Spirit of Long Beach: LBSU Basketball’s Bryant King

By JJ Fiddler (Gazettes Sports-Long Beach, CA)

June 29, 2017

Bryant King is always the first person on the court where there’s a media timeout during a Long Beach State men’s basketball game.

Despite having a prosthetic leg and using a cane, the LBSU team manager quickly carried chairs onto the floor to set up the timeout huddles for the last two years. King, 26, says he doesn’t let his physical limitations hold him back from doing everything the LBSU coaching staff needs.

“His last name fits him better than his first name,” LBSU coach Dan Monson said on a Fox Sports West segment. “He’s a king in my eyes.”

King was born with caudal regression syndrome, which is a rare congenital disorder that includes abnormal development of the spine. He was born without a knee joint in his right leg, so doctors amputated the foot so he could wear a prosthetic leg with almost 80% curvature in his spine. King has also gone through three kidney transplants with organs donated by his father, uncle and older brother.

“I don’t think about it,” King said of his handicap. “Like with anyone else, people see the hard work pay off.”

King’s responsibilities at LBSU included a lot of behind-the-scenes organization with eight other graduate students. Like he did for his high school in Oregon, King also helped with practice drills, equipment assignments and scouting reports. He will finish the LBSU sports management masters program in July and begin the search for a job in video scouting or basketball operations.

“I want to be a head coach,” King said. “I’ve tried to make the most of every experience in Long Beach, and I’ve received amazing support. I appreciate everyone in this community, and Long Beach will always be in my heart.”