Tommy Bruner Bio
Tommy Bruner is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Memphis Hustle of the NBA G League. Born on April 22, 2001, in Columbia, South Carolina, he has built a reputation as a scoring point guard through a college journey that spanned three programs and a professional start marked by persistence across multiple G League teams. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and listed at 180 pounds, Bruner has continued to pursue his professional goals while remaining active in community initiatives off the court.
Early Life and Background
Tommy Bruner was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, where he developed an early passion for basketball. He attended Gray Collegiate Academy, a local high school known for its competitive athletics program. Growing up in a family with a strong basketball tradition, Bruner was surrounded by the sport from a young age, with siblings who also pursued the game at high levels.
At Gray Collegiate Academy, Bruner became a standout player. He led the team to back-to-back South Carolina Class AA state championships, establishing himself as one of the top guards in the state. During his senior year, he averaged 16.2 points per game and was recognized as the Class AA Player of the Year, accolades that drew attention from college recruiters across the country.
Path to Basketball
Following his high school success, Bruner committed to play college basketball at the University of South Carolina Upstate, a member of the Big South Conference. His decision to begin at a mid-major program allowed him to develop his skills in a competitive environment while earning meaningful minutes early in his career. Bruner was motivated by the opportunity to grow as a lead guard and to contribute immediately.
Over the next several years, Bruner navigated transfers between programs in search of the right fit. He moved from USC Upstate to Jacksonville and eventually to Denver, where he found the cultural and competitive match he had been seeking. This path across three college programs helped him mature as a player and prepared him for the demands of professional basketball.
Tommy Bruner Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Tommy Bruner began his college career at USC Upstate during the 2019–20 season. As a freshman, he averaged 14 points per game, the second-best mark on the team, and was recognized as a freshman All-American. He was twice named the Big South Conference Player of the Week and was selected to the Big South All-Freshman Team, signaling his potential as a future standout.
During his sophomore year in 2020–21, Bruner led USC Upstate in both scoring and playmaking, posting 13.6 points per game and 85 total assists. His production earned him an honorable mention on the All-Big South Team. Following that season, he entered the transfer portal seeking a new opportunity.
Jacksonville Dolphins (2021–2022)
Bruner transferred to Jacksonville ahead of his redshirt sophomore season, hoping to build on his early college success. Unfortunately, his time with the Dolphins was cut short when he appeared in only 13 games before suffering a season-ending foot injury. He averaged 8.8 points per game during the limited action, leaving him eager to return healthy the following year.
Denver Pioneers (2022–2024)
After one season at Jacksonville, Bruner transferred to the University of Denver, where he quickly found a strong fit with the program. During his redshirt junior year in 2022–23, he averaged career highs of 15.9 points, 4.2 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game. He helped the Pioneers open the season with an 8–1 record, a program record through the first nine games, and was voted to the Summit League All-Newcomer Team. On December 7, 2022, he surpassed the 1,000-point career milestone against Sacramento State.
In 2023–24, Bruner earned his highest college honor when he was named to the All-Summit League First Team on March 7, 2024. His scoring and leadership helped anchor the Denver backcourt across his two seasons with the program, and he graduated as one of the conference’s most productive guards.
Professional Career (2024–Present)
After going undrafted in the 2024 NBA draft, Tommy Bruner began his professional career by joining the Rip City Remix on October 28, 2024. He was waived on November 5, and shortly after signed with the Santa Cruz Warriors on November 11, though he was released again on November 25. On December 28, 2024, he joined the Texas Legends, and although he was waived on January 6, he was signed by the Long Island Nets on January 31, 2025, before being released on February 3 without appearing in a game.
Bruner then signed with the Oklahoma City Blue, where he continued to showcase his scoring ability and floor generalship. He later joined the Memphis Hustle, where he currently plays as a point guard wearing jersey number 23. Across multiple G League stops, he has demonstrated the resilience and work ethic required to sustain a professional basketball career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Bruner is best known as a scoring lead guard with a strong feel for the game. His college production reflected a balanced skill set, with averages that included points, assists, and rebounds at consistent levels. His ability to lead offenses and create shots for teammates has been a defining feature of his career at every stop.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most significant milestones of Tommy Bruner’s career came on December 7, 2022, when he surpassed 1,000 career points as a college player. He was also a key contributor to back-to-back South Carolina Class AA state championships in high school, and his First-team All-Summit League selection in 2024 served as a strong endorsement of his senior college season.
Tommy Bruner Career Wins
Throughout his basketball career, Tommy Bruner has collected individual accolades and team success at every level. While specific game-by-game professional win totals are not fully detailed in available sources, his college record includes leading his teams in scoring and earning multiple All-Conference selections.
College Highlights
At USC Upstate, Bruner helped anchor a backcourt that featured him among the conference’s top freshmen. At Denver, he played a central role in one of the best starts in program history. His selection to the All-Summit League First Team in 2024 represented the peak of his college recognition.
Other Wins and Performances
In addition to his individual awards, Bruner was a Class AA state champion twice during his time at Gray Collegiate Academy. He was also recognized as the South Carolina Class AA Player of the Year, one of the top individual honors in the state’s high school ranks.
Tommy Bruner Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Tommy Bruner comes from a family with deep ties to basketball. His sister, Ashley Bruner, played basketball at the University of South Carolina and went on to play professionally overseas before retiring. His older brother, Jordan Bruner, also plays professional basketball, continuing the family’s presence in the sport.
Personal Life
Beyond basketball, Tommy Bruner is the founder and CEO of a nonprofit organization called “Be Different.” The name is drawn from a slogan he used on t-shirts in high school to encourage young people to stand out. His long-term vision for the organization includes funding preschools to help build an encouraging foundation for children in his community.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 NBA G League season, Tommy Bruner has continued his professional journey with multiple teams, including stints with the Texas Legends, Long Island Nets, and Oklahoma City Blue. Each move has provided him with opportunities to compete and to refine his game against high-level professional competition.
Now playing for the Memphis Hustle, Bruner is positioned to take on an expanded role within a young roster. His scoring instincts and playmaking experience make him a strong candidate to contribute as a primary ball-handler and offensive leader. The season represents a fresh opportunity to establish himself as a consistent contributor in the G League.
Looking ahead, Bruner’s combination of college accolades, professional persistence, and off-court leadership through his nonprofit work suggest a player determined to make the most of every opportunity. His development with the Memphis Hustle will be closely watched as he continues to pursue his basketball ambitions.