Louisville basketball honors Cards legend Junior Bridgeman at ACC Tournament
Bridgeman played for the University of Louisville in the 1970s, leading U of L to a Final Four in 1975 — his senior season. He died Tuesday in Louisville after suffering a medical emergency. He was 71.
The jersey patch honoring Bridgeman may undergo changes after the Cardinals' ACC Tournament debut Thursday evening and before the NCAA Tournament next week, a team spokesperson told The Courier Journal.
Always with us.We will don jersey patches for the remainder of the season in honor of Cardinal Forever Junior Bridgeman. pic.twitter.com/GIlQhzKyCD
— Louisville Men's Basketball (@LouisvilleMBB) March 13, 2025
After a successful career under Denny Crum, Bridgeman played for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA. He was an astute businessman, building a restaurant franchise empire and achieving billionaire status. Bridgeman used his wealth to give back to the Louisville area.
"Not only was he a proud Louisville Cardinal, he was a successful businessman and philanthropist who loved the University and the City he called home," U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell and his wife, Elaine, said in a statement. "Elaine and I send our condolences to his wife, Doris, his three children and all those who knew and loved him. He will be missed.'
Bridgeman's No. 10 jersey is one of 20 honored in U of L history. His No. 2 jersey in Milwaukee was retired in 1988.
Reach college sports enterprise reporter Payton Titus at ptitus@gannett.com, and follow her on X @petitus25.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville basketball honors Junior Bridgeman at ACC Tournament
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