Luc Longley

First Australian in the NBA, three-time Bulls champion.

Lucien James Longley (born 19 January 1969) is an Australian professional basketball coach and former player. He was the first Australian to play in the NBA, where he played for four teams over 10 seasons. He most notably played for the Chicago Bulls, with whom he won three championships from 1996 to 1998. Longley represented Australia as a player at three Olympic Games in 1988, 1992 and 2000; he has worked as an assistant coach for the Australian national basketball team.

Quick Facts

Born: 19 January 1969
Birthplace: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
High school: Scotch College (Perth, Western Australia)
College: New Mexico (1987–1991)
Draft round: 1
Drafted by: Minnesota Timberwolves
Career position: Center
Career number: 13

Lore & Background

Longley began his career in Australia with a brief stint playing for the Perth Wildcats of the NBL in 1986. He played collegiately for the New Mexico Lobos and was drafted 7th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 1991 NBA draft. He played three seasons with the Timberwolves before being traded to the Bulls in 1994. He became the Bulls' starting centre during their historic 1995–96 season when they set the NBA record for most wins in a regular season with 72. Longley was an important component of the team's success and stayed in the Bulls' starting lineup during their championship three-peat. After the demise of the Bulls after their 1998 championship win, he had brief stints playing with the Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks.

Reader's Guide

Longley was born 19 January 1969 in Melbourne, Victoria. He grew up in Fremantle, Western Australia. At age 16 he was a member of the Australian Under-19 side and the following year, 1986, he joined the Wildcats, with whom he played two games. He attended the University of New Mexico from 1987 to 1991.

He helped New Mexico reach the NCAA Tournament in 1991. At nineteen he was a member of the national team for the Seoul Olympics, where they finished fourth. He also spent time at the Australian Institute of Sport in 1986 and 1987. He represented Australia at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992.

Post-season surgery to his left ankle and recovery time forced him to miss playing for the Australian Boomers at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. He appeared in three Summer Olympic Games (1988, 1992 and 2000) as well as at the 1990 FIBA World Championship. Injury prevented him from playing for Australia at the 1996 Olympic games as well as the 1994 and 1998 FIBA World Championships.