This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Having a Class 1A school in West Jordan name its basketball court in honor of Shawn Bradley says more about him than if the recognition had come at his own high school, BYU or anywhere he played in the NBA.
West Ridge Academy, a residential treatment center for at-risk youth of ages 9-18, fields boys' and girls' athletic teams in the Utah High School Activities Association. West Ridge will christen Bradley Court on Tuesday in advance of a basketball game vs. Altamont, celebrating Bradley's involvement with the Academy.
Researching a 25-year anniversary story about the legendary Emery-Richfield state championship game, I spent an hour with Bradley last winter and came away impressed. The 7-foot-6 kid from Castle Dale has grown into a socially conscious person, which explains how he has devoted some of his post-NBA efforts to West Ridge.
Bradley made an observation that day that stuck with me. When he retired from the NBA in 2005 at age 33, he figured he may have 60 more years to live. He'd made and saved plenty of money, but how would he use that remaining time and energy?
West Ridge became part of the answer to that question. He's been involved in various roles since 2007, as an administrator, coach and mentor. He served as the president of the board of directors and remains a board member.
Anyone who sees Bradley in his early 40s is struck by the fact that for the first time in his life, he appears healthy and well-proportioned. He weighs 350 pounds — nearly twice as much as he did as a high school junior in 1989, when his Emery team beat Ryan Cuff's Richfield team on Steven Gordon's 3-pointer at the buzzer in overtime.
Reviewing his NBA career, I would give Bradley more credit than he usually receives, after he played 12 seasons and averaged 8.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocked shots.
But my strongest impression of him goes beyond anything related to his height, weight or basketball achievements. He's an intelligent, caring person, and West Ridge Academy has benefited from his involvement. Bradley Court is deserved recognition.
Twitter: @tribkurt