Cal’s Mission to Make Dreams Come True

One of Cal Bruton’s favourite messages to kids is “teamwork makes the dream work.”

And basketball legend Bruton wants to help the dreams of Indigenous kids across Australia come true.

Bruton’s Basketball Foundation has been reaching out to Indigenous kids to offer them an insight into sport and what the games of ‘hoops’ can offer.

For those who may not follow basketball, Cal Bruton is a legend in the NBL – the National Basketball League.

A player and coach, and a championship winner involved in the game after arriving from the US in 1979.

Tough early life

With over 250 NBL games under his belt, Bruton’s career began in New York, moved to Wichita State University and to the NBA and briefly at the San Antonio Spurs before he was offered the chance to play in Australia with the Brisbane Bullets.

Growing up in Queens was no picnic. A tough upbringing. His dad died when he was seven and he looked after his mum as he grew up.

“Sport enabled me to stay out of trouble,” Bruton told First Nations News.

“I was pretty good at a number of sports, baseball and Pop Warner (gridiron), but basketball was my main love.”

At just five foot seven though, it was always going to be a challenge.

“But I was quick and had speed,” he joked. “Run and stun and have some fun.”

Giving back to communities

That lifestyle message is still with him today as he uses his foundation to engage with kids around the country. He recently held a camp in Broome in northwest WA with Indigenous youngsters.

“The foundation started out small five years ago. I think the first one we held had just four kids, but it has grown.”

“It’s a national thing and we want to give back to communities and help others less fortunate than us.”

Bruton, who has since become a proud Australian citizen, has five sons and one daughter, all achieving in their own way.

Son CJ, who captained the Boomers at the Olympics, plays for the Beijing Ducks in China. Another, Elliott coaches in NSW. Dante is with the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL, Brooklyn plays in Canberra, his daughter is a clinical psychologist and Austin works with dad.

Help kids stay out of trouble

And backed by GameAbove – a philanthropic organisation based in Detroit, Michigan, he is now able to put back, even approaching 71 in a couple of weeks time.

On the GameAbove website, Bruton says “We focus on education and employment, helping young people get jobs and further their education. The foundation has helped thousands of kids.”

“The success stories are what keep us going. There are no limitations to helping anyone become a better version of themselves.”

He has a close friendship with GameAbove’s George Gervin. They have been friends for 50 years, opening the door to being part of the GameAbove family.

Gervin says on the website: “What I admire most about Calvin is his love for the game and his love for people. He was a winner on the court, and now he’s winning off it, and the communities around Australia are benefitting.

“He’s teaching basketball and life skills; he’s making a difference.”

“I love coaching kids,” Bruton said. “Retiring isn’t in my vocabulary.”

“I want to use sport to help kids stay out of trouble. I met an indigenous family back in 1983 and fell in love with them, with their culture.”

“They gave me a great history lesson in Indigenous culture and I want to help.”

Wherever Bruton goes the kids want to know more. He’s an infectious character you can’t help but love.

He coached Indigenous basketball star Patty Mills when he was 16 and he’d like to see more Indigenous players in the game.

Opportunities in sport

“I think we have four Indigenous players in the NBL right now and I would love to see every club with a First Nations player, or a coach or on staff.

“Right now that’s not the case. But that’s our aim.”

If Bruton can show Indigenous communities what can be achieved from sport he will be a happy man.

“We can give kids the opportunity to see the game and what it presents. There’s a few coming through now.”

The visit to Broome was very successful for Cal’s foundation.

Johnny Narkle is a development squad player in Wollongong at the Hawks.

Narkle has been turning heads with his growth on and off the court.

And Bruton is certain there are more kids out there.

Write down your goals

“I ask the kids ‘how high do you want to rise?’ Bruton who was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2021, said.

“It’s about attitude and setting goals. I came from a real tough part of New York where there was crime and drugs, so I can relate.”

“We keep investing and we ask them to write down their goals. It’s a real blessing to have the chance to go to the communities and talk to them and help.”

“My name is an acronym.” He credits his grandson Rio for that.

• B – be the best possible person you can be
• R – respect your elders
• U – use your manners
• T – trust yourself and God
• O – own your mistakes
• N – never give up

Life is still 100 kilometres an hour for Cal Bruton as he takes his Foundation around the country, putting in and getting so much out.

Basketball, like so many sports can teach teamwork, it brings people together, makes better human beings and can make those dreams become reality.

Teamwork

“I want to reach communities to help them and to make things happen,” he said.

As he said, when we first spoke: Teamwork makes the dream work.

To find out more about the Bruton Basketball Foundation, go to https://brutonbasketballfoundation.com.au/

And Shoot for the Stars!