Shawn Bradley: Mormon Athlete
Shawn Paul Bradley is a retired American professional basketball player. He also played on a German national basketball team that finished fourth in EuroBasket 2001.
He was born on March 22, 1972, in Landstuhl, West Germany, and was raised in Castle Dale, Utah. During his high school years, he was named All-State three times and earned the season MVP award twice. He was named MVP for the West team during the McDonald’s All-American Game.
Many colleges recruited him, but he selected Brigham Young University. Bradley enjoyed a successful freshman year and collected several awards and honors. He was named the Western Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year, in addition to All-WAC defensive team and newcomer team honors. The Associated Press named him Honorable Mention All-American. After the end of the season, he left school to serve as a Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of which he is a member. After his mission to Australia, he decided to enter the 1993 NBA Draft.
At 7 foot 6 inches, 235 pounds, he was controversial. Some felt that he lacked experience and was too thin. Others felt that he would dominate the league with his height and athleticism. He was the second overall pick and began his professional career in 1993 playing center for the Philadelphia 76ers. Into his third season, the 76ers traded him to the New Jersey Nets because of his inconsistent play. In 1996, the Nets traded him to the Dallas Mavericks where he remained until his retirement in 2005. He finished his career with averages of 8.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks in 23.5 minutes of action per game.
Bradley has had a successful career as vice-principal, counselor, and coach at a private school for at-risk adolescents. In 2010, he had an unsuccessful run for a seat in the Utah House of Representatives. He appeared in a few films and shows, including Space Jam and The Singles Ward, and television episodes of Walker, Texas Ranger and Studio C.
He participates in charitable projects such as Bryan’s House, Basketball Without Borders, and Rising Star Outreach.
Bradley married Annette Evertson in 1993 and they are the parents of four daughters and two sons. They live in Murray, Utah.
