William Bedford (basketball)
William Bedford (born December 14, 1963) is an American retired professional basketball player who was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the first round (6th pick overall) of the 1986 NBA draft after playing at Memphis State University (now known as the University of Memphis). Bedford, a 7'0" center, played for the Suns, Detroit Pistons and the San Antonio Spurs in six NBA seasons averaging 4.1 points and 2.4 rebounds per game in his career. Originally projected as a star player, Bedford's NBA career was a disappointment as he succumbed to drug use, never reaching his full potential.[1]
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 14, 1963 Memphis, Tennessee |
| Nationality | American |
| Listed height | 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) |
| Listed weight | 225 lb (102 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Melrose (Memphis, Tennessee) |
| College | Memphis (1983–1986) |
| NBA draft | 1986 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6th overall |
| Selected by the Phoenix Suns | |
| Playing career | 1986–1993 |
| Position | Center |
| Number | 50, 25, 20, 00 |
| Career history | |
| 1986–1987 | Phoenix Suns |
| 1987–1992 | Detroit Pistons |
| 1992–1993 | San Antonio Spurs |
| 1993 | Oklahoma City Cavalry |
| 1993 | Grand Rapids Hoops |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
| Stats at Basketball-Reference.com | |
Bedford has had drug problems ever since he left the NBA. He was arrested for drug possession twice between 1996 and 1997. In 2001, Bedford was accused of transporting 25 pounds of marijuana in Michigan.[2] After the Michigan arrest, he was arrested two more times for marijuana, and in 2003 was given a 10-year prison sentence.[3][4] Bedford was released from prison in November 2011. As of 2012, he was coaching basketball in Memphis.[5]
Notes
- ESPN.com - GEN - Bedford: 'People don't think about the consequences'
- Bedford: 'People don't think about the consequences' Greg Garber, ESPN.com, June 4th 2001
- http://www.criminalsearches.com/details.aspx?id=w1x00xCC&vw=criminal&1=4JBstDAvbDqYCesrqHj%2bYdRL600cSQxHeYPxN8QcPYQ%3d&input=name
- '85 Memphis State run went from triumph to tragedy by Mike Lopresti, Gannett News Service, April 3rd, 2008,
- Out of prison, former Tigers great William Bedford trying to live 'the right way', Commercial Appeal, October 11, 2012
External links
- NBA stats at basketballreference.com