Junior Bridgeman, dies at 71
Junior Bridgeman, a basketball standout who led Louisville to a Final Four, starred for the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, and then launched an even more successful career as a businessman with stakes in restaurants, publishing, and the Bucks franchise, died Tuesday. He was 71.
Bridgeman was a popular figure in Louisville after his playing days, and his passing was announced by Mayor Craig Greenberg, who described him as a “kind, generous, and groundbreaking legend.” Greenberg praised Bridgeman not only for his athletic and business achievements but also for his quiet and impactful assistance to those in need.
Senator Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, also paid tribute to Bridgeman, calling him a highly successful businessman and philanthropist who deeply loved his alma mater and the city he called home. His influence extended beyond sports, making a lasting impact on Louisville and the communities he supported.
According to media reports, Bridgeman suffered a medical emergency at a Louisville hotel during a fundraising event on Tuesday. His sudden passing shocked many, and tributes quickly poured in for the man who excelled both on the basketball court and in the corporate world.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Bridgeman’s transition from a 12-year NBA career to becoming a respected business leader. Silver described him as a mentor to generations of athletes, offering guidance on how to thrive in business after sports. Bridgeman’s ability to reinvent himself post-basketball made him a role model for many.
Born in East Chicago, Indiana, Bridgeman played college basketball under Hall of Fame coach Denny Crum at Louisville. During his three seasons, he scored 1,348 points and grabbed 657 rebounds. In his senior year, he led the Cardinals to the 1975 Final Four, where they narrowly lost to UCLA in a 75-74 thriller.
Bridgeman was involved in a historic NBA trade early in his career. After being selected eighth overall in the 1975 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, he was sent to Milwaukee as part of the blockbuster deal that brought Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to the Lakers. He went on to become a key player for the Bucks, playing 711 games for the franchise—third-most in team history.
His contributions to the Bucks were honored when the team retired his No. 2 jersey in 1988. Last year, Bridgeman came full circle when he became a part-owner of the team. The Bucks organization praised him for his perseverance and hard work, saying his legacy would continue to inspire.
Bridgeman’s business career was just as impressive as his basketball achievements. He became a franchisee for Wendy’s and Chili’s, at one point operating over 450 restaurant locations across 20 states. He later expanded into bottling for Coca-Cola and purchased Ebony and Jet magazines, cementing his legacy as a business mogul.
Besides his success in sports and business, Bridgeman was a dedicated philanthropist and community leader. He served on the boards of Churchill Downs, the University of Louisville, and Fifth Third Bank. He and his wife, Doris, also hosted a Kentucky Derby fundraiser. Bridgeman is survived by his wife and their children, Eden, Justin, and Ryan, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond the basketball court.
