Bruce Douglas (basketball) facts for kids

Bruce Douglas (born April 9, 1964) is a retired American basketball player. He was a talented 6-foot-3-inch guard. Bruce played basketball for Quincy Senior High School for four years. He was also a four-year starter at the University of Illinois. After college, he briefly played professionally for the Sacramento Kings and in the CBA.

High School Basketball Star

Bruce Douglas played on the varsity basketball team at Quincy High School for all four years. In his first year, he helped his team finish second in the state. They had an amazing 32 wins and only 1 loss.

He became a starter in his sophomore, junior, and senior years. Bruce led the Quincy Blue Devils to their most successful seasons ever. In his sophomore year, he was the team's top scorer, averaging 19.4 points per game.

During his junior year, the Blue Devils had a perfect season. They won the state championship and were even named national champions! Bruce was chosen for both all-state and All-America teams. He also led his team in assists that year.

In his senior year, Bruce almost led the team to another undefeated season. They had an incredible 64-game winning streak, which was a state record at the time. The team finally lost in the 1982 semifinal game. They still finished with a third-place trophy. This was Bruce's third time finishing in the top four at the state tournament. He was again named to all-state teams and was a Parade Magazine All-American. In 1982, he was named Illinois Mr. Basketball.

Bruce holds many records at Quincy High School. He scored the most points (2,040) and made the most field goals (890). He is also second in rebounds (709) and assists (643). During his four years, his team had an incredible record of 123 wins and only 5 losses! After high school, Bruce was recruited to play for Coach Lou Henson at the University of Illinois. In 2007, Bruce was recognized as one of the "100 Legends of the IHSA Boys Basketball Tournament" for his amazing high school career.

College Career at Illinois

Bruce Douglas started all four years he played at the University of Illinois. As the point guard, he led his team to four straight NCAA tournament appearances.

In the 1983–84 season, his team, the Illini, won the Big Ten championship. They made it to the "Elite Eight" in the NCAA tournament. They just missed reaching the Final Four for the first time since 1952. They lost a close game to the University of Kentucky.

Bruce finished his college career as a leader in many statistics for Illinois. As of 2019, he is 27th on the list of Illinois' top scorers with 1261 points. He still holds the Illini records for career steals (324) and assists (765).

He received many honors during his college years. He was named first-team All-Big Ten in 1984. He was also a third-team All-American in 1984. Bruce was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in both 1985 and 1986. In 2004, he was chosen for the Illinois All-Century Team. Fans voted him as one of the 20 best Fighting Illini basketball players in the program's 100-year history.

Professional Basketball and Beyond

After college, Bruce Douglas was chosen by the Sacramento Kings in the third round of the 1986 NBA draft. He played one season with the Kings. Then, he played for a short time in the CBA (Continental Basketball Association).

After his basketball career, Bruce started a career in business. He now lives in the Chicago area.

Bruce still gives back to the community. He returns to Quincy every year to run his free 'Shooting for Christ' Basketball Camp. This camp is held with the Salvation Army's Ray & Joan Kroc Community Center.

Achievements and Honors

High School Honors

• 1982 – Illinois Mr. Basketball
• 1982 – McDonald's All-American
• 1988 – Inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association's Hall of Fame
• 2007 – Named one of the 100 Legends of the IHSA Boys Basketball Tournament

College Honors

• 1984 – 1st Team All-Big Ten
• 1984 – Co-Big Ten Player of the Year
• 1984 – 3rd Team All-American
• 1985 – Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year
• 1986 – Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year
• 2004 – Elected to the "Illini Men's Basketball All-Century Team"
• 2008 – Honored with one of the thirty-three honored jerseys at the State Farm Center. These jerseys recognize the most decorated players in University of Illinois history.

See also

In Spanish: Bruce Douglas para niños