Last Updated on April 16, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here is the detailed profile of William Bedford:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: William Bedford
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born on December 14, 1963
  • Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee, USA
  • Height: 7 feet 0 inches (2.13 meters)
  • Weight: 225 pounds (102 kg) during his playing career
  • Wingspan: 7 feet 2 inches (2.18 meters)
  • Shoe Size: Men’s US size 17
  • Number: 22, 34 (depending on the team)
  • Position: Center
  • High School: Melrose High School (Memphis, Tennessee)
  • College: University of Memphis (formerly Memphis State) (1981–1986)
  • NBA Draft: 1986, 1st round, 6th overall pick by the Phoenix Suns
  • Teams Played For:
    • Phoenix Suns (1986–1987)
    • Detroit Pistons (1987–1992)
    • San Antonio Spurs (1992)
    • Played overseas and in minor leagues post-NBA
  • Championship Rings: 1 (1989 NBA Championship with the Detroit Pistons)
  • Kids: Information about his children is not widely publicized
  • Siblings: Information about his siblings is not widely available

Player Archetype / Play Style

William Bedford’s player archetype was that of a mobile rim-running center: a long, slender 7-footer who could play above the basket, threaten as a finisher around the rim, and use his reach as a shot-blocking presence on the back line. Defensively, he fit best as a paint protector and man-to-man interior defender rather than a bruising post anchor, relying more on length, timing, and mobility than raw strength. Offensively, his role was mostly that of a complementary big who scored on finishes, short-range touch, and opportunistic interior plays, though his size and natural shooting feel once hinted at more upside than he consistently delivered. Physically, Bedford stood out for his height, rangy frame, and uncommon fluidity for a center, and his overall play style reflected that mix of athletic promise, rim protection, and finesse rather than power. (NBA)

Sources:

NBA.com — William Bedford | Center | Detroit Pistons
University of Memphis Athletics — William Bedford – 1985-86 – Men’s Basketball
UPI — NBA Draft Thumbnails – UPI Archives
Detroit Pistons — Tragic Turn | Detroit Pistons