The basketball world is operating with a heavy heart this Tuesday evening. Former Milwaukee Bucks forward Junior Bridgeman has died at the age of 71. 

Bridgeman was at the 45th Annual Leadership Luncheon on Scouting this Tuesday afternoon when he “expressed that he thought he was having a heart attack.” The Galt House, which hosted this luncheon, later confirmed that he passed away.

Bridgeman was an all-conference player at Louisville before going pro. During his stint in the NBA from 1975-1987, he averaged 13.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. Shortly after his death was confirmed, his alma mater released a heartfelt statement.

“Junior Bridgeman was an incredible family man, community leader, business executive and tremendous representative and supporter of the University of Louisville.

But more than that, he embodied the kindness and humanity that we should all seek in ourselves,” Louisville athletic director Josh Heird said. ”

Junior used his immense talents and successes in both business and sport to ensure that his life had a positive impact. He cared deeply about making the world a better place for all of us.

“His life is woven into the fabric of the University of Louisville’s history and story, as a player, as a leader and as a generous supporter of Louisville Athletics and the University.

We will be forever indebted to him for all that he did for our student-athletes, our campus, and most importantly, the Louisville community.

Words cannot fully express our enormous sense of loss today. Our thoughts and prayers are with his entire family, friends, colleagues, and former teammates during this difficult time.”

MILWAUKEE, WI – SEPTEMBER 26: Jimmy Haslam, Jon Horst, Junior Bridgeman and Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks pose for a photo during a press conference on September 26, 2024 at the Froedtert & Medical Science of Wisconsin Sports Science Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)

Gary Dineen/Getty Images

Countless players, coaches and fans have extended their thoughts and prayers to Bridgeman’s family this Tuesday.

“I’m saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Junior Bridgeman,” NBA legend Magic Johnson wrote on X. ”

I had the privilege of playing against him, and I’ll never forget how he had one of the sweetest jump shots in the NBA. But it was his character, his kindness, and his gentle soul that truly left a lasting impression on me.

He was one of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet. What people don’t realize is Junior didn’t make a fortune as a player, but he turned what he earned into something extraordinary, becoming a billionaire African American businessman in this country.”

“So sad to hear the news of the passing of Junior Bridgeman. Such a great and humble man. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family,” Rick Pitino said.

“Junior Bridgeman was class personified. My roommate teammate and mentor. Prayers to the family and the community of Louisville Ky what a great loss. RIP,” one person tweeted.

“Heartbreaking loss with the passing of Junior Bridgeman, my first sports hero as a child and a role model as an adult. A world-class gentleman, thank you for making a difference. Prayers for his family,” another person said.

Bridgeman is survived by his wife Doris and their three children – Eden, Justin and Ryan.

Our thoughts are with Bridgeman’s loved ones.