Kris Bruton facts for kids
Bruton with the Harlem Globetrotters in 2017
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 10, 1971 Greer, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Listed height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
| Listed weight | 218 lb (99 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Benedict (1990–1994) |
| NBA Draft | 1994 / Round: 2 / Pick: 49th overall |
| Selected by the Chicago Bulls | |
| Career history | |
| 1994–1995 | Pittsburgh Pirates |
| 1997–1998 | St. Paul Slam! |
| 1998–1999 | Rockford Lightning |
| 1998–1999 | Des Moines Dragons |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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Kris Marcus Bruton, born on January 10, 1971, is an American professional basketball player. He was chosen by the Chicago Bulls in the 1994 NBA draft. Bruton played with the Bulls for two pre-seasons in 1994 and 1995. Unfortunately, a serious leg injury stopped his NBA career before he could play in a regular season game. After he recovered, the famous Harlem Globetrotters team asked him to join. He became known for his amazing slam dunk skills.
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Early Life and College Basketball
Kris Bruton was born in Greer, South Carolina. He did not play much high school basketball because of several injuries. After high school, he went to Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. At first, he did not plan to play basketball there.
However, after playing a casual game in the school gym, the team's coach saw his talent. The coach then asked him to join the team and offered him a scholarship.
College Achievements
During his senior year (1993–1994), Bruton was named to the NAIA First Team All-American. That year, he scored an average of 20.4 points per game. He also grabbed ten rebounds per game. He made 231 out of 380 shots he took.
Bruton also won the Slam Dunk Contest during the 1994 NCAA Final Four Weekend. This event took place in Charlotte, North Carolina. He won the contest again in New Orleans, Louisiana in 2003.
Professional Basketball Journey
After graduating from Benedict College, Kris Bruton was drafted by the Chicago Bulls. This happened in the second round of the 1994 NBA draft. He was the 49th player picked overall. He played for the Bulls in their pre-season games in 1994 and 1995. However, a thigh injury ended his chance to play in the NBA.
Playing in Different Leagues
Bruton spent his first professional season with the Pittsburgh Piranhas. This team was part of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA). In 1995, he was chosen for the CBA All-Rookie Second Team. Soon after, he traveled to Nagoya, Japan, to play basketball for two years.
After his time in Japan, he came back to the United States. He played in the CBA again. Later, he went overseas once more to play in France and Cyprus.
Joining the Harlem Globetrotters
After playing in Europe, Bruton returned to his hometown. 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.
Barnes saw how well Bruton played and set up a meeting for him with the Globetrotters' staff. They quickly agreed, and Bruton played his first game with the Globetrotters in December 2001. His amazing jumping skills made him a favorite with the fans right away.
Slam Dunk Record Attempt
During a tour in the Bahamas, Bruton and other Globetrotters tried to break a world record. They wanted to achieve the highest slam dunk ever. People who watched said he successfully dunked the ball 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
