Cal Bruton - OzhoopsAlmanac (original) (raw)

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Calvin Bruton, nicknamed "The Black Pearl", was a player and coach in the National Basketball League. Originally an American import, Bruton went on to have a storied career in the NBL, and was one of the first members of the NBL Hall Of Fame when it opened in 1998.

Playing Career

Bruton was one of the first imports to play in the NBL, joining the Brisbane Bullets for the inaugural 1979 season. Bruton led all scorers in the NBL's first year, averaging over 33 points per game. After playing one season in Brisbane, Bruton joined the Geelong Supercats in 1982. As a Supercat, Bruton was named to the All-NBL First Team in 1983 and 1984.

Bruton rejoined the Bullets in 1985 and helped them to their first NBL championship.

In 1987 Bruton left Brisbane once more, this time heading to the Perth Wildcats. He played three seasons as a Wildcat, including two as player/coach, before taking the reins as Perth's head coach in 1990. Under his guidance Perth won its first NBL championship.

In 1992 he played one more NBL season, this time as a Hobart Devil. Bruton would later coach the Devils before their demise in 1996.

In 2000 Bruton returned to coaching, taking the reins at the cash-strapped Canberra Cannons. Bruton assembled a strong team for the Cannons' 2002/03 campaign, including his son CJ Bruton, but the club ran into financial difficulty midway through the season and the Brutons were unable to stay with the embattled club.

A naturalised Australian, Bruton represented his adopted nation at the 1986 FIBA World Championships in Spain.

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