University of Memphis Athletics
Former Tiger All-American James "Spook" Bradley Passes Away
May 15, 2023 | Men's Basketball
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Former Memphis Tiger men's basketball standout James "Spook" Bradley passed away at the age of 67 on April 12.
A native Memphian, Bradley played at Melrose High School where his team went 35-0 and won a state championship his junior season in 1974, becoming the first team to accomplish the feat. His Melrose jersey was retired earlier this year on February 13.
After playing one season at Connors State where he was an NJCAA Honorable Mention, Bradley transferred back home to play for the Tigers where he averaged 16.5 points and 9.2 rebounds across 76 games and three seasons.
He was the 16th player in program history to eclipse 1,000 points and his 1,254 career total ranks 23rd in the Memphis record book.
Bradley also ranks 10th all-time with 716 career rebounds after leading the Tigers on the glass during his final two seasons.
The 6-foot-8 forward hauled in 33 double-doubles for the Tigers and averaged a career-best 18.3 points in the 1977-78 season.
He was a two-time Metro Conference First Team selection and earned Associated Press All-America honors in 1978. During his time as a Tiger, Bradley was also recognized as Honorable Mention All-America three times by Sporting News (1978 & 1979) and Converse (1977).
Bradley was drafted 35th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 1979 NBA Draft.
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