Orlando Woolridge

The high-flying forward who led the Bulls in scoring before Jordan's reign.

Orlando Vernada Woolridge (December 16, 1959 – May 31, 2012) was an American professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1981 to 1994. He was known for his scoring ability, especially on slam dunks. He played college basketball for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Quick Facts

Born: 16 December 1959
Died: 31 May 2012
Birthplace: Bernice, Louisiana, U.S.
Place of death: Mansfield, Louisiana, U.S.
High school: Mansfield (Mansfield, Louisiana)
College: Notre Dame (1977–1981)
Draft round: 1
Drafted by: Chicago Bulls

Lore & Background

Woolridge was selected sixth in the 1981 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls, where he played for his first five seasons. He led the Chicago Bulls in scoring in 1986 and was the last player to lead in scoring before Michael Jordan took over.

Reader's Guide

Woolridge was a forward who played for the Chicago Bulls from 1981 to 1986. He averaged 22.9 points per game in the 1984–85 season and led the Bulls in scoring in the 1985–86 season. He was one of the original alley-oop artists and competed in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1984 and 1985.

Did You Know?

Woolridge was the first to complete what would be called the eastbay funk dunk in the 1984 Slam Dunk Contest.
He was named NBA Player of the Week on December 9, 1984.
Woolridge's son, Renaldo, also became a professional basketball player.
He was a cousin to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame member Willis Reed.