Education
University of Kansas.
University of Kansas.
A 6"6" power forward from Hobbs, New Mexico, Bridges played collegiately for the University of Kansas. At Kansas, he averaged 13.2 points and 13.9 rebounds per game, was chosen All-Big Eight three seasons, and was an All-American in 1961. Bridges played for the Kansas City Steers of the American Basketball League prior to entering the National Basketball Association. Bridges led the American Basketball League in rebounding during both seasons he played for the Steers, and led the league in scoring during his second season.
He set the American Basketball League single-game scoring record with 55 points on December 9, 1962.
The league folded at the end of 1962, and the Steers were declared American Basketball League champions. Though somewhat undersized for his position, Bridges was a strong rebounder and averaged a double-double (119 points, 119 rebounds) over the course of his National Basketball Association career.
Bridges" league leading 366 personal fouls during the 1967-1968 season was, at the time, an National Basketball Association record. Bridges died in Los Angeles, California at the age of 76 following a battle with cancer.
Bridges then entered the National Basketball Association and spent 13 seasons (1962–1975) as a member of the Saint Louis/Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors.
