American basketball player who won an Olympic gold medal in 1988 and played professionally in the NBA and overseas. Known for his dominant college career at Memphis State University.
William Bedford, born on December 14, 1963, is an American former professional basketball player who rose to fame after being selected by the Phoenix Suns in the first round (6th pick overall) of the 1986 NBA draft. His impressive college career at Memphis State University (now known as the University of Memphis) earned him a spot among the top prospects in the league.
Bedford's NBA career, which spanned six seasons, was marked by moments of brilliance, only to be overshadowed by drug use and personal struggles. During his time with the Suns, Detroit Pistons, and San Antonio Spurs, he averaged 4.1 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. Despite being projected as a star player, his drug addiction hampered his progress, forcing him to miss the 1988-1989 NBA season.
Bedford made a brief comeback with the Pistons, contributing to their 1989-1990 championship team, although in a limited capacity. His most notable performance came on November 6, 1990, when he set an NBA record for fewest minutes played in a game with three or more three-pointers made, shooting 3-of-3 from deep in a single minute.
Bedford's struggles with addiction continued long after his NBA career. He was arrested twice for drug possession between 1996 and 1997 and was later accused of transporting 25 pounds of marijuana in Michigan in 2001. Following a series of arrests and prison sentences, Bedford was handed a 10-year prison sentence in 2003. He was finally released from prison in November 2011.
In 2012, Bedford began rebuilding his life by coaching basketball in Memphis. This new chapter marked a turning point in his journey, as he aimed to redeem himself and make a positive impact on the community.
| Season | Games Played | Points | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986-1987 | 64 | 5.1 | 2.6 |
| 1987-1988 | 52 | 4.4 | 2.3 |
| 1989-1990 | 42 | 3.8 | 2.1 |
| 1990-1991 | 60 | 4.5 | 2.5 |
Despite his tumultuous career, Bedford's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of addiction and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
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