DU senior Tommy Bruner, the nation’s DI scoring leader, averaging 24.5 points per game, continues to collect conference accolades. Bruner just earned his fourth Summit League Conference Peak Performer of the Week along with player of the Month honors, yet plays in front of crowds less than 1,000 on his home court.

In an earlier interview, DU radio sportscaster Tyler Maun asked Bruner, “Could you have imagined this (leading the nation in scoring) happening when you came to DU?” “Yea, for sure,”  was the concise answer from the soft-spoken Bruner who was quick to note his teammates opened the floor for him and it was an overall team effort. Yes, it takes a confident athlete to do something that only one athlete in the country can claim. Bruner has a chance to become Colorado’s first-ever Division I player to lead the nation in scoring.

What goes under the radar is his Be Different 501(C)3 charity which he established to give 800 gifts to local kids this past Christmas. All this while taking undergraduate classes at Denver in his final season. His charitable plans extend well beyond his time in Denver – he will continue projects in Denver while expanding efforts across the country.

With name, image and likeness (NIL) driving more than 1,100 players to new schools this past year, Bruner could have cashed out and gone to a larger school and program. Why did he stay at DU, a program trending up but struggling for DI basketball relevance, when he could have played under brighter lights with a bulging wallet? Bruner added, “Because of Coach (Jeff) Wulbrun and Coach (Rob) Zewe and the staff. It was a no brainer. Instead of going where the ‘grass is greener,’I wanted to stay here.”

How does a 6’1” guard do it? Bruner can hit from distance and pop from the lane but he takes the most punishment with drives to the hoop- leading the nation in free throw attempts. He went through demanding training this past summer to prepare for the physical beating, dropping his body fat to 6% and focusing on strength and conditioning with DU trainer Evan Morton. “This summer was the toughest training I have ever had over an 11-week period.”

Reluctant to talk about himself, he welcomed the chance to talk about team goals. “I am confident we can finish conference play strong and make noise in Sioux Falls.” Bruner indicated the team (10-7, 1-1) has set specific Summit League goals but they would rather show results on the floor than talk publicly.

Bruner will finish his studies at DU with a minor in business and a psychology major later this winter. “I also want to continue my charity work and play basketball somewhere in the world.” The work that seems to excite Bruner the most is helping others, especially kids. “It’s not about black, white or brown, it’s about anyone who needs a helping hand.” Our motto is to “put a smile on kids’ and families’ faces.” Our mission statement is a healthier, smarter and fitter community. We recently started another program, Kids at Heart, and we are advocating for more and better neighborhood parks in America. We have started due diligence on a park improvement project in Aurora.”

The same big goals that Bruner sets on the court extend to his goal of giving back and building better communities. Some may think Bruner is naive or overly ambitious but this is the same guy leading the nation in scoring – playing in DU’s 2,000-seat Hamilton Gym. Doubt him at your own risk.

Fans only have seven games left to watch Tommy Bruner in crimson and gold. Bruner and his Pioneer teammates take to the floor Saturday at 1:00 pm MT against perennial Summit League power South Dakota State.

If you want to support outstanding players like Tommy, the Crimson & Gold Collective needs your help. The goal is to provide our basketball players with an outstanding campus experience, commensurate with other Denver students – not lifetime wealth. Please consider a gift HERE.

Do you want to contribute to Tommy Bruner’s 501(C)3?  You can contact Tommy at therealbedifferent@gmail.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Denver Athletics