GameAbove Sports Joins NBL Legend to Inspire Youth

With the power of GameAbove Sports, Bruton, a long-time Australia basketball ambassador, can expand his successful Bruton Basketball Foundation.

Fort Meyers, FL – Calvin Bruton (Brew-tin) has always been a giver. The former NBA guard starred and coached in Australia's National Basketball League (NBL) for 25 years. He continues supporting the country with his basketball foundation, Bruton Basketball Foundation and is now getting well-deserved help.

GameAbove Sports, the sports division of GameAbove, a brand rooted in philanthropy, has donated $800,000 AUD to the Bruton Basketball Foundation to ensure it stays strong and impactful. It is now known as BBF, Powered by GameAbove Sports. “We believe in bettering the lives of children. Calvin has done an incredible and inspirational job of coaching and educating young men and women, helping them aspire to be the best they can be,” says GameAbove Chairman Keith J. Stone.

Calvin Bruton with Bruton Basketball Camp attendees

One of Bruton’s favorite messages to kids is, “Teamwork makes the dream work.” He says the partnership with GameAbove Sports has helped fulfill his dream for his foundation. “GameAbove’s commitment and financial assistance has taken BBF and me to a whole new level of excitement. The opportunity is one that I’m forever grateful for. It will help uplift young people all around Australia.”

But BBF, Powered by GameAbove Sports, is more than basketball. 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.”

Bruton played college basketball at Wichita State from 1972-1976, earning first-team all-conference honors his senior year. Despite being 5-9, Bruton never let his small stature stop him from reaching big goals. One of his many messages to young people is, “Your Attitude is Your Altitude.”

At different times in his storied NBL career, Bruton led the NBL in scoring, assists, free-throw shooting, and three-point shooting, earning him the nickname “The Black Pearl.”He was named Coach of the Year and won a championship as a player and coach. He also represented Australia at the World Championships in Spain, becoming the first Black American to represent Australia in any sport.

Together with his son, CJ, who captained Australia at the Beijing and Athens Olympics, they are the second father and son combination to be inducted into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame. CJ is one of the executives of the BBF staff.

Bruton has a close friendship with GameAbove’s George Gervin. They have been friends for almost 50 years, opening the door to being part of the GameAbove family. Gervin glowingly says, “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.”