PEORIA, Ill. -- The court in the new basketball practice facility at Bradley University will bear the name of Hall of Famer Mitchell "JJ" Anderson as a result of a charitable contribution from Michael Heisley, owner of the Memphis Grizzlies basketball franchise.
The announcement came today during a ceremony in the new $50 million arena which will open later this month.
"Future generations of Bradley student-athletes are in Michael Heisley's debt for his generous philanthropy. He has helped make it possible for them to compete at the highest level of college basketball, and, in the process he has honored one of our most deserving Bradley greats," said Bradley President Joanne K. Glasser.
The gift is part of The Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance, the university's $150 million fundraising effort. To date, the Renaissance Campaign has secured gifts and commitments in excess of $139 million.
Heisley's Grizzlies Foundation has donated more than $22 million to Memphis-area organizations. Anderson is beginning his 11th year in the Grizzlies organization, where he has worked in the front office, as well as on the coaching staff and scouting department. He currently serves as the NBA team's Director of Pro Personnel.
A product of Chicago Metro High School, Anderson remains one of the top players in Bradley Basketball history and is one of just seven basketball Braves to have his uniform number (11) retired. A four-time All-Missouri Valley Conference selection from 1979-82, Anderson ended his career as the leading scorer in Braves history and his 2,341 points have been surpassed only by Hersey Hawkins.
The only four-time team Most Valuable Player in Bradley Basketball history, Anderson led the Braves to two milestone achievements. As a sophomore in 1980, he led the Braves to their first Valley regular-season title since 1962, the program's first-ever MVC Tournament championship and a spot in the NCAA Tournament field for the first time since 1955. Two years later as a senior in 1982, Anderson led the Braves to another Valley regular-season crown and their fourth NIT championship. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1982 NIT and was selected an All-American by The Sporting News.
In addition to being selected to Bradley's Team of the Century during the program's centennial celebration in 2003, Anderson was voted to the Missouri Valley Conference All-Centennial Team. He remains fifth on The Valley's all-time scoring list.
The 36th overall selection in the 1982 NBA Draft by Philadelphia, Anderson played three NBA seasons for the 76ers and Utah before embarking on an 11-year European career. He helped the Greek club Aris BC to the 1993 European Cup and gained local popularity playing primarily in Florence during eight seasons in Italy.
