William Bedford (basketball)

William Bedford (born December 14, 1963) is an American retired professional basketball player who was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the first round (6th pick overall) of the 1986 NBA draft after playing at Memphis State University (now known as the University of Memphis). Bedford, a 7'0" center, played for the Suns, Detroit Pistons and the San Antonio Spurs in six NBA seasons averaging 4.1 points and 2.4 rebounds per game in his career. Originally projected as a star player, Bedford's NBA career was a disappointment as he succumbed to drug use, never reaching his full potential.[1]

William Bedford
Personal information
Born (1963-12-14) December 14, 1963
Memphis, Tennessee
NationalityAmerican
Listed height7 ft 0 in (2.13 m)
Listed weight225 lb (102 kg)
Career information
High schoolMelrose (Memphis, Tennessee)
CollegeMemphis (1983–1986)
NBA draft1986 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6th overall
Selected by the Phoenix Suns
Playing career1986–1993
PositionCenter
Number50, 25, 20, 00
Career history
1986–1987Phoenix Suns
19871992Detroit Pistons
1992–1993San Antonio Spurs
1993Oklahoma City Cavalry
1993Grand Rapids Hoops
Career highlights and awards
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com

Bedford has had drug problems ever since he left the NBA. He was arrested for drug possession twice between 1996 and 1997. In 2001, Bedford was accused of transporting 25 pounds of marijuana in Michigan.[2] After the Michigan arrest, he was arrested two more times for marijuana, and in 2003 was given a 10-year prison sentence.[3][4] Bedford was released from prison in November 2011. As of 2012, he was coaching basketball in Memphis.[5]

Notes

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