Junior Bridgeman, a Louisville basketball legend and wealthy entrepreneur, died after falling at an event

Junior Bridgeman attended the dedication of Denny Crum Hall on the University of Louisville campus.

Louisville, Kentucky (WDRB) Junior Bridgeman, a University of Louisville basketball player who went on to become a renowned civic and corporate leader after retiring from the NBA, died on Tuesday after suffering a medical emergency at the Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville.

According to people with direct knowledge of the incident, Bridgeman fell at a luncheon hosted by the Boy Scouts of America’s Lincoln Heritage Council. The hotel’s owner, the Al J. Schneider Company, confirmed the news in a statement released Tuesday evening.

“Junior Bridgeman was a key member of our community. Lance George, chief marketing officer, said in a written statement that he will be profoundly missed for his athletic effect as well as his humanitarian activities. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Bridgeman family during this time.”

People who attended the occasion claimed he was telling an intimate narrative in his final minutes, calling it the finest epitaph for him.

“He realised I was not going to be a scout because my family didn’t have $1.25 at the time to be a scout,” David Tandy, former Metro Council President, explained. “He admonished everybody in the room to give so that others would have an opportunity to be able to become a scout.”

He was 71.

Ulysses Lee Bridgeman, 71, was born in East Chicago, Indiana, and played for Denny Crum at Louisville, where he was named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year in 1974-75. The NCAA did not allow freshmen to play varsity basketball until the 1972-73 season, therefore Bridgeman succeeded on a freshman squad that Crum felt was more skilled than the freshman class Adolph Rupp brought to Kentucky, which featured Mr. Basketballs from Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois.

Bridgeman scored 1,348 points with the Cardinals over three seasons, as the team won 72 of 89 games. He guided the team to the 1975 Final Four, where they lost in overtime against UCLA in San Diego, California. With a victory, U of L would have faced UK for the title.

Bridgeman was taken eighth overall in the 1975 NBA draft by the Lakers and was part of the four-player deal sent to Milwaukee for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He scored 11,517 points over a twelve seasons, citing Crum and his staff’s coaching as the key to his success.

Bridgeman played with the Bucks from 1975 to 1984, then spent two seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers before returning to Milwaukee for his last NBA season in 1986-87. He is eighth in Bucks history for field goals made (4,142), ninth in points (9,892), and tenth in minutes (18,054).

Bridgeman’s 711 career games for Milwaukee place him third in team history, after only current Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. The Bucks retired his number 2 jersey in 1988.

Following his playing career, Bridgeman began investing in restaurants, eventually becoming the owner and CEO of Bridgeman Foods, which owned over 450 Wendy’s and Chili’s locations in 20 states until 2016. He also worked as an independent bottler for Coca-Cola. His family owns both Ebony and Jet magazines.

Forbes magazine named Bridgeman as one of the wealthiest retired athletes in the United States.

And his success as a businessman as well as a player made him appealing to NBA clubs looking for investors to buy stock in their team. Bridgeman acquired a 10% share in the Milwaukee Bucks in September 2024, for a total of $4 billion. He stated at the time that he thought his new job would allow him to educate athletes on the best measures to take and pitfalls to avoid as they prepare for life beyond basketball. He’s had similar chats with players in the past.

“Nobody wants to see guys not be successful, or as successful as they could be,” Bridgeman told the crowd. “Maybe one day, they’ll be sitting up here, not as 10% owners, but as full owners of the Milwaukee Bucks club. “You never know.”

In fact, former NBA great and current TBS pundit Shaquille O’Neal recalled Bridgeman on broadcast Tuesday as a mentor for his own career outside of basketball. “This one really hit hard for me,” O’Neal remarked. “A lot of people don’t know this, but I patterned my whole business acumen after Junior Bridgeman.”

Bridgeman, according to O’Neal, opened doors for him, including a position on the board of directors and spokesman for Louisville-based Papa Johns.

Bridgeman and three other Valhalla Golf Club members, Jimmy Kirchdorfer, David Novak, and Ches Musselman, bought the club from the PGA of America in 2022.

He was involved in community activities in Louisville and served as chairman of the University of Louisville’s Board of Trustees from 2003 to 2005. He temporarily rejoined the board after former Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin reorganised it in 2016.

Sen. Mitch McConnell was one among many who reacted to Bridgeman’s passing.

“Elaine and I were saddened to hear about the passing of our friend, Junior Bridgeman,” he told me. “He was not just a passionate Louisville Cardinal, but also a wealthy businessman and philanthropist who cherished the university and the city he called home. Elaine and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Doris, his three children, and everyone who knew and loved him. “He’ll be missed.”

Former U of L sports director Vince Tyra described Bridgeman as an invaluable resource when he took over the department amid difficult times.

“I consider myself fortunate to have had him as a friend, and I am grateful for everything he done. “Known and unknown,” Tyra wrote on X. “His narrative will be difficult to recreate, but it demonstrates what is possible. Miss you, JB.”

Bridgeman served on several additional boards, including Fifth Third Bank, the Louisville Free Public Library, West End School, and the Crusade for Children Foundation. According to a profile on the University of Louisiana’s website, he served as the African American Heritage Foundation’s capital campaign co-chair.

Bridgeman, a board member of Churchill Downs Inc., was recalled by CEO Bill Carstanjen for his “entrepreneurial vision and commitment” in establishing the organisation.

Bridgeman was on the Louisville Arena Authority’s founding board, which obtained financing for what became the KFC Yum! Centre amid a period of heated community discussion and the national financial crisis in 2008, which shook the project’s funding plan.

Jim Host, the previous long-time head of the arena authority, described Bridgeman as “one of the most instrumental people in helping get the arena done.”

Host stated that he does not recall Bridgeman ever skipping a board meeting, even when operating his own company. Host credited Bridgeman with assisting the arena project in meeting its minority contracting targets.

“He had a quiet way about him, but every solitary thing he told me that he would do he did,” explained the host. “He never ran away from responsibilities. He was really competitive, and he would phone me about various things he believed I could have overlooked in the arena.”

Louisville Fans Rejoice as Pat Kelsey Leads Remarkable Turnaround in First Year

Louisville, KY – The University of Louisville men’s basketball team has made an incredible resurgence under first-year head coach Pat Kelsey, bringing new life to the program and restoring excitement among Cardinals fans.

A New Era Begins

After two difficult seasons that saw the program struggle with a combined 12-52 record, the Cardinals have found new momentum under Kelsey, who took over the reins in March 2024. With his high-energy coaching style and emphasis on teamwork, Louisville has exceeded expectations, boasting a 20-6 record and a strong standing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Kelsey’s arrival from the College of Charleston injected a winning mentality into the team, and the results were almost immediate. Louisville opened the season with a dominant 93-45 victory over Morehead State, setting the tone for a campaign filled with statement wins, including an 83-70 triumph over North Carolina in early January.

Transfers Spark Louisville’s Revival

Key to Louisville’s turnaround has been the contributions of transfer players, particularly guard Chucky Hepburn, who has led the team in scoring on multiple occasions. Reyne Smith and Terrence Edwards Jr. have also played crucial roles, providing experience and leadership that have helped propel the Cardinals to a 10-game winning streak, their best in five years.

“The culture here has changed completely,” Hepburn said after the team’s latest victory. “Coach Kelsey expects the best from us every day, and we’ve all bought into it.”

Fans Embrace the Rebuild

Perhaps the most noticeable shift has been the atmosphere at the KFC Yum! Center, where sellout crowds have returned, fueling the team’s confidence. Louisville’s fanbase, known for its passion, has rallied behind Kelsey and his players, embracing the fresh energy and aggressive playing style he has implemented.

Kelsey himself has leaned into the city’s enthusiasm, frequently engaging with students and celebrating wins with emotional postgame interactions.

“This city loves its basketball, and we want to give them a team they can be proud of,” Kelsey stated. “We’re just getting started.”

Looking Ahead

With the postseason fast approaching, Louisville has positioned itself as a legitimate contender for an NCAA Tournament bid—a goal that seemed out of reach just a year ago. As the Cardinals continue to improve, the excitement surrounding the program suggests that Kelsey’s first season is just the beginning of something special in Louisville.

For the fans who endured recent struggles, this season has been a welcome return to form, and the celebration is just getting started.

Pat Kelsey sends a strong three-word fiery message to the Louisville basketball’s team after their Cardinals 14th win…

Pat Kelsey has complete respect and faith in his “25-strong” and is a major reason why the Louisville basketball team has made such a spectacular turnaround.

The Louisville Cardinals made history Saturday afternoon, winning their 14th ACC game this season and 21st overall.

The Cardinals’ 14th win is now the second most ACC regular season wins in school history, and their 21 wins are 13 more than last year’s total, tying their program record for greatest turnaround in two seasons.

The Cardinals are headed by first-year head coach Pat Kelsey, who was just named a finalist for the Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year Watch List. Kelsey has ignited the Louisville basketball program, and in his post-game news conference, he delivered a furious message.

Louisville Cardinals are flying at the perfect time, having won 15 of their previous 16 games and are now on a five-game winning run.

Pat Kelsey is receiving well-deserved media exposure, but when asked what it meant to him to be named a top 15 Coach of the Year, he was humble, but he also delivered a strong message to Cardinals fans that should give them chills.

“Our GA’s, our student managers, our strength coach, our trainer, our scout team point guard, they think, because I believe it, that in order for us to be great, they have to be the best in the country at what they do.” Pat Kelsey spoke about what makes this squad so historic. “It is that mindset, as well as my personnel, and the believe I have in them, the faith I place in them, the work they perform, and the perfection with which they conduct themselves on a daily basis. I feel that if everyone in the organisation acts in this manner, the outcomes will take care of themselves for the most of this year.

Yes, the 13 transfers help, and Chucky Hepburn is a good point guard, but Kelsey’s culture at Louisville is already having an impact on the Cardinals basketball team, as seen by his strong message.

“That is power of the unit.” Kelsey stated. “We’re pretty excellent, and clearly I’m the man at the podium you want to talk to, and they put me on a list or whatever. “It is the power of the unit.” Kelsey remarked as he aggressively tapped the table.

Pat Kelsey may be one of the most modest coaches in collegiate athletics, but his love and concern for his staff and squad is unparalleled. Kelsey has showed support for his whole crew, and he thanked them all again Saturday afternoon, referring to them as “25-strong”.

“It has a strength of 25. The student managers’ position and job, and I know you’re sick of hearing that from me, but it’s just as important, and it’s no more or less important than mine, and it’s everyone in that organisation smiling and doing their job.” Kelsey commented after the Cardinals’ 89-81 win.

Kelsey said numerous times that he desired the Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year Watch List included the entire organisation rather than just his name. It is something Cardinals fans like hearing. It’s unsettling, since Kelsey’s message is a clear reason why they’ve had such a dramatic reversal this season.

“It’s a joke that I’m even on there with some of those names; are you kidding me?” What are their names? I’m not worried about it.” Kelsey remarked, increasing his voice into the microphone. “I offer all of the credit to the organization’s employees who put in their best effort every day, which is why we are successful. Period.”

Pat Kelsey praises not just his players and assistant coaches, but also his whole staff, which includes graduate assistants, student managers, and a scouting squad. One obvious reason for Louisville’s remarkable turnaround is a coach who has complete respect and faith in his “25-strong” squad.

The Cardinals have only four games remaining and are on the verge of making history, as one more win will secure the largest turnaround in club history and tie a program record for most ACC victories in a single season.

Is Pat Kelsey of the University of Louisville the National College Basketball Coach of the Year?

As of February 25, 2025, Pat Kelsey, the head coach of the University of Louisville men’s basketball team, has not been officially named the National College Basketball Coach of the Year. However, his remarkable achievements in his inaugural season have positioned him as a strong contender for this prestigious honor.

A Transformative Season for Louisville Basketball

When Pat Kelsey assumed the head coaching role at Louisville on March 28, 2024, he inherited a program that had faced significant challenges in recent years. The previous season concluded with an 8–24 record, including a dismal 3–17 mark in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play, leading to the dismissal of former head coach Kenny Payne. Kelsey’s appointment marked a new chapter for the Cardinals, bringing hope and a renewed sense of purpose to the team and its supporters.

Under Kelsey’s leadership, the 2024–25 Louisville Cardinals have experienced a dramatic turnaround. The team currently boasts a 21–6 overall record and a 14–2 record in ACC play, a stark contrast to their performance in the prior season. This remarkable improvement has not only revitalized the program but has also garnered national attention, with the Cardinals re-entering the Associated Press Top 25 rankings for the first time since 2021.

Key Factors in Louisville’s Resurgence

Several factors have contributed to Louisville’s impressive performance this season:

1. Strategic Recruitment and Player Development: Kelsey and his coaching staff undertook a comprehensive overhaul of the roster, bringing in 13 new players, including 12 transfers. This strategic recruitment infused the team with experienced talent, fostering a competitive and cohesive unit on the court.
2. Emphasis on Defense and Rebounding: The Cardinals have excelled in defensive play and rebounding, often dominating opponents in these critical aspects of the game. Their defensive prowess has been a cornerstone of their success, limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities and creating offensive transitions.
3. Strong Road Performance: Louisville has demonstrated resilience and composure in away games, securing 11 double-digit road victories, which leads the nation. Their ability to perform under pressure in hostile environments has been a testament to their mental toughness and preparation.

Recognition and Accolades

In light of these accomplishments, Pat Kelsey has been named to the 2025 Werner Ladder Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year Watch List, an honor that highlights his impact and success in transforming the Louisville basketball program.

A Culture of Gratitude and Authenticity

Beyond the tangible improvements in performance, Kelsey has instilled a culture of gratitude and authenticity within the team. This cultural shift has fostered a supportive environment where players are encouraged to be their true selves, both on and off the court. A poignant example of this culture is the team’s support for fifth-year senior Terrence Edwards Jr., who, after witnessing the birth of his son, was met with an outpouring of love and support from his teammates upon rejoining the team for a game against Notre Dame.

Conclusion

While the official announcement of the National College Basketball Coach of the Year is yet to be made, Pat Kelsey’s transformative impact on the University of Louisville’s men’s basketball program has undeniably positioned him as a leading candidate for the honor. His strategic vision, emphasis on core basketball fundamentals, and commitment to fostering a positive team culture have not only revitalized the Cardinals but have also set a new standard of excellence within collegiate basketball.

Louisville basketball coach Pat Kelsey makes the watch list for the Naismith National Coach of the Year Award

Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal

Pat Kelsey, the University of Louisville’s basketball coach, has been selected one of 15 coaches to watch for the Naismith National Coach of the Year Award.

Kelsey guided the Cardinals to a 20-6 record in his debut season as head coach.

Pat Kelsey, a basketball coach at the University of Louisville, has been recognised as one of the top candidates for the Naismith National Coach of the Year Award.

According to a Friday release, Kelsey is one of 15 coaches being nominated for the prize. The previous year’s winner was Dan Hurley, head coach of the University of Connecticut men’s basketball team.

Kelsey took over as head coach of the University of Louisville this season, succeeding Kenny Payne, and has led the team to an overall record of 20-6. In the previous two seasons, the Cardinals won only 12 regular-season games.

University of Louisville Where are former Louisville basketball head coaches and assistants?

The following coaches are also worth watching.

Greg Gard: Wisconsin

Dennis Gates of Missouri

Todd Golden: Florida

Penny Hardaway: Memphis.

Tom Izzo, Michigan State

Dusty May: Michigan

Grant McCasland, Texas Tech

Ben McCollum: Drake

Matt Painter: Purdue

Bruce Pearl, Auburn

Rick Pitino, St. John’s

Richard Pitino, New Mexico

Kelvin Sampson, Houston

Jonathan Scheyer: Duke

Louisville Wins Five Straight Games, Holding Off Florida State

The Cardinals also pull out the regular season sweep over the Seminoles.

Louisville, Kentucky After taking a couple more days off, the Louisville men’s basketball team resumed their play and managed to hold off Florida State long enough to win 89-81 in the KFC Yum! Centre on Saturday.

at addition to extending their winning run to five games, the Cardinals (21-6, 14-2 ACC) defeat the Seminoles (16-11, 7-9 ACC) 90-76 at Tallahassee to complete the regular season sweep.

It’s the first time Louisville has swept two ACC teams in the regular season since their 2017–18 campaign, when they did the same against Pitt and Virginia Tech. They also swept Virginia earlier this year.

It was by no means Louisville’s most effective game. They had more turnovers (13) than assists (10), shot 50%, and only made 7 of 21 three-pointers. Conversely, they let Florida State shoot 54.2 percent for the game, which is their highest percentage this season in a victory and the highest by an opponent since Kentucky shot 58.2 percent from the field.

The free throw line was the game’s main difference. FSU was 13 of 17 in the charity stripe, while Louisville hit an incredible 30-of-34. In addition, the Cardinals scored 17 points off turnovers compared to the Seminoles’ 7.

Typically a facilitator, Chucky Hepburn scored 29 points to lead Louisville in scoring. He also broke the school record for the most made free throws in a single game, going 17 of 19 at the line.

Three other Cardinals scored in double figures as well. Terrence Edwards Jr. contributed 16 points, Reyne Smith ended with 11 points, and J’Vonne Hadley recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Jamir Watkins lead FSU with 23 points.

Louisville made a strong first impression. The Seminoles burned a timeout just 80 seconds into the game after Florida State missed their first four shots in addition to making two three-pointers in the opening minute.

By messing up the game on defence, the ‘Noles attempted to rally, but the Cardinals threw a kink in their own strategy. UofL held FSU to 12-of-26 from the floor and caused 12 turnovers for 15 points off of them in the first half alone.

Louisville maintained their composure during moments in the first half when their attacking flow faltered. They hit it 15-of-28 from the field and 5-of-12 on three-point tries, leading by as much as 20 points and carrying a 45-31 lead into halftime despite turning it over eight times during this time.

Momentum began to go in the opposite manner in the second half. While Florida State’s offence began to get into a groove, Louisville’s offence encountered some hiccups.

The Cardinals’ advantage was reduced to eight points by four turnovers in the opening four minutes, and it was reduced to as little as six points with less than nine minutes remaining due to a 0-for-5 cold streak following a 6-of-8 shooting start to the quarter.

The Cardinals were able to dig deep and deliver a counterpunch after the Seminoles placed them on the ropes. With little over four minutes remaining, they pulled off a 13–4 run to increase their advantage back to 15 points.

With 1:35 remaining, FSU managed to put together a quick 9-0 run to go within six, but UofL did just enough to keep their guests at bay. Twenty second-half free throws proved to be the difference, even though Louisville only shot 11 for 24 in the second half compared to Florida State’s 20 for 33.

Next up, Louisville travels to Blacksburg to play Virginia Tech, their last road trip of the season. Tuesday, February 25 at 9:00 p.m. EST is the planned tip-off time versus the Hokies.

MCGAVIC MATTHEW

McGavic is a native of the Derby City and a 2016 graduate of the University of Louisville’s Sport Administration program. Since 2017, he has covered the Cardinals in a variety of roles, including a brief stint covering Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia. Plus, he co-hosts the State of Louisville network’s ‘From The Pink Seats’ podcast. Dog enthusiast, video gamer, and bourbon drinker. His Twitter handle is @Matt_McGavic.