Luc Longley is a retired Australian professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for over a decade. He was born on January 19, 1969, in Melbourne, Australia, and grew up playing basketball in his hometown. Longley's height of 7 feet 2 inches made him a valuable asset on the court, and he quickly gained recognition for his skills.
Longley began his professional basketball career in Australia, playing for the Perth Wildcats in the National Basketball League (NBL). He played for the Wildcats from 1986 to 1991, helping the team win two championships during his tenure. In 1991, Longley was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the NBA draft, becoming the first Australian player to be drafted into the NBA.
Longley played for the Timberwolves for two seasons before being traded to the Chicago Bulls in 1994. It was with the Bulls that Longley achieved his greatest success, winning three consecutive NBA championships from 1996 to 1998. Longley played alongside basketball legends Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen during this time, and his size and skill made him an important part of the Bulls' success.
After his time with the Bulls, Longley played for several other NBA teams, including the Phoenix Suns and the New York Knicks. He retired from professional basketball in 2001, having played in over 500 NBA games and averaging 7.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game over his career.
Longley's success on the court was not limited to his professional career. He also played for the Australian national basketball team, representing his country in several international competitions. Longley helped lead the Australian team to a fourth-place finish in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, and he also played in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.
In addition to his basketball career, Longley has also been involved in coaching and mentoring young players. He has worked as an assistant coach for several NBA teams, including the Golden State Warriors and the Australian national team. Longley has also been involved in various charitable organizations, using his platform as a former professional athlete to give back to his community.
Overall, Luc Longley's basketball career was marked by success and achievement at both the professional and international levels. His size and skill made him a valuable asset on the court, and his dedication to the sport and his community have made him a respected figure in the world of basketball.
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