Bruce Douglas (basketball) facts for kids

Bruce Douglas (born April 9, 1964) is a former American professional basketball player. He was a talented guard who played for Quincy Senior High School and the University of Illinois. He also played professionally for a short time with the Sacramento Kings and in the CBA.

Bruce Douglas: High School Basketball Star

Bruce Douglas played on the varsity basketball team at Quincy Senior High School for all four years. As a freshman, he helped his team finish second in the state. They had an amazing 32–1 record that year.

Leading the Blue Devils

Douglas became a starter in his sophomore, junior, and senior years. He 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.

State and National Champions

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

Record-Breaking Streak

In his senior year, Bruce almost led the team to another undefeated season. They had a state record 64-game winning streak. This streak finally ended in the 1982 semifinal game. The team still finished with a third-place trophy. This was Bruce's third time finishing in the top four at the state tournament.

High School Achievements

Bruce was again named to all-state teams and was a Parade Magazine All-American. He was also named Illinois Mr. Basketball in 1982. He holds the school record for points scored (2,040) and field goals made (890). He is second in rebounds (709) and assists (643). His team's record during his four years was an incredible 123 wins and only 5 losses. In 2007, Bruce was named one of the "100 Legends of the IHSA Boys Basketball Tournament."

College Basketball Career

Bruce Douglas started all four years he played at the University of Illinois. He was the main point guard, leading the team to four straight NCAA tournament appearances.

Big Ten Champions

In the 1983–84 season, the Illinois Illini won the Big Ten championship. They made it to the "Elite Eight" in the NCAA tournament. They just missed reaching the Final Four, losing a close game to the University of Kentucky.

Illinois Records and Honors

Bruce had a very successful college career. He is still a leader in many statistical categories for Illinois. He holds the Illini records for career steals (324) and assists (765). He was named first-team All-Big Ten in 1984. He also earned second-team honors in 1985 and 1986.

He was a third-team All-American in 1984. Bruce was also 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 players in the program's 100-year history. In 2008, his jersey was honored and now hangs in the State Farm Center. This shows he is one of the most celebrated players in the University of Illinois' history.

Professional Basketball and Beyond

After college, Bruce Douglas was picked by the Sacramento Kings in the 1986 NBA draft. He played one season with the Kings. Then, he played for a short time in the CBA.

Life After Basketball

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

Bruce Douglas: Awards and Recognition

Bruce Douglas has received many honors for his basketball achievements.

High School Honors

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

College Honors

• 1983 – Honorable Mention All-Big Ten
• 1984 – Team Co-MVP
• 1984 – 1st Team All-Big Ten
• 1984 – NCAA All-Regional Team
• 1984 – Co-Big Ten Player of the Year
• 1984 – 3rd Team All-American
• 1985 – 2nd Team All-Big Ten
• 1985 – Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year
• 1986 – Team Captain
• 1986 – 2nd Team All-Big Ten
• 1986 – Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year
• 2004 – Elected to the "Illini Men's Basketball All-Century Team".
• 2008 – Honored as one of the thirty-three honored jerseys which hang in the State Farm Center.

See also

In Spanish: Bruce Douglas para niños