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What: HBO’s “Bill Russell: My Life, My Way”

HBO, which won Peabody Awards for its “Fists of Freedom” documentary on the black-fist protest of Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics, and for “Dare to Compete: the Struggle of Women in Sports,” delivers an excellent one-hour profile of the winningest athlete of our time. Bill Russell won two NCAA titles, one Olympic gold medal and 11 NBA championships in 12 NBA final appearances in his 13-year pro career.

The documentary, first shown Monday, traces Russell from his roots in Monroe, La., through high school in Oakland, college at the University of San Francisco and his glory years with the Boston Celtics. It provides a better understanding of a man often viewed as rude or arrogant.

Many of Russell’s Celtic teammates are interviewed--with one notable exception. There is not a word from or about Bill Sharman, a mainstay on Russell’s first four championship teams. Sharman also coached Russell’s rival, Wilt Chamberlain, with the Lakers. Sharman’s voice is not 100%, but for him to be ignored completely is a real shame.

Replays: today, 11:30 a.m. and 8 p.m.; Saturday, 1 p.m.; Tuesday, 6 p.m.; April 27, 2:30 p.m., and April 30, 11:30 a.m.