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**Summary:**

Bartow, Florida is buzzing with excitement as native son Tony Bradley, Jr. is playing in his first NBA Finals with the Indiana Pacers. After facing doubts and pressure to play overseas, Bradley persevered, signing multiple 10-day contracts before earning a permanent spot on the Pacers roster. His parents, who supported his NBA dream, are incredibly proud not only of his success but also of his character and faith. While he may not be a star player, Bradley plays a valuable role for the Pacers, and his hometown is celebrating his accomplishment. He saw his action in the NBA Finals in Game Five in Oklahoma City, where he finished with four points and four rebounds in 12 minutes of play. Win or lose, he plans to host his annual basketball camp in Bartow, giving back to his community.

**News Article:**

**Bartow, Florida Roars for Homegrown Hero Tony Bradley in NBA Finals**

**BARTOW, Fla. (FOX 13) -** The city of Bartow, Florida, is brimming with pride as one of its own, Tony Bradley, Jr., takes to the court in the NBA Finals with the Indiana Pacers. After seven years in the league, this marks Bradley’s first appearance on basketball’s biggest stage.

“It’s really exciting for the town, the community,” said Bartow High School basketball coach Terrence McGriff. Social media has been abuzz with local support for the former McDonald’s All-American.

Bradley saw his action in the NBA Finals in Game Five in Oklahoma City, where he finished with four points and four rebounds in 12 minutes of play. The journey to the Finals hasn’t been easy for the 27-year-old. He faced pressure to abandon his NBA dream and play overseas, but he chose to trust his instincts and sign multiple 10-day contracts with the Pacers. His parents, Tony Bradley, Sr. and Vanessa Bradley, were instrumental in his decision. “We’ve always encouraged Tony to keep the faith, work hard and everything else will take care of itself,” said Vanessa Bradley.

That faith paid off. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle praised Bradley’s impact on the team, saying, “For a guy who is a third center, he is ideal right now. He’s been terrific. Smart. Great hands. Defensively, he has a really good feel for what we are doing here.”

While Bradley might not be a superstar, he plays a vital role for the Pacers. “There ain’t but 450 spots in the league. He is one of 450. That’s awesome,” McGriff added.

Whether the Pacers win or lose, Tony Bradley’s impact on Bartow is undeniable. “I am very proud of the young man he has become,” said Bradley, Sr. “In the sense that he’s humble, you wouldn’t know he’s an NBA player by the way he carries himself. It’s not only his character but how he deals with his faith.”

Bradley is scheduled to play in Game Six of the NBA Finals on Thursday night. Even after the season, Bradley will return to Bartow to host his annual Tony Bradley Elite Basketball camp, continuing to give back to the community that cheers him on.

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