Kris Bruton
Kris Marcus Bruton (born January 10, 1971) is an American professional basketball player. Drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the 1994 NBA Draft, he played two years before a serious thigh injury ended his career. After recuperating, he was recruited by the Harlem Globetrotters, the sports entertainment legend. He is currently playing his tenth season with the Globetrotters, and has carved a niche on the court as a slam dunk expert.
Pre-professional career
Born in Greer, South Carolina, Bruton played very little high school basketball. A number of injuries kept him off the court for most of his four years at the local school. After graduating, Bruton enrolled at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, but did not pursue a position on the school's basketball team. Only after a pick-up game in the school gymnasium was he recruited by the team's coach, and offered an athletic scholarship.
Bruton enjoyed an impressive career in college. He was selected for NAIA First Team All-American honors as a senior for the 1993-1994 season. That year, he averaged 20.4 points and ten rebounds per game, while completing 231 of 380 shots.[1] He also won the Slam Dunk Contest during the 1994 NCAA Final Four Weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina, and again in New Orleans, Louisiana in 2003.[2]
Professional career
Following his graduation from Benedict College, Bruton was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the second round of the 1994 NBA Draft. The 49th pick overall, he played two seasons before a thigh injury ended his NBA career. Shortly after, he traveled overseas to play in Nagoya, Japan where he played for two years before returning to the United States and playing in the semi-professional Continental Basketball Association. Three years later, he would return overseas, playing in France and Cyprus.
Bruton returned to his hometown after his tours in Europe. He joined the National Basketball Development League in Greenville, South Carolina, playing under Milton Barnes. Barnes was also serving as a coach for the Globetrotters, and arranged a meeting between Bruton and other Globetrotters' staff after observing his play. An agreement was reached shortly thereafter, and Bruton played his first game with the Globetrotters in December 2001 where his unique jumping abilities made him an early crowd favorite.
During a tour of the Bahamas, Bruton and several other Globetrotters attempted to break the world record for highest slam dunk. While eyewitnesses allege that he successfully completed a dunk at 12'1", thus breaking the record, on-site judges declared it an illegal dunk.
References
- ↑ Mauer, Matthew. "Kris Bruton Player Profile". The Draft Review. Retrieved 2006-12-10.
- ↑ "Bruton Captures Slam Dunk Title During Final Four Weekend". The Original Harlem Globetrotters. April 6, 2003. Archived from the original on 2006-10-31. Retrieved 2006-12-10.