Kris Bruton facts for kids
Kris Marcus Bruton, born on January 10, 1971, is an American professional basketball player. He was picked by the Chicago Bulls in the 1994 NBA draft. Even though he played with the Bulls for two pre-seasons, a serious leg injury stopped him from playing in a regular NBA game. After getting better, Kris joined the famous Harlem Globetrotters. He became known for his amazing slam dunk skills.
Early Basketball Journey
Kris Bruton was born in Greer, South Carolina. He didn't play much basketball in high school because of several injuries. After high school, Kris went to Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. At first, he didn't plan to play basketball there.
But one day, while playing a casual game in the school gym, the team's coach saw him. The coach was so impressed that he asked Kris to join the team and offered him a scholarship!
In his final year at college (1993–1994), Kris was chosen for the NAIA First Team All-American. That year, he scored about 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in each game. He also won the Slam Dunk Contest during the 1994 NCAA Final Four Weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina. He won it again in New Orleans, Louisiana in 2003.
Professional Career
After finishing college, Kris Bruton was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the second round of the 1994 NBA draft. He was the 49th player chosen overall. He played with the Bulls during their pre-season games in 1994 and 1995. However, a thigh injury unfortunately ended his chance to play in the NBA.
Soon after, Kris traveled to Nagoya, Japan, to play basketball for two years. Then he came back to the United States and played in a semi-professional league called the Continental Basketball Association. Three years later, he went overseas again to play in France and Cyprus.
Kris returned to his hometown after playing in Europe. He joined the National Basketball Development League team in Greenville, South Carolina. His coach there was Milton Barnes. Coach Barnes also worked with the Globetrotters. He saw Kris's amazing skills and set up a meeting for him with the Globetrotters' staff.
Kris joined the Harlem Globetrotters and played his first game with them in December 2001. His incredible jumping ability quickly made him a favorite with the fans.
During a tour in the Bahamas, Kris and some other Globetrotters tried to break the world record for the highest slam dunk. People who watched said he successfully dunked from 12 feet and 1 inch high! This would have broken the record. However, the judges at the event said it was not a legal dunk.
See also
In Spanish: Kris Bruton para niños
