Host Ed Sutkowski talks with Jim Les, Head Coach, Bradley University Men’s Basketball.
An NBA player for seven years, (Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings), Jim Les was drafted in the third round, 70th overall by the Atlanta Hawks. Leading the NBA in 1990-91 in three point scores with a .461 average, he scored 1,211 points in 396 NBA games. In 1992 he was second to Craig Hodges in a long distance shootout for the NBA All-Star competition.
Growing up in Niles, Illinois, his #10 jersey was retired at Niles Township High School. He attended Cleveland State University before heading to and graduating from Bradley University. As Bradley’s co-captain, most valuable player and a significant part of the team’s 29 game winning streak, Jim was named 1986 Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year and is 10th on the NCAA’s all time assists with 884.
A Finance major, Jim earned Dean’s List status and began his non-basketball career at Sutro & Co. in Sacramento; he achieved Vice President level with management of more than $50 million in assets with 200 clients. His dream of coaching, however, was realized in 2003 when he was appointed Head Coach at Bradley, his alma mater.
Bradley University basketball, under the leadership of Jim Les, has achieved Sweet 16 status and four consecutive years of 20 plus wins. Though he does not take himself too seriously, Jim is readily grateful for his gifts, opportunities and good fortune. Jim and his wife, Jodie are parents to three children: Tyler, Amber and Hannah.