ABA alum Bucknor becomes first Albertan to win NBA championship
Alberta Basketball Association (ABA) alumnus Jermaine Bucknor is on top of the basketball world after winning the 2024 NBA Championship as a member of the Boston Celtics.
The Edmonton native is in his first season as a player development coach with the Celtics, who on Monday defeated the Dallas Mavericks 106-88 at TD Garden in Game 5 of the NBA Finals to win the championship series 4-1.
The @celtics are the 2023-24 NBA Champions! pic.twitter.com/UrZtUG0jwY
— NBA (@NBA) June 18, 2024
Bucknor, who celebrated Boston’s record 18th NBA title with Celtics players and staff on the court following the game, becomes the first Albertan to be part of an NBA championship-winning team.
“Congratulations Jermaine on making history with the Celtics,” says Dave Drabiuk, ABA Executive Director. “All of Alberta celebrates your success, and we’re proud to have been part of your basketball journey.”
Bucknor’s path to the NBA started in his home province, where he spent multiple years in ABA’s provincial team programming. He helped Team Alberta end a 20-year medal drought by winning bronze in the male basketball event at the 2001 Canada Summer Games in London, Ont.
A multi-time Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association (ASAA) 4A champion as a member of the Ross Sheppard Thunderbirds boys basketball team, Bucknor went on to play four years of NCAA Division 1 hoops at Richmond University where he was an All-Atlantic 10 Second Team selection in 2005-06. He enjoyed a lengthy pro career, and represented his country on a number of occasions, including appearances with Canada Basketball’s senior national and 3x3 teams.
