Abdul-Jabbar, Kareem (1947- ), American professional basketball player, six-time National Basketball Association (NBA) champion and six-time winner of the most valuable player (MVP) award. Originally named Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor, Jr., he was born in New York City. He was educated at the University of California at Los Angeles, where he led the university's basketball team to three consecutive National Collegiate Athletic Association championships (1967-1969). While a student, he became a member of the black Muslim faith and changed his name in 1971. From 1969 to 1975 he played center for the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA and led his team to the NBA championship in 1970-1971. In 1975 the 7-ft, 1�-in. player was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers; he led that team to five NBA championships. Abdul-Jabbar also developed a high-percentage signature shot known as the “sky hook,” which was difficult for opponents to block. When he retired in 1989, he was the all-time NBA leader in points (38,387) and games played (1,560).