How did a basketball star and a strong woman make a team off the court? This article is the story of Kareem, a big name in basketball, and Cheryl Pistono, the woman who was always by his side.
It’s about how they helped each other and left a mark on the world. Let’s find out how they did it together.
Birth, Parents, and Education
Cheryl Pistono was born on September 9, 1956, in LaSalle, Illinois, USA. Her parents are John Joseph Pistono Jr. and Sylvia Ann Waclaw.
Cheryl grew up in a working-class family and is the eldest among her siblings, with a sister named Kay Boehm and three brothers: John, James, and Jeffery Pistono.
Cheryl received her education at LaSalle Peru Township High School before leaving her family at 16 to relocate to the West Coast. She ultimately obtained her degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Cheryl’s early life was marked by a love for hunting and fishing, and she has always been an ardent animal lover. She also pursued nursing school and worked in law and accounting offices, showcasing her diverse interests and skills.
Her drive for equality and justice is evident through her work, and she is currently self-employed
Love Story of Cheryl Pistono and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the legendary basketball player, and Cheryl Pistono, a woman of strong influence, have a love story that began in the late 1970s.
They met in 1977, at a time when Kareem was already a prominent figure in the NBA. Cheryl, who was not a sports enthusiast, did not recognize Kareem when they first encountered each other.
Their relationship started to blossom when Kareem brought Cheryl a rose from his garden, marking the beginning of a connection that would grow deeper over time.
Despite their differences, with Cheryl being almost a decade younger and not interested in basketball, they found common ground.
Kareem and Cheryl’s relationship was significant not just personally but also professionally for Kareem. Cheryl had a profound impact on his life, more than his coaches, teachers, or teammates.
She was instrumental in convincing him to file for divorce from his then-wife, Habiba, whom he had been separated from since 1973.
The couple welcomed their son, Amir, in 1984, which further solidified their bond. However, their romantic relationship ended around 1985. Although Cheryl Pistono and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were never officially married, they remained close due to their shared son.
Cheryl’s influence on Kareem extended beyond his personal life; she also encouraged him to improve his leadership skills and become a better teammate and listener.
This guidance helped Kareem evolve not only as a player but also as a person.
Child of Cheryl Pistono
Amir Abdul-Jabbar, the son of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Cheryl Pistono, has pursued a career in medicine. He is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in spinal surgery.
Amir completed his medical education at the University of California, San Francisco, and is affiliated with the North American Spine Society and the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He is known for his work in the state of Washington.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, originally named Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr., was born on April 16, 1947, in the bustling neighborhood of Harlem, New York City. His early years were marked by a towering presence, as he stood out not only in height but also in his basketball prowess.
From the playgrounds of New York to the polished courts of Power Memorial Academy, his talent was undeniable, leading his high school team to an astonishing 71-game winning streak.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar converted to Islam. He was introduced to Islam while he was a freshman at UCLA and converted in 1971, at the age of 24.
In a significant spiritual transformation, he legally changed his name from Lew Alcindor to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, which translates to “noble one, servant of the Almighty.”
During his time at UCLA, under the guidance of renowned coach John Wooden, Abdul-Jabbar (previously known as Lew Alcindor) had an exceptional collegiate career. He led the Bruins to three consecutive NCAA championships, solidifying his reputation as a basketball prodigy.
Entering the NBA in 1969, Abdul-Jabbar’s impact was immediate. Drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks, he brought a rare combination of height, skill, and intellect to the game.
His signature skyhook became an iconic and unstoppable move, propelling him to become one of the league’s most formidable scorers.
During his 20-season tenure, Abdul-Jabbar accumulated a multitude of achievements, including six NBA championships, six MVP awards, and 19 All-Star appearances.
His unwavering commitment to the sport and unwavering pursuit of greatness resulted in him setting the NBA’s all-time scoring record, solidifying his lasting impact on the game.
Off the court, Abdul-Jabbar’s influence extended into activism, acting, and writing, showcasing a multifaceted individual whose contributions to society went far beyond basketball.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Cheryl Pistono: Life After Separation
After their separation, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Cheryl Pistono took different paths in life. Kareem continued his successful career in basketball and later pursued various other interests, including writing and activism.
He has written several books and has been involved in social justice causes.
Following her split, Cheryl Pistono entered into marriage with Steven Jenkins in 1985 and together they had a child. Despite their separation, Cheryl and Kareem maintained an amicable relationship, primarily for the well-being of their son, Amir.
Cheryl has been described as self-employed and is believed to be living in Los Angeles.
Social Media Presence
Cheryl Pistono has a Facebook profile with 456 friends, whereas Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has an Instagram account with a following of 1.2 million.
However, details about her activity on these platforms are limited. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is quite active and vocal on social media, especially on issues related to social justice. He has a significant following and uses his platform to share his thoughts and engage with his audience.
Net Worth
According to estimates, Cheryl Pistono has a net worth of approximately $1 million, while Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s net worth is estimated to be $25 million.
Final Words
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Cheryl Pistono’s lives have been full of achievements and personal growth, both together and apart. Their story shows us how two people can influence each other and the world around them, leaving a lasting legacy.
