Maria Sharapova's name change brings back memories of other sportstars doing the same

Los Angeles Lakers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 1982 NBA Finals

8) Lloyd Bernard Free/World B.Free

Golden State Warriors vs. Boston Celtics

Lloyd Bernard Free was an NBA player between 1975 and 1988, playing for Philadelphia 76ers and Golden State Warriors among others. He had a very flamboyant playing style, full of high risk shots and outrageous dunks.

It was this particular playing style of his that led to his friends nicknaming him “World”, for his 44-inch vertical jumps and ability to shoot from any corner of the court.

In 1981, Free did what every person desires – he dropped his first name and started using his nickname “World”, kept Bernard as his middle name and in the process created the coolest name ever – World B. Free.

What a legend!

Quick Links

Edited by Staff Editor
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications