Shawn Bradley

Shawn Bradley set NCAA freshman shot-blocking records at BYU during his sole 1990-91 season before a 2-year LDS mission.

Shawn Bradley was born in Landstuhl, Germany in 1972. He attended Brigham Young University for one season — before serving a two-year LDS mission — and won the WAC Player of the Year and was named an All-American. In his single college season he averaged 14.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.2 blocks per game. His shot-blocking ability — a product of his 7ft 6in frame and excellent timing — was unprecedented in the college game. His blocks per game average that season was among the highest ever recorded in college basketball. Philadelphia 76ers selected him second overall in the 1993 NBA Draft behind Chris Webber. His professional career was modest — opponents learned to go around rather than through him — but he played 12 NBA seasons. His single BYU season, followed by a two-year mission, makes his college career one of the most unusual in basketball history: a player who appeared for one year, left for religious service, and then entered the draft as a projected top-three pick based on that single season.

Bradley's game was built around his extraordinary 7'6" frame and exceptional shot-blocking ability. He used his length and timing to alter shots and protect the rim, becoming one of the most dominant defensive presences in college basketball. His offensive game was limited but effective around the basket, where he could score over smaller defenders.

Bradley helped popularize the role of the ultra-tall shot-blocking specialist in both college and professional basketball during the 1990s.

• WAC Freshman of the Year 1991
• AP Honorable Mention All-American 1991
• NCAA blocks leader 1991 (177 total)