Bullets Congratulate Cal Bruton

Brisbane Bullets Championship winner Cal Bruton has today been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to basketball as a player, coach and his work in the community.

Father of current Bullets Assistant Coach, CJ Bruton, Cal had his own decorated playing career at the Bullets, having two stints at the club from 1979-1981 and then 1985-1986. 1985 will always be one to be remembered with the 66-year-old forming part of the squad who took out the club’s first ever Championship.

Cal then went into coaching, spending his early years as a playing coach in both Geelong and Perth.

CEO Peter McLennan says Bruton is a worthy recipient of such an award.

“Cal is a legend of this club and as part of the Bullets’ first ever Championship winning squad, his legacy will always be remembered,” McLennan said.

“He has achieved everything in this sport and for him to be honoured in this way is a real testament to the contribution he has made both on and off the court.”

Son CJ is also proud of his father’s achievements.

“I’m extremely proud of my father and everything he has done for the family and the sport of basketball as a whole,” he said.

“We are all immensely proud of his achievements but to be recognised publicly is a huge moment for both him and the family.

“His passion for the game is second to none and it’s great that he’s been noticed and recognised.”

Career highlights include:

• NBL Championship player (1985)
• 2 x All-NBL First Team (1983-84)
• NBL Scoring Champion (1979)
• NBL’s 20^th Anniversary Team (1998)
• NBL’s 25^th Anniversary Team (2003)
• NBL Hall of Fame Member
• NBL Championship coach (1990)
• NBL Coach of the Year (1982)