a protest against unequal treatment of African-Americans in the country.

He is thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as the cultural ambassador.

"I remember when Louis Armstrong first did it back for President (John F) Kennedy, one of my heroes," Abdul-Jabbar said.

"So it’s nice to be following in his footsteps."

FIBA