William Bedford, a towering figure in Memphis basketball history, has been selected for induction into the American Basketball Hall of Fame (ABHOF) as part of its 2025 class. The announcement, made on July 7th, marks a significant achievement for the 7-foot center who played a pivotal role in the Memphis Tigers' memorable 1985 Final Four appearance.
Bedford, a Memphis native and Melrose High School alumnus, spent three seasons showcasing his talents at Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis). His exceptional play and dominant presence quickly established him as one of the nation's top collegiate players. Following his stellar college career, Bedford was chosen as the sixth overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns.
His professional career spanned six seasons, during which he played for three different teams. The pinnacle of his NBA journey arrived in 1990 when he secured an NBA championship as a valued member of the Detroit Pistons.
The American Basketball Hall of Fame, established to honor individuals who have significantly contributed to the sport at all levels, welcomed its inaugural class in 2019. The Hall already boasts an impressive roster of inductees, including basketball icons such as Kobe Bryant, Meadowlark Lemon, Sam Jones, Tom Izzo, Dick Vitale, Isiah Thomas, and Pee Wee Kirkland. Bedford joins a distinguished group of 22 individuals who will be enshrined as part of the 2025 class.
Expressing his gratitude and excitement, Bedford shared his sentiments in a news release: "This means so much to me. It's an incredible honor to be recognized alongside the legends who came before me. I'm truly blessed."
The ABHOF's overarching mission is to celebrate those who have left an indelible mark on the game of basketball, recognizing contributions from the high school and college ranks to professional leagues such as the NBA, ABA, and WNBA, and beyond. The organization emphasizes the importance of acknowledging individuals who have driven the sport forward through their dedication, skill, and passion.
During his time at Memphis State, Bedford demonstrated his consistent excellence, recording 21 double-doubles in 93 games. His defensive prowess was particularly noteworthy. He stands as one of only two players in program history, alongside Keith Lee, to achieve 80 or more blocks in multiple seasons. Bedford's name is etched in the Tigers' record books, ranking 26th on the all-time scoring list with a total of 1,225 career points. Moreover, his outstanding shot-blocking ability places him fourth in program history with an impressive 234 total blocks.
In a revealing moment during an ABHOF livestream on July 7th, Bedford recounted his initial reluctance towards basketball: "I grew up not liking basketball. I didn't want to have nothing to do with basketball." He then described how interactions with certain individuals sparked his interest and motivation to try the sport. "Just met a couple people that got me motivated enough to go to a gym. I started learning how to play the game and then, I started to fall in love with the game. And then, I started to love the game so much that I wanted to play instead of getting paid." This anecdote highlights the transformative power of mentorship and the unexpected paths that can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Key Accomplishments of William Bedford:
- 1985 Final Four Appearance: A key contributor to Memphis State's remarkable run.
- NBA Champion: Won an NBA title with the Detroit Pistons in 1990.
- NBA Draft Selection: Drafted sixth overall by the Phoenix Suns in 1986.
- Memphis State Standout: Ranks among the program's all-time leaders in scoring and blocks.
- Double-Double Machine: Recorded 21 double-doubles during his collegiate career.
- Multiple 80+ Block Seasons: One of only two players in Memphis State history to achieve this feat.
- American Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee: Part of the 2025 induction class.
Bedford's journey from a reluctant participant to a celebrated basketball icon is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the transformative power of the sport. His induction into the American Basketball Hall of Fame is a well-deserved recognition of his contributions to the game, both on and off the court. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of basketball players in Memphis and beyond.
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