There was unfortunate news out of Louisville today, announcing the passing of Bucks legend Junior Bridgeman at 71 after an apparent heart attack:
Drafted eighth overall in the 1975 draft by the Lakers (after a standout career at Louisville, including two conference player of the year honors and a run to the Final Four), Bridgeman was included in the infamous trade that sent Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Los Angeles. He would proceed to spend his first nine seasons in Milwaukee. After an iffy rookie year under Larry Costello, he would catch fire under Don Nelson, and alongside other Bucks greats like Bob Dandridge, Marques Johnson, and Sidney Moncrief, the Bucks would win division titles for five consecutive seasons (1980-84).