James Bradley

James Bradley was an American professional basketball player who played in the American Basketball Association and minor leagues. In 1975, he became an ABA Champion with the Kentucky Colonels.

Player Profile and Personal Life

James Arthur Bradley was born on March 16, 1952, in East Chicago, Indiana. He stood 203 cm tall and his weight was last listed at 98 kg.

He played forward throughout his career. Bradley's life came to a tragic end on February 20, 1982, when he was found dead in Portland, Oregon, at age 29. Police determined he was shot in the back in a drug-related incident.

High School and College Career

Bradley attended Roosevelt High School in East Chicago, Indiana, where he earned Second-team Parade All-American honors in 1970. He then played college basketball at Northern Illinois University from 1971 to 1973.

There he was named Midwestern Player of the Year and First-team All-Midwestern in 1972, and received AP honorable mention All-American honors in 1973.

Professional Career

Though selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1974 NBA Draft, Bradley began his professional career in the ABA with the Kentucky Colonels (1973-1975).

There he won an ABA championship in 1975. He then played for the Denver Nuggets (1975-1976) before joining the Rochester Zeniths (1978-1981). He retired soon after.

Career Highlights

• 1975 - ABA Champion
• 1973 - AP Honorable Mention All-American
• 1972 - Midwestern Player of the Year
• 1972 - First-team All-Midwestern
• 1970 - Second-team Parade All-American