Aussies in NBA history: Luc Longley

• First Australian to play in the NBA
• Three-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls (1996-1998)
• Represented Australia in three Olympic Games (1988, 1992, 2000)

There always has to be a first and it was Luc Longley. Longley, now 55, broke barriers as Australia's NBA pioneer, becoming a vital cog in the legendary Chicago Bulls dynasty and paving the way for future Aussie basketball stars.

Key details

Name: Lucien James Longley
‍Age: 55 (born 19 January 1969)
‍Team(s): Minnesota Timberwolves; Chicago Bulls; Phoenix Suns; and New York Knicks
‍Position: Centre
‍Size: 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m)
‍Weight: 265 lb (120 kg)

Luc Longley's playing style was characterised by his imposing size, defensive presence, and ability to facilitate the offense from the post. Standing at an imposing 7 feet 2 inches, Longley was a formidable rim protector and rebounder, using his length to alter shots and secure possessions for his team. His defensive prowess was a key component of the Chicago Bulls' success during their second three-peat in the late 1990s.

Offensively, Longley was not a prolific scorer but excelled in his role within the Bulls' triangle offence. He possessed a soft touch around the basket and was an adept passer for a big man, often finding cutting teammates or kicking out to perimeter shooters. His ability to set solid screens and operate in the high post made him an invaluable piece in creating space for Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen to work their magic.

Luc Longley's Career

Luc Longley's journey to NBA stardom began in Perth, Western Australia, where he first made waves playing for the Perth Wildcats in the NBL at just 17 years old. His potential caught the eye of international scouts, leading him to play college basketball for the University of New Mexico from 1987 to 1991. During this time, Longley honed his skills and grew into his frame, becoming a dominant force in the college ranks.

In 1991, Longley made history as the first Australian to be drafted into the NBA, selected 7th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves. His early years with the struggling Timberwolves were a period of adjustment, as he adapted to the physicality and pace of the NBA game. Despite showing flashes of potential, it wasn't until a trade to the Chicago Bulls in 1994 that Longley's career truly took off.

Joining the Bulls proved to be the turning point in Longley's career. Under the tutelage of legendary coach Phil Jackson and playing alongside all-time greats Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, Longley flourished in his role as the team's starting centre. He was a key contributor to the Bulls' historic 1995-96 season, which saw them set an NBA record with 72 wins. Longley's ability to defend the paint, rebound, and facilitate the offence from the post was crucial to the team's success.

Longley's tenure with the Bulls resulted in three consecutive NBA championships from 1996 to 1998, cementing his place in basketball history. Following the breakup of the Bulls dynasty, Longley had stints with the Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks before retiring in 2001 due to a degenerative ankle condition. Throughout his NBA career, Longley averaged 7.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, numbers that belie his true impact on the court.

Parallel to his NBA career, Longley was a stalwart for the Australian Boomers. He represented Australia in three Olympic Games (1988, 1992, and 2000), helping to elevate the profile of Australian basketball on the international stage. His experience and leadership were invaluable to the national team, inspiring a generation of Australian players to pursue their NBA dreams.

Five Fast Facts:

1. Longley was the first Australian to play in the NBA and win an NBA championship.
2. He played college basketball at the University of New Mexico, where he averaged 19.1 points and 9.2 rebounds in his senior year.
3. Longley was a part of the Chicago Bulls team that set the NBA record for most wins in a regular season (72) in 1995-96.
4. He co-authored a book titled "Running with the Bulls" about the 1995-96 season, with a foreword by coach Phil Jackson.
5. After retiring, Longley served as an assistant coach for the Australian national basketball team from 2013 to 2019.

Career Highlights Timeline:

1986: Debut for Perth Wildcats in the NBL at age 17

1987: Begins college career at the University of New Mexico

1988: Represents Australia at the Seoul Olympics

1991: Drafted 7th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves, becoming the first Australian in the NBA

1992: Plays for Australia at the Barcelona Olympics

1994: Traded to the Chicago Bulls

1996: Wins first NBA championship with the Bulls

1997: Secures second NBA championship

1998: Completes three-peat with Bulls, winning third NBA championship

2000: Represents Australia at the Sydney Olympics

2001: Retires from professional basketball

Luc Longley's impact on Australian and international basketball cannot be overstated. As the first Australian to break into the NBA, he paved the way for future generations of Aussie talent to make their mark on the world's biggest basketball stage. His success with the Chicago Bulls, culminating in three NBA championships, proved that Australian players could compete and excel at the highest level of the sport.

Beyond his on-court achievements, Longley's legacy lies in his role as a trailblazer and ambassador for Australian basketball. His journey from Perth to the pinnacle of the NBA inspired countless young players in Australia to dream big and pursue their basketball aspirations.

Longley's contributions to the sport, both as a player and later as a coach for the national team, have been instrumental in elevating Australia's standing in the global basketball community, helping to establish the country as a respected basketball nation.