News

The Hall of Fame celebrates the life and mourns the passing of Bob Boozer of the 1960 U.S. Olympic Team

2012-05-21T23:22:01Z

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame mourns the passing of basketball great Bob Boozer.

"Bob will be remembered not only for his decorated basketball career, but as a unwavering teammate and ambassador for the game," said John L. Doleva, President & CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Boozer was a star at Kansas State where he was selected twice as an All-American before playing 11 seasons in the NBA. He was drafted No. 1 by the Cincinnati Royals and ended his pro career as a member of the 1971 NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks. A career highlight was being a member of the 1960 US Olympic team that won the gold medal and is still considered one of the greatest teams of all-time. The 1960 team was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.

Basketball Hall of Fame Mourns the Passing of Ken Hudson

2012-05-13T04:35:36Z

The Basketball Hall of Fame mourns the passing of Ken Hudson, the first African-American NBA referee, former head of the legendary Boston Shootout event, Coca Cola executive and recipient of the Basketball Hall of Fame's 2009 Mannie Jackson, Basketball's Human Spirit Award alongside NBA legends Bob Lanier and Alonzo Mourning.

"Ken was a true pioneer for the game of basketball, not only as an official but for his impact through the Boston Shootout with the future stars of the game," said John L. Doleva, President & CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. "He was an ideal recipient for the Mannie Jackson Spirit Award and he will be missed in the basketball community."

Three Iconic Sports Legends Turn Out to Celebrate YMCA of Greater Springfield’s 160th Anniversary

2012-04-30T21:20:51Z

Springfield, MA (April 17, 2012) – Given the YMCA of Greater Springfield’s history with the game of basketball, it is only fitting that a celebration of the organization’s 160th Anniversary will be held at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The event will feature a keynote address by successful sports and business leader Mannie Jackson and Boston Globe sportswriters and ESPN commentators, Jackie MacMullan and Bob Ryan.

MacMullan and Ryan, both Basketball Hall of Fame Award winners, will together share with guests their thoughts and experiences covering the celebrated Boston sports teams with a special concentration on the Boston Celtics at the YMCA gala to be held on June 18 at 6 PM at the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Further, attendees of the celebration will hear a keynote address from Mannie Jackson, a former player for the Harlem Globetrotters who, after a successful business career, purchased the Globetrotters from near bankruptcy and extinction reinvigorating one of America’s most popular sports brands. Jackson will share stories and insights from his life beginning with literally being born in a railway boxcar, to becoming the first African American player at the University of Illinois, to becoming the President of a unit of Honeywell Corporation, and his ultimate purchase of the Globetrotters and his experiences around the world with the team. Jackson now is a philanthropist and author, including a recently released book that chronicles his inspiring journey called “Boxcar to Boardrooms; My Memories and Travels.” The book is on sale now www.boxcarholding.com with all proceeds donated to cancer research and the I-LEAP Academic Scholarship Program.

“We are extremely honored to be joined by these three amazingly talented sports icons,” says Kirk Smith, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Springfield. “I couldn’t ask for a better way to commemorate our 160th anniversary than with them at Center Court of the Basketball Hall of Fame.”

160th Anniversary Celebration
Tickets to the June 18 celebration are available by contacting Peggy Graveline, Development Assistant, YMCA of Greater Springfield, at pgraveline@springfieldy.org or by calling 413.739.6951 x179. Tickets are $160/each, or $1,500 for a table of 10. All proceeds from the event will benefit the YMCA of Greater Springfield’s 2012 Annual Scholarship Campaign.

For 160 years, the YMCA of Greater Springfield has been providing wide-ranging programs to support education, health and wellness, and social responsibility. As “one association,” the YMCA of Greater Springfield serves 14 cities and towns throughout the region. With a team of over 500 employees and volunteers, the Y operates three family centers and eight outreach centers and camps throughout the greater Springfield region, serving well over 100,000 youth, families and seniors each year. Each year, the Y provides over $500,000 in scholarship assistance to those in need.

About Mannie Jackson
Mannie Jackson is President of Boxcar Holdings LLC, former Chairman of the Board of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Chairman of the Board and former owner of the Harlem Globetrotters, and Chairman and Founder of the Executive Leadership Council. After a brief professional basketball career including the Globetrotters, Jackson went on to distinguish himself in corporate life as a senior executive with Honeywell, Inc, and as one of the first African Americans to serve on multiple (six) Fortune 500 Boards of Directors.

About MacMullan and Ryan
Jackie MacMullan is an ESPN analyst and columnist for ESPNBOSTON.com. In 1982, she joined the Boston Globe, serving as a columnist and associate editor until March 2008. From there, she earned acclaim as an NBA reporter for Sports Illustrated, followed by her work as a contributor for CNN/SI, the 24-hour news network. In her years at the Globe, MacMullan covered events such as the 1986 World Series, the 1987 Stanley Cup Finals and the 1988 Olympic Games, as well as numerous NCAA Final Fours and NBA championships. She was the first woman to ever receive the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s Curt Gowdy Media Award. She is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire where she played basketball. 
Bob Ryan is a sports columnist for the Boston Globe, who recently announced his retirement following the upcoming London Olympics. He is a regular panelist on ESPN's Sunday morning roundtable, The Sports Reporters. He has been writing for the Globe since the 1970s covering all of the Boston sports teams and has been a columnist since 1989. Ryan would cover 21 NBA finals, 29 NCAA Final Fours, 11 World Series, 11 Super Bowls, eight U.S. Open Golf Championships, six British Opens, four Ryder Cups, four Masters, two PGAs and the last 10 Olympics. The five-time NSSA National Sportswriter of the Year won the Curt Gowdy Award from the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1997. He is a graduate of Boston College.

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Kristine Allard, VP of Development & Communications at kallard@springfieldy.org or 413.739.6951 x172.

Full Sail University & the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Partner to Present Special Screening of “Goose” on Friday, April 27th

2012-04-27T15:25:14Z

Harlem Globetrotter great Mannie Jackson on hand to celebrate film

WINTER PARK, Fla. – Full Sail University is proud to partner with the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame by hosting a special screening on campus in the Full Sail Live venue this Friday, April 27th of the documentary “Goose” featuring the story of Hall of Fame legend Reece “Goose” Tatum who was elected as a member of the Class of 2011. The event will also include a Question and Answer opportunity with former Harlem Globetrotter player and owner Mannie Jackson who produced the film. At the conclusion of the event, Mannie will hold a book signing of his memoir “Boxcar to Board Rooms.”

“The Basketball Hall of Fame is proud to support the documentary ‘Goose’ as it celebrates the life of one of the true pioneers in the game of basketball,” said John L. Doleva, President & CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “We also salute Mannie Jackson for supporting this incredible story that needed to be told.”

“It’s an honor for Full Sail to present the first public screening of this wonderful documentary,“ said Josh Mora, Program Director of Sports Marketing & Media at Full Sail University. “It is perhaps an even greater honor that we get to share the amazing stories of two basketball and entrepreneurial legends – Goose Tatum and Mannie Jackson – in a way that will inspire our students in their future careers.”

The film chronicles Goose’s son, Reece Tatum III, and his journey to rediscover the story of his father, Goose Tatum, a man who many believe is among the most influential athletes in history. Reece III was just nine years old when his father died, but his memories of life on the road with the most famous athlete in the world in the 1940s and 1950s offer a unique perspective about the man who inspired hope for a generation of African Americans.

A true sports icon, Goose possessed a rare combination of basketball talent and comedic genius, which made him a household name around the world. He was more than just the original “clown prince” of the Harlem Globetrotters. In 1948 and 1949, Goose was a key part of the famous Globetrotters team that beat George Mikan and the world champion Minneapolis Lakers in a memorable moment in basketball history. His impact on the game is timeless as he invented plays such as the no-look pass and the no-look hook shot. With beginnings in Negro League baseball prior to his basketball career, Goose went on to become one of the most dynamic athletes of his time and the highest paid athlete in the world. In a segregated society, Goose reached across color lines to appeal to fans of all races. At the peak of his international fame and fortune, he did the unthinkable when he left the Globetrotters, pioneering the concept of free agency.

The event will take place at the Full Sail Live Venue, 141 University Park Drive in Winter Park, Florida. Doors open at 2:30 pm and the film will begin at 3:00 pm sharp. Limited seating is available on a first-come first-serve basis. The Q&A session will be available via live stream and can be accessed by using the link provided here: http://www.livestream.com/fullsailuniversity

About Mannie Jackson, Chairman, Boxcar Entertainment:
Mannie Jackson is the former owner and chairman of the Harlem Globetrotters. After taking the Globetrotters out of bankruptcy in 1992, Jackson led the company to 15 consecutive years of growth and record profit. Jackson’s entertainment business interests include the Broadway musical, The Art of Rock n’ Roll and the musical Las Vegas Revue. He was also partner and executive producer of the critically acclaimed documentary film The Team That Changed The World, which premiered nationally in 2005 and is still syndicated today. The film has been distributed in more than 30 countries worldwide.

About Full Sail University:
Full Sail University is an award-winning educational leader for those pursuing careers in the entertainment and media industry. Founded in 1979, Full Sail has been recognized as one of the Top Five Game Degree Programs by Electronic Gaming Monthly, one of the Best Music Programs by Rolling Stone Magazine, and one of the Best Film Programs by UNleashed Magazine. In 2011, Full Sail received the “21st Century Best Practices in Distance Learning Award” from the United States Distance Learning Association, was named the “School/College of the Year” by the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges, and was recognized as one of the Top 100 Social Media Colleges by Studentadvisor.com.

Full Sail offers on-campus and online Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree programs in areas related to animation, art, business, education, graphic design, film, marketing, web development, music, recording arts, sports, and video games. Full Sail graduate credits include work on OSCAR®, Emmy®, GRAMMY®, ADDY®, MTV Video Music Award, and Spike Video Game Award nominated and winning projects.

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2012 Tip-Off Tournament Game Times and Pre-Sale Tickets

2012-04-19T20:22:50Z

Tip-Off Tournament begins November 17^th at the Mohegan Sun Arena

Springfield, Mass. – The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced today the final game times and that pre-sale tickets are now available for all games of this year’s Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament. The annual NCAA men’s exempt tournament sponsored by the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference will take place on Saturday, November 17, and Sunday, November 18 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut highlighted by eight schools in two four-team brackets.

Teams scheduled to participate in this year’s Tip-Off tournament are: Loyola University Maryland (MAAC), Norfolk State University (MEAC), Ohio State University (Big Ten), Seton Hall University (Big East), University of Albany (America East), University of Missouri-Kansas City (Summit League), University of Rhode Island (Atlantic 10), University of Washington (Pac-12).

Saturday, November 17 - (All games in one session)

12:00 pm Norfolk State vs. Loyola-MD

2:30 pm UMKC vs. Albany

5:00 pm Ohio State vs. Rhode Island

7:30 pm Seton Hall vs. Washington

Sunday, November 18 - (All games in one session)

11:30 am Loser of 12 noon vs. Loser of 2:30 pm games from Saturday

2:00 pm Winner of 12 noon vs. Winner of 2:30 pm games from Saturday

4:30 pm Ohio State vs. [Washington OR Seton Hall - pending results from Saturday)

7:00 pm Rhode Island vs. [Washington OR Seton Hall - pending results from Saturday)

Pre-sale of tickets for participating school fans will go on-sale with a special Ticketmaster password from their programs on April 23^rd at 10 am ET. General public tickets will be available starting July 23 via all Ticketmaster outlets and the Mohegan Sun Box Office. All tickets will be good for all of the games on each day of the tournament. For up to date information on the Hall of Fame Tip-Off, ticket and hospitality packages for the weekend games, log onto www.halloffametipoff.com.

Basketball Hall of Fame Announces Recipients of The Mannie Jackson - Basketball's Human Spirit Award

2012-04-02T16:45:20Z

Grant Hill, Jim Calhoun and Dr. Richard Lapchick selected as 2012 honorees

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced today that Phoenix Suns guard Grant Hill, University of Connecticut men’s head coach Jim Calhoun and the Founder and Director of the Institute for Diversity and Ethics In Sport, Dr. Richard Lapchick, have been named this year’s winners of The Mannie Jackson - Basketball’s Human Spirit Award. The winners will be recognized on September 6th during events leading up to the 2012 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremonies.

“This years winners of The Mannie Jackson - Basketball’s Human Spirit Award - are truly exceptional individuals,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “They have each greatly contributed to the improving of their communities and constituencies they serve.”

The criteria for award winners includes embracing the core values of the game through hard work, dedication, and resilience; striving to continuously improve the community they serve, and making an ongoing commitment to others. Beyond the game, award winners must reflect the values of Mannie Jackson’s life-long mission to overcome obstacles and challenge the status quo, while taking responsibility for personal actions and seeking the highest standard of excellence.

“We are proud to honor three of the most deserving selections since the award was established,” said Jackson. “Having known all three personally, I admire their sustained work and contributions to both the game of basketball and their communities.”

Hill, Calhoun, and Lapchick were chosen from a group of six finalists after nominations were screened by a selection committee, appointed by the Hall of Fame and Mr. Jackson. Beginning in 2009, the finalists were grouped in three categories, representing the professional, amateur and grassroots levels of basketball.

Previous winners of the award include current NBA player Chauncey Billups and Samuel Dalembert; The V Foundation for Cancer Research; former Harlem Globetrotter and college basketball All-American Dr. John “Jumpin’ Johnny” Kline; former Georgetown University center and NBA Global Ambassador Dikembe Mutombo; Hall of Famers David Robinson and Jim Boeheim; Philadelphia legend Sonny Hill; and 2009 tri-winners, former NBA official Ken Hudson, Hall of Famer Bob Lanier and former NBA All-Star and Georgetown standout Alonzo Mourning.

The Mannie Jackson – Basketball’s Human Spirit Award Winners 2012

Representing the Professional Game:
Grant Hill, Phoenix Suns Guard – Known for his positive attitude, strong work ethic and high moral code, Hill has routinely left his mark in a number of cities where he played professionally. He lends his support not only to a variety of national issues but to local issues as well. Hill was recently awarded a key to the city of Reston, Virginia, where he was raised with the proceeds from that reception going to the Medical Care for Children Partnership, which provides medical services for needy children in the county. Hill also appeared on behalf of Foot Locker and Fila, at a Detroit middle school to kick-off a program designed to replace backboards in 250 area schools. In addition, GMC Trucks sponsored his visit to the Michigan Special Olympics Women’s basketball team where he spoke, joked, and shot baskets with the players.

Representing the Amateur ranks:
Jim Calhoun, University of Connecticut Hall of Fame Head Coach – Calhoun has used his success to champion many causes during his tenure at the University of Connecticut. Having beaten cancer – twice, Coach Calhoun has devoted his time and money to help raise millions of dollars for cancer research and education. In 1998, he and his wife established the Calhoun Cardiology Research Fund, donating $125,000 to the UConn Health Center. Each year the Calhoun family host the Jim Calhoun Holiday Food Drive, which has raised over $1 million for the Connecticut Food Bank and Foodshare, providing over 1.6 million meals to families in need. Since 1994, Calhoun has served as honorary chairman for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, another example of his continued efforts to impact his community. Jim Calhoun was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005.

Representing the Grassroots ranks:
Dr. Richard Lapchick – Often described as “the social conscience of sport,” Lapchick became the only person named as “One of the 100 Most Powerful People in Sport” to head up a sport management program. He remains President and CEO of the National Consortium for Academics and Sport and helped bring the NCAS national office to UCF. In December of 2006, Lapchick, his wife and daughter and a group of DeVos students formed the Hope for Stanley Alliance which is organizing groups of student-athletes and sports management students to go to New Orleans to work in the reconstruction efforts in the devastated Ninth Ward. As of the fall of 2007, Hope for Stanley members have spent 19 weeks in the city in a partnership with the NOLA City Council. Lapchick was named an honorary citizen by the New Orleans City Council in October 2007.

The Mannie Jackson – Basketball’s Human Spirit Award Winners 2007-2011

2011 Award Winners
Representing the Professional game: Chauncey Billups
Representing the Amateur ranks: The V Foundation
Representing the Grassroots ranks: Dr. John “Jumpin’ Johnny” Kline

2010 Award Winners
Representing the Professional ranks: Samuel Dalembert
Representing the Amateur ranks: Jim Boeheim, Syracuse University
Representing the Grassroots ranks: Alfreda Harris

2009 Award Winners
Ken Hudson
Bob Lanier
Alonzo Mourning

2008 Award Winners
Sonny Hill
David Robinson

2007 Award Winner
Dikembe Mutombo

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2012

2012-04-02T16:28:42Z

Miller, Nelson, Sampson and McClain Headline Distinguished Group of 12 New Members to be Enshrined in Springfield on September 7th

NEW ORLEANS, La. and SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced today the 12 members of the Class of 2012 to be honored September 6-8, 2012 during this year’s Enshrinement Ceremonies. The inductees include five-time NBA All-Star Reggie Miller, the NBA’s all-time winningest coach Don Nelson, three-time National College Player of the Year Ralph Sampson, two-time Olympic gold medalist Katrina McClain, distinguished basketball official and coordinator Hank Nichols, former college and NBA star Jamaal Wilkes and the first women’s professional basketball team, the All American Red Heads. They join the five directly elected members who were announced during the NBA All-Star Weekend in February by distinguished committees focused on preserving all areas from the game of basketball. These direct-elects include Mel Daniels voted in from the American Basketball Association (ABA) Committee, Don Barksdale from the Early African American Pioneers Committee, Lidia Alexeeva from the International Committee, Chet Walker from the Veterans Committee and Phil Knight from the Contributor Direct Election Committee. The Class Announcement, supported by the Hanover Insurance Group, was made at a press conference in New Orleans, the site of the 2012 NCAA Final Four, and televised live on NBA TV with host Jim Nantz from CBS Sports.

“We are extremely honored to welcome this prestigious class of players, coaches, officials, teams and pioneers from the game of basketball into the Hall of Fame,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. “This group represents a spectrum of individuals who made their mark in history and we look forward to honoring them in September for their contributions.”

To be elected, finalists required 18 of 24 votes from the Honors Committee for election into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Starting last year, the addition of the direct elect committees were incorporated into the election process to maintain a strong focus on keeping history on the forefront of the voting procedures and to preserve a balance between two eras of basketball.

“The Class of 2012 is a true representation of the game of basketball, reaching all levels within the sport,” said Jerry Colangelo, Chairman of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Board. “We are pleased with the changes to the voting process by adding the direct elects and the impact it will make on recognizing the game’s true ambassadors into the future.”

The Class of 2012 will be enshrined during festivities in Springfield, Mass. on Friday, September 7. Ticket packages to the 2012 Enshrinement Ceremony and all Enshrinement Events are on sale now and available by calling the Hall of Fame at (413) 231-5540. Additional information on Enshrinement Week will be announced in the near future, and information will be available at http://www.hoophall.com/enshrinement-tickets/

THE NAISMITH MEMORIAL BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2012:

Women’s Committee:
ALL AMERICAN RED HEADS [Team] – The All American Red Heads are known as the female version of the Harlem Globetrotters and the first women’s professional basketball team. The team regularly played more than 200 games per season, winning 70% of them while touring thousands of miles reaching 49 states, Canada and the Philippines. Over six decades (from 1936 to 1986), the team broke social barriers and stereotypes playing in small towns and rural hamlets, as well as Madison Square Garden and Chicago Stadium.

KATRINA McCLAIN [Player] – McClain is one of the most decorated athletes in USA Basketball national team history, winning two Olympic gold medals (1988 and 1996), Olympic Bronze (1992), three FIBA World Championship medals (gold in 1986 and 1990; bronze in 1994) and five more medals at the Goodwill Games, Pan Am Games and World University Games. She was named the USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year in 1988 and 1992. Before stepping onto the International stage, she was a two-time Kodak All-America (1986, 1987) and the 1987 WBCA National Player of the Year at the University of Georgia.

North American Committee:
REGGIE MILLER [Player] – Miller was one of the greatest clutch scorers in NBA history, playing his entire 18-season NBA career with the Indiana Pacers finishing as the franchise’s all-time leader in points (25,279) and steals (1,505). He was a five-time NBA All-Star, three-time All-NBA Third Team selection and won an Olympic Gold Medal in 1996. From Riverside, California, he guided UCLA to the 1985 NIT Championship and finished third on the school’s all-time scoring list. He ranks second on the NBA all-time list for three-point field goals made (2,560) and attempted (6,486). He is ninth on the NBA career free-throw percentage list (.888) and seventh in career minutes played (47,619). In addition to some memorable NBA playoff performances, he has the most three-pointers made (320) in playoff history.

DON NELSON [Coach] – Nelson, the all-time winningest coach in NBA History with over 1,300 victories is one of only two coaches to be named NBA Coach of the Year three times (1983, 1985 and 1992). He spent over 40 years of his life as a player, coach and general manager. He has led teams to 18 playoff appearances where he amassed 75 playoff wins and is one of only two NBA coaches to win 250 games with three different teams. In 2007, he led the Golden State Warriors to the first #8 seed upset over a #1 seed in a seven-game series when they defeated the Dallas Mavericks. He also coached Dream Team II to a gold medal in the 1994 World Championships. Nelson is the only coach with 1,000+ wins and multiple NBA championships as a player, where he won five titles with the Boston Celtics (1966, 1968, 1969, 1974 and 1976).

HANK NICHOLS [Referee] – Nichols focused his career in basketball around the rules of the game. A long-time NCAA basketball official who has refereed six national championship games, 10 final fours, three NIT Finals and 13 ACC Championships – officiated at the top of collegiate basketball for decades. He officiated on the world stage officiating two Olympic games and one European championship. After his officiating career, he would become the national coordinator of officials for the NCAA for over 20 years and was instrumental in the progression of rule changes at the collegiate level and he remains one of the most influential rules architects in history.

RALPH SAMPSON [Player] – Sampson is one of the top collegiate players of all-time, where at Virginia he became only the third three-time National College Player of the Year. He was a three-time Naismith Award winner, two-time Wooden Award recipient and led the Cavaliers to the NIT Championship and one Final Four appearance. He was only the sixth player in NCAA history to collect 2,000 points and 1,500 rebounds. In 1983, he was the No. 1 draft pick by the Houston Rockets. In the NBA, he was named to three NBA All-Star games, collected Rookie of the Year honors in 1984 and was named MVP of the 1985 NBA All-Star game.

JAMAAL WILKES [Player] – Wilkes, a California native, spent his entire high school, college and professional career in his home state, playing under Hall of Famer John Wooden at UCLA prior to a successful NBA career with the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers. At UCLA, he would win two National Championships and receive All-America honors in 1974. He was also a three-time GTE Academic All-America selection. In the NBA, he won four championships while reaching the NBA finals six times. He was a three-time NBA All-Star, two-time NBA All-Defensive second team and received Rookie of the Year honors in 1975.

International Committee
LIDIA ALEXEEVA [Coach] – Alexeeva is one of the most successful coaches in International basketball history, highlighted by leading the Soviet Union National Team as head coach to gold medals in the 1976 and 1980 Olympic Games, four FIBA World Championship titles (1967, 1971, 1975, 1983), four World University Games gold medals, 10 European Championships and 17 USSR National Championships. She was undefeated in International play for over 17 years. She also coached Hall of Famer Uljana Semjonova. As a player, Alexeeva played on Soviet National Teams that won four European Championships (1950, 1952, 1954, 1956). She has also been enshrined in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (1999) and FIBA Hall of Fame (2007).

Direct Elect from the Early African-American Pioneers of the Game Committee:
DON BARKSDALE [Contributor] – One of the true pioneers in the game of basketball, Barksdale broke the color barrier multiple times as the first African-American NCAA All-America, the first to make the U.S. Olympic team, and the first to play in a NBA All-Star game. Following his military service in World War II, Barksdale led UCLA to the Pacific Coast Conference championship and became the first African-American signed by an American Basketball League (ABL) team with the Oakland Bittners where he set the ABL scoring record in his debut season. Part of the 1948 Olympic team in London, he became the first-ever African-American to also win a gold medal in basketball. In 1951, he became one of the top 10 highest paid athletes with the Baltimore Bullets and was eventually traded to the Boston Celtics in 1953, where he became the first African-American player to be selected to play in the NBA All-Star Game. In 1983, he launched the Save High School Sports Foundation, which raised over 1 million dollars by the time he passed away in 1993 to save several Oakland school athletic programs from demise.

Direct Elect from the ABA Committee:
MEL DANIELS [Player] – Daniels is one of the most dominating big men in the history of the American Basketball Association (ABA) as the league’s all-time leading rebounder (9,494) and fourth all-time leading scorer (11,739). A two-time league MVP in 1969 and 1971, he was a seven-time ABA All-Star and a member of three ABA championship teams with the Indiana Pacers, now of the NBA. He was selected as a member of the ABA 30-Man All-Time team. In college, Daniels starred for the University of New Mexico, leading the Lobos in scoring for three straight seasons and was the Western Athletic Conference Most Valuable Player in 1967. He was drafted ninth in the 1967 NBA Draft, but chose to go play in the ABA instead. Following his ABA Rookie of the Year award in 1968, he went on to earn All-ABA First Team four times and Second Team once. After his professional career, which concluded as a member of the NBA’s New Jersey Nets, Daniels joined the coaching staff at Indiana State, where he coached future Hall of Famer Larry Bird. He was also a member of the Indiana Pacers front office for over 20 years.

Direct Elect from the Veterans Committee:
CHET WALKER [Player] – Walker is widely known as one of the most athletic, skilled and resilient players in his era having missed only 21 games in his decorated 13-year NBA career. The seven-time NBA All-Star was also a member of the 1967 NBA Champion Philadelphia 76ers that is recognized as one of the greatest teams in history and ended the Boston Celtics run of eight straight titles. He went on to score 18,831 points and grab 7,314 rebounds in his career and was only the eighth player in NBA history to play more than 1,000 career games at the time of his retirement in 1975. As a member of the Chicago Bulls, he led the NBA in free throw percentage at .859 during the 1970-71 season. In college, Walker was a unanimous First Team All-America selection in 1962, leading Bradley to the NIT finals in back-to-back seasons, and winning the championship in 1960. He graduated as Bradley’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder, averaging 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds per game. He was drafted by the Syracuse Nationals and selected to the 1963 NBA All-Rookie Team.

Direct Elect from the Contributor Direct Election Committee:
PHIL KNIGHT [Contributor] – One of the most significant contributors to the game of basketball, Knight, Nike’s co-founder, is currently the company’s Chairman of the Board. Under his guidance, Nike became the first sports brand to work with elite athletes to garner their insights to create the most innovative products. In basketball, Knight worked to create one of the company’s most iconic partnerships with Michael Jordan. He has had a long history of working with other basketball greats like Charles Barkley, Moses Malone, Scottie Pippen, David Robinson, Dirk Nowitzki to Coach K and C. Vivian Stringer. Knight also signed Sheryl Swoopes as the first woman to have her own signature basketball shoe. His company now supports NBA stars like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant. Knight’s support of basketball internationally has also helped to elevate the game globally, including its current sponsorship of USA Basketball. He’s also focused his efforts on supporting college athletics – including basketball – by providing resources to grow and maximize the collegiate game and the student-athlete experience through programs such as Duke, Georgetown, Syracuse and his alma mater Oregon. In 1993, he was named the Most Powerful Man in Sports by The Sporting News.

Click here for a full calendar of the 2012 Enshrinement events.

The Hanover Insurance Group Sponsors 2012 Basketball Hall of Fame Class Announcement

2012-04-02T13:41:30Z

—Hanover Supports National Recognition Event of Excellence and Character—

SPRINGFIELD, MASS. - The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is pleased to announce that The Hanover Insurance Group will sponsor the 2012 Class Announcement.

The annual announcement will take place on Monday, April 2 at 11 a.m. CT at the New Orleans Marriott prior to the NCAA Men’s Final Four Championship Game that evening. The announcement will be broadcast live on NBA TV and includes:

Former owner of the Harlem Globetrotters, Mannie Jackson announcing the 2012 winners of the Mannie Jackson – Basketball’s Human Spirit Award
President & CEO of the Hall of Fame, John Doleva presenting the 2012 Cousy Award winner
Hall of Famer & HOF Chairman, Jerry Colangelo reporting on Enshrinement
Jim Nantz of CBS Sports announcing the Class of 2012

“We’re very excited to sponsor this event,” said Dick Lavey, senior vice president, field operations and marketing at The Hanover. “Our company has a longstanding commitment to community, youth and excellence, and it made sense to partner with an organization that inspires young people to work to achieve excellence and reach their full potential—and always doing it with integrity.”

“The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame welcomes and appreciates the support of The Hanover Insurance Group as we make several exciting announcements at our press conference at the Final Four,” said John L. Doleva, President & CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “Our brands align perfectly in that both reflect excellence and a commitment to being at the apex of our respective categories.”

About the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame:
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the birthplace of basketball, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame promotes and preserves the game of basketball at every level - professional, collegiate, men and women. For more information on these and other upcoming events, please visit our website at www.hoophall.com or call 1-877-4-HOOPLA

About The Hanover

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North Carolina Point Guard Kendall Marshall Receives 2012 Bob Cousy Award

2012-03-29T16:02:27Z

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame today announced that Kendall Marshall from the University of North Carolina is the winner of the 2012 Bob Cousy Collegiate Point Guard of the Year Award. This annual honor is given to college basketball’s top point guard and is named after Hall of Famer and former Boston Celtics guard Bob Cousy. An original list, consisting of 60-plus candidates from around the country, was trimmed by a Hall of Fame appointed, nationally based committee to 20, down to 11 and a final five before voting on the winner of one of college basketball’s most prestigious awards.

“The Hall of Fame is proud to present one of college basketball’s premier awards to Kendall Marshall from the University of North Carolina,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “All season Kendall exemplified the type of leadership that Bob Cousy demonstrated throughout his Hall of Fame career, and we are honored to add him to the prestigious list of previous collegiate floor generals who elevated their teammates every time them stepped on the court.”

“We are privileged to honor Kendall Marshall for his tremendous season,” said Ken Kaufman, Chairman of the Bob Cousy Award and former NABC President. “This young man was an outstanding point guard for the Tar Heels all year. We look forward to honoring Kendall in New Orleans on April 2nd.”

Marshall, a sophomore, commanded the Tar Heels to a No. 4 national ranking and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament this season. He led the nation in assists and assist-error ratio and was second in assists per game. Prior to fracturing his right wrist in the third round of the NCAA Tournament, he finished the season with an ACC record 351 assists, the fourth-most in NCAA single-season history. Marshall also became Carolina’s all-time leader in assist average with 7.96 per game and the ACC’s career leader in assist-error ratio at 3.01. He set an ACC single-season record with 17 double-figure assist games, holds five of UNC’s top eight all-time single-game assist totals and set an ACC Tournament record with 31 assists in three games. He also earned first-team All-America honors from CBSSports.com and was named a second-team All-ACC selection.

“Kendall had one of the finest season-long performances by a point guard that I can remember, so it is fitting for him to win the Bob Cousy Award,” said North Carolina head coach Roy Williams, a 2007 Basketball Hall of Fame inductee. “He made it almost routine to have a game with 10 or more assists, something that just doesn’t happen on a regular basis. He is a coach’s dream – the way he runs the team on the floor, exemplifies great leadership and makes each of his teammates better. He set standards that will be hard for college point guards to match in years to come.”

The other 2012 finalists included Isaiah Canaan (Murray State), Matthew Dellavedova (Saint Mary’s), Damian Lillard (Weber State) and Tyshawn Taylor (Kansas).

Each of the final five candidates was reviewed by the Hall of Fame’s Blue Ribbon Selection Committee. The 2012 Bob Cousy Award presentation will be on Monday April 2 as part of the Basketball Hall of Fame Class Announcement in New Orleans at the Final Four.

Previous Winners of the Bob Cousy Award
2004 - Jameer Nelson (St. Joseph’s)
2005 - Raymond Felton (North Carolina)
2006 - Dee Brown (Illinois)
2007 - Acie Law (Texas A&M)
2008 - D.J. Augustin (Texas)
2009 - Ty Lawson (North Carolina)
2010 - Greivis Vasquez (Maryland)
2011 - Kemba Walker (Connecticut)

The Basketball Hall of Fame honors Oakland University’s Reggie Hamilton with the 2012 Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award

2012-03-23T21:29:34Z

44th annual award honors the daughter-in-law of Dr. James Naismith

SPRINGFIELD, MA – The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced today the winner of
the 2012 Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award. This award is given annually to one senior, six-foot-andunder,
who thrived in the classroom and on the basketball court.

This year’s winner is Reggie Hamilton from Oakland University. The 5’11” guard broke the Summit
League’s single-season scoring record this year with 919 points while also leading the nation in scoring
with 26 points per game. Hamilton has directed the Golden Grizzlies to a 20-15 record and an
appearance in this weekend’s semifinals of the CollegeInsiders.com Postseason Tournament. The
Chicago native went over 2,000 points for his career earlier this season and has a career-best 114
three-pointers this season, third-best in program history. He was also selected to the 2012 National
Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Division I All-District 12 first team

He graduated with a degree in communication from Oakland University in May 2011 and is currently
taking post-graduate courses. He was named to 2007-08 Academic All-Summit League team and is a
member of the National Honor Society.

“Reggie Hamilton is one of the premier scorers in college basketball,” said John L. Doleva, President
and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. “The combination of his success on the
court, and his achievements in the classroom as a student-athlete, make him a deserving recipient who
exemplifies the qualities this award is designed to celebrate.”

The Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award is named in honor of James Naismith's daughter-in-law. A panel
of representatives from the National Association of Basketball Coaches selects the recipient. To earn
the award, the recipient must demonstrate leadership, character, loyalty, all-around basketball ability,
and excellence in the classroom.