Bridgeman, known as well for 12 years as a small forward/shooting with the Milwaukee Bucks, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 71. His death has created a void in both the basketball and the business worlds, where he was widely admired as a self-made success.

Former Phoenix Suns owner Jerry Colangelo spoke to The Arizona Republic about ex-NBA player and billionaire Junior Bridgeman, who died on Tuesday.

By nearly every standard, Junior Bridgeman had a successful professional basketball career. His sudden passing has spotlighted his basketball and even more successful business careers.