Junior Bridgeman is a former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 12 seasons. He was born on September 17, 1953, in East Chicago, Indiana, and attended the University of Louisville, where he played college basketball.
Bridgeman was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1975 NBA draft, but he was immediately traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he spent the majority of his career. He was known for his versatility on the court, as he could play both guard and forward positions. He was also known for his scoring ability, as he averaged double-digit points per game in nine of his 12 seasons.
During his career, Bridgeman played in 711 regular-season games and scored a total of 11,517 points. He also played in 50 playoff games and scored 1,018 points. He was a key player on the Bucks team that reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 1983, and he was named the team's MVP in 1985.
After retiring from basketball in 1987, Bridgeman went on to have a successful career as a businessman. He purchased several fast-food franchises, including over 160 Wendy's restaurants, and became one of the largest franchisees in the United States. He also served on the board of directors for several companies, including Coca-Cola and Lowe's.
Despite his success off the court, Bridgeman has remained involved in basketball. He has served as a color commentator for Bucks games and has been involved in various charitable organizations, including the Junior Bridgeman Charitable Foundation, which supports education and youth development programs.
In recognition of his contributions to basketball and business, Bridgeman was inducted into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999 and the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame in 2002. He was also named to the University of Louisville Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.
Overall, Junior Bridgeman had a successful basketball career, but he has also made a significant impact off the court as a businessman and philanthropist. His legacy serves as an inspiration to future generations of athletes and entrepreneurs.
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