Bill Bradley Reminisces About Willis Reed, Great Teammate, Better Person!

U.S. Senator and former NBA star Bill Bradley is remembering his beloved teammate, Willis Reed, following the Knicks legend’s tragic passing this week … saying he’ll at all times keep in mind “The Captain” as “a man with great dignity and strength.”

Bradley — who served as a United States Senator of New Jersey (1979 to 1997) after retiring from the NBA — joined Babcock on the “TMZ Sports” TV present (airs weeknights on FS1) the place he talked about his teammate who remained his pal lengthy after their taking part in days have been over.

Of course, Reed and Bradley gained two titles collectively (’70 & ’73) throughout their stellar careers in The Big Apple … however Bill believes a giant motive why the Knicks took residence their first title in 1970 was as a result of Reed shocked everybody and suited up for Game 7, regardless of being injured.

“He was a tremendous leader,” Bradley mentioned. “And, you don’t always have players who so overtly put their whole career on the line for their teammates, which is what he did in 1970.”

“We won the championship and it was partly inspired by Willis’ courage and dedication to his team,” Bradley mentioned. “You really just felt everything elevate in The Garden.”

Of course, Bradley did not solely star on the professional degree … he was one of many best faculty basketball gamers ever.

His alma mater, Princeton, a #15-seed, will face #6-seed Creighton within the Sweet 16 on Friday … after the workforce pulled off two upset wins over Arizona and Missouri final week.

Bradley — an AP College Player of the Year who additionally gained Most Outstanding Player within the NCAA tourney in 1965 — does not imagine the Cinderella run has to finish right here … he wholeheartedly believes the Tigers can win.

“They stand a great chance,” the 79-year-old mentioned.

“They’re playing seemingly well. I like the team and, of course, I respect Mitch a lot and it’s great for the university.”

Now, the Senator is not guaranteeing Princeton’s going to the Final Four, however like he says … “anything is possible in sports.”