Bruce Bolden facts for kids
| Forward | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 30, 1963 Jackson, Mississippi, U.S. |
| High school | Flint Northwestern (Flint, Michigan) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
| Listed weight | 231 lb (105 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Boise State (1981–1985) |
| NBA Draft | 1985 / Undrafted |
| Pro career | 1985–2004 |
| Career history | |
| 1985 | Ulriken Elite |
| 1986 | Gippsland Lakers |
| 1987 | Eastside Spectres |
| 1988–1989 | Westside Saints |
| 1990–1991 | Eastside Spectres |
| 1992–1994 | South East Melbourne Magic |
| 1995–1998 | Sydney Kings |
| 1998–2003 | West Sydney Razorbacks |
| 2003–2004 | Albury Wodonga Bandits |
| Career highlights and awards | |
|
|
Bruce Bolden is an American former professional basketball player. He was born on November 30, 1963. Bruce spent 17 years playing in the National Basketball League (NBL) in Australia. He achieved great success, including winning an NBL championship in 1992 with the South East Melbourne Magic. In that same year, he was named the NBL Grand Final Most Valuable Player (MVP). He also led the league in rebounding in 1993 and was named the NBL Best Sixth Man in 1999. His jersey number 32 was the first ever to be retired by the West Sydney Razorbacks.
Contents
Bruce Bolden's Basketball Journey
Starting His Professional Career
Bruce Bolden began his basketball journey in college, playing for Boise State from 1981 to 1985. After college, he moved to Australia, where he became a well-known player in the National Basketball League (NBL). He played for several teams, including the Ulriken Elite and Eastside Spectres, before finding major success.
Winning the NBL Championship
One of Bruce's biggest achievements was winning the NBL championship in 1992 with the South East Melbourne Magic. This was a huge moment in his career. His amazing performance in the final game earned him the NBL Grand Final Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. This means he was considered the best player in the championship series.
Top Player and Key Awards
Bruce Bolden was known for his strong play. In 1993, he led the entire NBL in rebounding. This shows how good he was at grabbing the ball after a shot. Later in his career, in 1999, he was named the NBL Best Sixth Man. This award goes to a player who comes off the bench and makes a big impact on the game.
A Retired Jersey Number
Bruce played for the West Sydney Razorbacks for five years, from 1998 to 2003. He was such an important player for them that his jersey number, 32, was the first ever to be retired by the team. This is a special honor that means no other player on that team will ever wear that number again. His final season as a player was in 2003–04 with the Albury Wodonga Bandits.
Life After Playing Basketball
Coaching Young Players
After he stopped playing professionally, Bruce Bolden decided to share his basketball knowledge with others. He started a coaching service in Australia called MyHoops. This program helps young basketball players, aged 7 to 18, improve their skills and learn more about the game.
Sharing Insights on Aussie Hoopla
Bruce also appears as a guest on the Aussie Hoopla podcast. On the podcast, he talks about how young players can reach an elite level in basketball. He also shares his thoughts and opinions on the sport in Australia, giving listeners a look into the mind of a former pro.
Family and Basketball Legacy
His Son, Jonah Bolden
Bruce Bolden's son, Jonah Bolden, has also become a professional basketball player. Jonah played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins. After college, he played professionally in Serbia and Israel for Maccabi Tel Aviv. In 2017, Jonah was drafted into the NBA by the Philadelphia 76ers. He was the 36th pick in the second round of the 2017 NBA draft.
