The evening will include three games on the Hall of Fame’s Center Court with tickets priced at $8 / Adult and $5/Student and are available beginning at 5PM.

 
Western Mass. Senior High School Basketball All-Star Game Schedule

5:30PM - Boys, Division II vs. Division III

7:00PM - Girls, Division I vs. Division II-III

8:30PM - Boys, Division I, team one vs. Division I, team two

Rosters & Schools

Division II Boys: Robbie Burke, Hoosac; Andre King, Sabis; Brendan Rios, Easthampton; Dane Jobst, Mahar; Anthony Sims, Drury; Zach Garbacik, South Hadley; Tyriq Rochester, Mahar; Tim Lynch, Palmer; Bill Heaphy, Taconic, Branden Labrie, Hampshire

Division III Boys: Nick Bryda, Holyoke Catholic; Steve Siller, Ware; Devonte Vanderpool, New Leadership; Phil Warrick, New Leadership; Matt Chamberlain, Frontier; Ben Raimer, McCann; Trey Morin, Lee; John Ference, St. Mary; Pat Viewcek, Pioneer Valley; Foster Alston, Dean Tech

Division I Girls: Brisje Malone, Central; A’Lece Mark, Central; Kristina Ferrentino, East Longmeadow; Tania Ortiz, Holyoke; Jenna Williamson, Ludlow; Alyssa Leonard, Ali Pessolano, Minnechaug; Kyleigh Oliveira, Agawam; Jenna Klaes, Amherst; Erin Sweeney, Chicopee Comp

Division II-III Girls: Sara Mills, Monument Mountain; Alyssa Nejaime, Monument Mountain; Ashley Moussette, Hampshire; Katrina Caulfield, Palmer; Alyssa Orszulak, Palmer; Katie Eckert, Lee; Julia Warner, Lee; Nhi Nguyen, McCann; Meghan Boyle, Monson; Justine King, Ware

Division I Boys (team one): Jesse Coulon, Northampton; Ellis Cooper; Pat Harrington, Northampton; Jordan Smith, Central; Pat Thomas, Central; Kevin McCoy, Commerce; Juan Lopez, Holyoke; Aaron Rogers, Westfield; Dylan Willey, Westfield; Dannie Gryszko, West Springfield; Sean Cunningham, Amherst

Division I Boys (team two): James Bertier, East Longmeadow, Dan Martin, East Longmeadow; Devin Abad, East Longmeadow; Ryan Mickiewicz, East Longmeadow; Theo Robinson, Sci-Tech; Arthur Williams, Sci-Tech; Chrys Malone, Sci-Tech; Chris Petrone, Minnechaug; Troy Ocho, Longmeadow; Jordan Couture, Cathedral; Ryan Malone, Chicopee Comp

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Panini America (www.paniniamerica.net), a subsidiary of The Panini Group, the leading global publisher of sports and entertainment collectables will bring Basketball Legends and the Adrenalyn Tour to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame this weekend (March 13-14) for basketball skills activities, games and giveaways.  In addition, Panini will present the Basketball Hall of Fame with the World’s Largest Signed Game-Used Jersey Card, which was authenticated by Guinness at the NBA All-Star Game in Dallas.  The life-size card of Kobe Bryant which includes a 15-inch-by-15-inch swatch of an official jersey he wore in a game and was autographed by him measured 7-feet high by 4-feet, 11inches wide and will be on display at the Hall of Fame.

Panini Adrenalyn Weekend festivities will include:

• Distribution of more than 10,000 packs of Adrenalyn Cards and Game Boards to Hall of Fame visitors
• Appearances by Basketball Hall of Famer, Sam Jones and Boston Basketball Legends, Satch Sanders and Jo Jo White playing kids in games of Adrenalyn and coaching kids in basketball skills activities
• Participants will also be able to play the Adrenalyn Game online through Adrenalyn Kiosks
• Special Virtual Adrenalyn Cards of NBA Legends, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Larry Bird, Clyde Drexler, Magic Johnson and Scottie Pippen that can only be uploaded from the Basketball Hall of Fame
• Youth basketball games throughout the weekend

"The Basketball Hall of Fame is pleased to welcome Panini America and the Adrenalyn Tour to Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was invented," said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. "The weekend of March 13-14 will be a terrific time to visit the Basketball Hall of Fame as the Adrenalyn Tour makes its only stop in New England. I'd like to thank Panini America for its very active role as a new, multi-year marketing partner of the Basketball Hall of Fame and we look forward to an exciting weekend of basketball activities."

The Basketball Hall of Fame is one of the stops on the Panini Adrenalyn Tour, a 13-city tour that includes a Tour Bus featuring images of Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Kobe Bryant, Tyreke Evans, Brandon Jennings and Dirk Nowitzki.

“We are excited to present the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame with the World’s Largest Signed Game-Used Jersey Card to be put on display and we look forward to a great weekend of basketball festivities,” said Scott Prusha, Marketing Manager for Panini America.

Adrenalyn is an interactive trading card game, geared to children ages 6 to 11, that brings together the excitement of the NBA with the thrill of collecting a 450-card set featuring NBA stars Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dirk Nowitzki, Dwyane Wade, among many others. 

The front of each Adrenalyn card features an offensive, defensive, and overall rating so kids can play the game using the Adrenalyn game board. The unique authorization code on the back of each card allows kids to upload their cards online to a virtual collector’s album and play the game at www.paniniadrenalyn.com, a safe and secure site. Adrenalyn cards, collector’s kits and starter sets are available at all major retail stores including Wal-Mart, Target, Toys “R” Us, Kmart, The Dollar Store and Miami Hoops Gear, and online at NBAStore.com and at the NBA Store in New York City.

Panini will distribute four million Adrenalyn trading card packs and 2.5 million game boards to introduce the interactive game to kids across the country throughout the remainder of the NBA season.  Distribution will take place through a multifaceted program that includes newspaper insert activations, Adrenalyn Nights at NBA games and a multi-city Adrenalyn Tour that will visit retail locations, high-traffic areas, NBA arenas and youth sports organizations.  An integrated advertising campaign geared toward kids, which will include TV, print, radio, online and viral campaigns featuring NBA All-Star Kobe Bryant, will support the Adrenalyn product.

To learn more about the Adrenalyn Tour and event stops, watch videos, and view photos from each tour stop, visit www.paniniadrenalyn.com or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/NBAAdrenalyn.

About Panini 

The Panini Group, established almost 50 years ago in Modena, Italy has subsidiaries throughout Europe, Latin America and the United States.  Panini is the world leader in officially licensed collectables and is the leading multi-national publisher of comics, children’s magazines and Manga in Europe and Latin America. Panini has distribution channels in more than 100 countries and employs a staff of over 800. For more information visit us at www.paniniamerica.net or www.paninigroup.com.

SPRINGFIELD, MASS. - The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame today announced the final six candidates in consideration for the 2010 Bob Cousy Award presented by The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.  This annual award 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 of 73 candidates made up of players from Division I, II and III schools was trimmed by a Hall of Fame appointed, nationally based committee to 20, down to 11 and now six candidates remain in consideration for one of college basketball’s most prestigious awards.

“These final six players have truly separated themselves from the rest of the pack in college basketball,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame.  “Our committee has worked hard to narrow the field down and we look forward to recognizing a winner that represents Bob Cousy’s passion and skill for the game.” 

“We are so proud at The Hartford to play a part in this important program and offer congratulations to the six finalists,” said Kevin Connor, executive vice president and director of Hartford Life Distributors.  “To make it to the final six in what is already a highly qualified slate of candidates is an extraordinary achievement.” 

Each of the final six candidates will be reviewed by the Hall of Fame’s Blue Ribbon Selection Committee, chaired by former NABC President and Hall of Fame Trustee Ken Kaufman. The Blue Ribbon Selection Committee is made up of top college basketball personnel including media members, head coaches, Sports Information Directors and Hall of Famers.  The winner of the 2010 Bob Cousy Award presented by The Hartford will be announced on April 1 with the award presentation coming at the Final Four on Monday April 5 as part of the Bob Cousy Award Breakfast and Basketball Hall of Fame Class Announcement.   
 

2010 Bob Cousy Award Final Six 

Sherron Collins - Kansas

Scottie Reynolds - Villanova

Jon Scheyer - Duke

Evan Turner – Ohio State

Greivis Vasquez - Maryland

John Wall - Kentucky 

About The Hartford: 

Celebrating nearly 200 years, The Hartford (NYSE: HIG) is an insurance-based financial services company that serves households, businesses and employees by helping to protect their assets and income from risks, and by managing wealth and retirement needs. A Fortune 500 company, The Hartford is recognized widely for its service expertise and as one of the world’s most ethical companies. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at www.thehartford.com. 

The Bob Cousy Award, presented by The Hartford Financial Services Group, will be awarded on April 5, as part of the Hall of Fame's press conference at the NCAA Final Four.

"From the very beginning when he assisted us with the creation of the award with Bob Cousy and our colleagues at The Hartford, Ken Kaufman has been a driving force behind the program and its core values of recognizing the best point guard in collegiate basketball," said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. "On behalf of everyone at the Hall of Fame, I'd like to thank Ken for taking on this expanded role and 'playing the point' for the Hall as we prepare to recognize the winner of the 2010 Bob Cousy Award, presented by The Hartford."

Kaufman, a native of Worcester, graduated from Classical High School where he captained the basketball team and was named All-City as a junior and senior.  He is a graduate of Leicester Junior College where he was named Student Athlete of the Year in 1965. Kaufman received his bachelor's degree from the University of Bridgeport where he captained the 1965-66 men’s basketball team. He later taught physical education in the Worcester Public Schools as he earned his master's degree in education at Worcester State College. During that time, he worked on a part-time basis at WPI and began his career in coaching as an assistant to the men's varsity and junior varsity teams. In 1975, Kaufman was named acting men's varsity coach at WPI where he would become the school's all-time leader in coaching victories before he stepped down in 2001 after 26 seasons as head basketball coach and a total of 32 years of coaching experience. He was elected to the WPI Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005. Kaufman later served as president of the NABC and also served as a board member for both the NABC and the Basketball Hall of Fame. Kaufman is currently working as the special assistant to the President at Becker College in Worcester.

Please join us at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Friday, March 5 at 2:00PM and Saturday, March 6 at 11:00AM to be among the first to see this groundbreaking film that details the upbringing, origins, behind-the-scenes stories and the ultimate respect and friendship of basketball’s fiercest rivals, Hall of Famers, Larry Bird and Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

From the award winning HBO Sports’ documentary group, Liev Schreiber narrates the history of the competition between Los Angeles Lakers immortal “Magic” Johnson and Boston Celtics great Larry Bird, which began 30 years ago when they led their Midwest universities to the 1979 NCAA Championship game, through a decade of dominance, when each player won three NBA MVP awards apiece and a combined eight NBA championships.  This HBO exclusive presentation also examines the different cultures that helped shape them and contributed to their unique styles, as well as exploring their unlikely friendship.

Free to view with admission to the museum, visitors will be treated to preview screenings before the premiere on HBO.  Screenings will be held on Friday, March 5 at 2PM & Saturday, March 6 at 11AM.

Though sharing Midwestern roots and following the same team-oriented philosophy, the introverted Bird (from the small town of French Lick, Ind.) and the extroverted Johnson (from the industrial state capital Lansing, Mich.) couldn’t be more different in personality.  The two superstars talk about each other at length in the film and provide intimate insights into their remarkable lives.

The film debuts on HBO on Saturday, March 6 at 8PM and also features interviews with Hall of Famers Kevin McHale and Pat Riley, who coached Johnson on the great Lakers team of the 1980s; teammates Cedric Maxwell and Michael Cooper; George Fox, Johnson’s high school coach; siblings Evelyn Johnson and Mark Bird; entertainer Arsenio Hall; former CBS Sports executive Ted Shaker; and sports journalists Bryant Gumbel, Jackie MacMullan, Charles Pierce and Steve Springer.

HBO Sports’ documentary group has earned 28 Sports Emmy Awards and seven Peabody Awards for production excellence.

Don’t miss the opportunity to preview this historic film at the Hall of Fame!

The Hall of Fame is open daily from 10am – 4pm on Sunday – Friday and until 5pm on Saturday. Regular adult admission is $16.99 and $11.99 for ages 5-15.  Under 5 years is FREE.  Senior Citizens can enjoy a discount admission of $13.99.  Annual Pass is $39.99.  Parking is FREE.  For information on groups of 15 or more or multi-day tickets go to www.hoophall.com or call 877-4HOOPLA.  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, international, men and women.

-- 1960 USA Men’s Olympic Team and ‘92 USA “Dream Team” Among the Honorees --

DALLAS, Texas and SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame today named an elite list of players, coaches and teams as finalists to be considered for election to the Hall in 2010. Gaining the honor of being named a Hall of Fame finalist is one of the true highlights of a career in the sport of basketball. This year’s list includes two-time NBA MVP and 14-time NBA All-Star Karl Malone of the Utah Jazz and Scottie Pippen, a six-time NBA champion as a member of the Chicago Bulls, both first-time nominees. They will be considered along with previous finalists, such as legendary high school coach Bob Hurley of St. Anthony’s in Jersey City, N.J. and Cynthia Cooper, who helped the Houston Comets win four WNBA titles.

Also headlining the list for 2010 are three legendary teams, including the 1960 United States Men’s Olympic Team, the 1992 United States Men’s Olympic “Dream Team” and the All-American Red Heads, a finalist selected by the Women’s Committee. The announcement was made today in Dallas, Texas, in conjunction with the 2010 NBA All-Star festivities.

The complete list of finalists includes from the North American Screening Committee: players Dennis Johnson, Bernard King, Karl Malone, Chris Mullin, Scottie Pippen and Jamaal Wilkes; coaches Bob Hurley, and Don Nelson; contributors Tex Winter and Jerry Buss; and the two USA Olympic teams. From the Women’s Screening Committee: Cynthia Cooper, Harley Redin and the All-American Red Heads team. From the International Screening Committee: coach Vladimir Kondrashin and Brazilian Legend Maciel “Ubiratan” Pereira while Richard Guerin and Gus Johnson represent the nominees from the Veteran’s Screening Committee.

The Class of 2010 will be announced on Monday, April 5 at a news conference in Indianapolis prior to the NCAA’s Men’s Championship game. A Finalist needs 18 of 24 votes from the Honors Committee for election into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The Class of 2010 will be enshrined during festivities in Springfield, Mass. on Friday, August 13. Tickets to the 2010 Enshrinement and Induction Celebration are available by calling the Hall of Fame at (413) 231-5550.

NORTH AMERICAN COMMITTEE FINALISTS:

JERRY BUSS – Contributor, has owned the Los Angeles Lakers since 1979 and has built one of the most successful organizations in the history of professional sports. The Lakers have captured nine NBA championships during his tenure while capturing 16 Western Conference championships.  During Buss’ ownership, the team has recorded the most wins and the highest overall winning percentage in the NBA. Buss owned the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA from 1996-2006 and the club captured two WNBA titles (2001-02) under his leadership. He also became the first NBA team owner of a D-League franchise when the Lakers bought the Los Angeles D-Fenders in 2006. Buss served two terms as Chairman of the NBA Board of Governors and has received numerous honors for his wide-ranging charitable interests.

ROBERT “Bob” HURLEY, Sr. – Coach, was born in Jersey City, NJ and played college ball at St. Peter’s before becoming the head coach at St. Anthony’s High School in Jersey City in 1972. Hurley has since compiled over 900 wins at St. Anthony’s while leading the team to 25 State Parochial Championships and three USA Today National Championships (1989, 1996, 2008). Hurley was twice named National Coach of the Year by USA Today (1989, 1996) and was elected to the New Jersey Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. If elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame, will become only the third person elected exclusively for their service to high school basketball (Morgan Wootten, Bertha Teague).

DENNIS JOHNSON – Player, was one of basketball’s toughest defenders, earning nine consecutive NBA All-Defensive team honors during his 14-year professional career. He was a major part of three NBA championship teams and won MVP honors at the 1979 Finals as a member of the Seattle SuperSonics. He played with Seattle from 1976-80 and was traded to the Phoenix Suns where he played from 1980-83. He finished his NBA career with the Boston Celtics (1983-90) where he won NBA championship rings in 1984 and 1986. Known as “D.J.” to teammates and fans, he was named to five NBA All-Star teams while scoring more than 15,000 points and compiling 5,000 assists before retiring in 1990. (Born Sept. 18, 1954; Died February 22, 2007).

BERNARD KING – Player, spent 15 seasons in the NBA and was named to four NBA All-Star Teams and two All-NBA first teams while averaging 22.5 points. A prolific scorer, King was a collegiate All-American at the University of Tennessee and went on to be named to the NBA All-Rookie team in 1978. He was named NBA Comeback Player of the Year in 1981 and scored nearly 20,000 points in his storied NBA career.

KARL MALONE – Player, was a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player (1997, ’99) and a 14-time NBA All-Star for the Utah Jazz. He was named as one of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players in 1996 and ranks second on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 36,928 points. Malone was selected as an All-NBA first team forward from 1989-99 and was named to the league’s All-Defensive first team from 1997-99. He won two Olympic gold medals, competing as a member of the 1992 USA Basketball “Dream Team” and the 1996 USA Olympic champions. Malone played collegiately at Louisiana Tech from 1981-1985. He finished his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2003-04.

CHRIS MULLIN – Player, a McDonald’s High School All-American from New York, NY, was a five-time NBA All-Star and a collegiate standout at St. John’s, where he was named Big East Player of the Year three times. A two-time Olympic gold medalist (1984, 1992), Mullin played 16 NBA seasons for Golden State and Indiana, amassing 17,911 points which helped him average more than 20 ppg. for six consecutive seasons. Mullin is the all-time leading scorer at St. John’s where he was named the Wooden Award winner and a first team All-American in 1985.

DON NELSON - Coach, a native of Muskegon, Michigan, began his career as an NBA player for the Chicago Zephyrs (1962-1963) and went on to play for the Los Angeles Lakers (1963-65) and the Boston Celtics (1965-1975). He then went on to coach in the NBA, leading the Milwaukee Bucks (1976-1987) to seven consecutive division titles (1979-1986) when he recorded seven straight 50-plus win seasons. He currently coaches the Golden State Warriors. Nelson also coached the New York Knicks (1995-1996) and the Dallas Mavericks (1997-2005). Nelson is one of only two coaches in NBA history to record 250 victories with three different teams. He is a three-time NBA Coach of the Year winner, and currently ranks second in NBA Coaching history for wins. He was named as one of the NBA’s Ten Best Coaches of All-Time when the league celebrated the NBA at 50. Nelson has over 40 years of NBA experience as a player, coach and general manager. His number 19 jersey was retired by the Boston Celtics.

SCOTTIE PIPPEN – Player, was a seven-time NBA All-Star (1990, 1992-97) and a member of six NBA championship teams with the Chicago Bulls (1991-93, 1996-98). He was a three-time All-NBA first team honoree and was voted to the NBA All-Defensive first team from 1992-99, along with two stints on the All-Defensive second team. Pippen won two Olympic gold medals as he was a member of the 1992 USA Basketball “Dream Team” and returned to help lead the USA at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.  He won NBA All-Star MVP honors in 1994.  Pippen also played with the Houston Rockets (1998-99) and Portland Trail Blazers (1999-2003). He is a native of Hamburg, Arkansas and attended the University of Central Arkansas (1983-87).

JAMAAL WILKES – Player, was a member of four NBA champions, including his 1975 title with the Golden State Warriors and three championships with the Los Angeles Lakers (1980, ’82 and ’85). He was a three-time NBA All-Star and averaged 17.7 ppg and 6.2 rpg over 12 seasons. Wilkes was named the 1975 NBA Rookie of the Year after being named as an All-American in 1974 upon completion of a stellar collegiate career at UCLA where he was a member of two NCAA national championship teams (1972-73) and placed seventh on UCLA’s all-time scoring list.

TEX WINTER – Contributor, was the 1998 recipient of the John Bunn Lifetime Achievement award, presented by the Basketball Hall of Fame to recognize his work in coaching and as the proponent of the triangle and triple-post offense that has been the foundation for the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers teams and nine NBA championships. Winter compiled a 454-333 (.577) record at the collegiate level, including records of 262-118 (.689) at Kansas State, 45-35 (.563) at Washington and 78-69 (.531) at Long Beach. While at Kansas State, he led the team to two Final Four appearances (1958 and ’64) and six NCAA Tournament appearances. He was the 1958 NCAA coach of the year and is widely recognized as one of the greatest NBA assistant coaches in history.

1960 USA OLYMPIC TEAM – Team, compiled an 8-0 record at the Rome Olympic Games and won its games by an average margin of 42.4 points. Ten players went on to play in the NBA and six team members have been enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, including coaches Pete Newell and Dutch Lonborg.  The Hall of Fame players from the ’60 team are: Walt Bellamy, Jerry Lucas, Oscar Robertson and Jerry West.

1992 USA OLYMPIC TEAM known as “The Dream Team” – Team, compiled an 8-0 record at the Barcelona Olympic Games with an average margin of victory of 43.8. Coached by Hall of Famer, the late Chuck Daly, the “Dream Team” was the first team made up primarily of NBA players who were eligible to compete in international basketball for the first time because of the change of FIBA rules in 1989. Eight players from the team have been enshrined into the Basketball Hall of Fame, and three (Malone, Mullin and Pippen) are among the finalists for 2010. The prior inductees include: Charles Barkley, Larry Bird, Clyde Drexler, Patrick Ewing, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, David Robinson, and John Stockton). Hall of Fame coaches Mike Krzyzewski and Lenny Wilkens assisted Daly while college standout Christian Laettner of Duke University completed the roster.  The ’92 Dream team was inducted into the USA Olympic Hall of Fame as a team in 2009.

WOMEN’S COMMITTEE FINALISTS

CYNTHIA COOPER – Player, competed at the University of Southern California where she won two NCAA Championships and participated in three Final Fours. As a member of the Houston Comets, she won four WNBA Championships and was named WNBA Finals MVP with each title. Cooper was named to three WNBA All-Star teams and was also selected WNBA regular season MVP twice. Cooper won an Olympic Gold Medal in 1988 and an Olympic Bronze Medal in 1992 to go along with two FIBA Women’s World Championship Gold Medals.

HARLEY REDIN – Coach, is recognized as one of the greatest coaches in basketball after leading the Wayland Baptist University’s women’s team from 1955 through 1973.  He compiled an overall women’s coaching record of 431-66 (.867), including a 76-game win streak from 1955 through 1958 while leading Wayland Baptist University to two undefeated seasons (’56, ’57). Redin captured six AAU women’s national championships (1956, ’57, ’59, ’61, ’70 and ’71), served as coach the USA women’s national team and, earlier in his career, coached the Wayland Baptist men’s team (1948-57). Redin was inducted to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999.

ALL-AMERICAN RED HEADS – Team, was the first women’s professional basketball team. The Red Heads were founded in 1936 in Cassville, Missouri and competed in games all over the United States and Canada and became the first American team to play in the Philippines, regularly playing more than 200 games a year during six decades (1936-86). The team was often compared with the Harlem Globetrotters as they used serious play and comedic routines to entertain the audience while they promoted women’s basketball.

INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE FINALISTS:

VLADIMIR KONDRASHIN – Coach, was known as the founder of basketball in Leningrad where he compiled an overall record of 727-365. He led the Soviet Union National Team to the Olympic Gold Medal in 1972, the Olympic Bronze Medal in 1976, and a World Championship Gold Medal in 1974.

MACIEL “UBIRATAN” PEREIRA – Player, was known as “The King” in his native Brazil. He earned a gold medal at the 1963 World Championship, a silver medal at the 1970 World Championship and a bronze medal at the 1964 Olympic Games. Closer to home, he won five South American Championships and 11 titles in the São Paulo League in Brazil. He played in three Olympic Games for Brazil and was inducted as a player to the FIBA Hall of Fame in September, 2009 and has been awarded the FIBA “Order of Merit” honor. (Born: Jan. 18, 1944; Died July 17, 2002).

VETERAN’S COMMITTEE FINALISTS:

RICHARD GUERIN – Player, was a six time NBA All Star (1958-1963) and scored 14,676 points, 4,278 rebounds and 4,211 assists during a pro career with the Knicks (1956-63), St. Louis Hawks (1963-67) and Atlanta Hawks (1968-70). Guerin was the first Knick to score 2,000 points in a single season, and averaged 20.1 ppg as a member of the Knicks. Born in the Bronx, NY, Guerin played at Iona College, where he averaged 24.7 ppg as a senior and was named an All-American. Guerin was also a player/coach for both the St. Louis and Atlanta Hawks, compiling a 327-291 record while being named NBA Coach of the Year in 1968.

GUS JOHNSON – Player, was a five-time NBA All-Star (1965, ‘68-71) and a two-time member of the NBA’s All-Defensive team (1970 and ’71). Johnson helped lead the Baltimore Bullets to five playoff appearances in nine seasons, including the 1971 NBA Finals. He played 10 years in the NBA, scored 9,944 points (17.1 ppg) and grabbed 7,379 rebounds (12.7 rpg). Johnson also played for the Phoenix Suns (1972-73) and was a member of the 1973 ABA Champion Indiana Pacers. (Born: Dec. 13, 1938; Died: April 29, 1987).

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, please visit our website at www.hoophall.com or call the Basketball Hall of Fame at 1-877-4-HOOPLA.

SPRINGFIELD, MA – The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame will offer a wide variety of activities to entertain the whole family during the school vacation week, February 13^th – February 21^st, 2010.  The World’s Finest Sports Museum will be host to special appearances, skills clinics, films, contests and games that offer great fun for the entire family!

The vacation fun begins on Saturday, February 13^th as the Hall of Fame is joined by the University of Chicago Men’s Basketball team, who will offer an exclusive skills and drills clinic at 11:30 AM for those in attendance.  Don’t miss this opportunity to see three-time UAA Coach of the Year, Mike McGrath and members of the Maroons as they make their only trip to New England this season.

On Sunday, February 14^th, the Hall of Fame will host an all day event that includes a free film festival in the Hall of Fame Theater with a documentary on the past 100 years of UMASS Basketball, as well as a screening of a popular children’s basketball movie.  Prizes will also be given out to winners of the day’s Free Throw and Three Point Contests.

On Monday, February 15^th, Rainbow, the King of Comedy Basketball will make an appearance at the Hall of Fame at 1:00 PM.  Rainbow has been in show basketball for over 25 years, a career which has spanned the entire globe.  Come and be apart of his performance on the Hall of Fame’s Center Court for what is sure to be an unforgettable afternoon of family fun and laughter!

On Wednesday, February 17^th, the Hall of Fame welcomes members of the Springfield Technical Community College Men’s Basketball team at 11:00 AM as coaches and players bring visitors through a college level practice and skills session.

On Thursday, February 18^th, the world famous Harlem Globetrotters stop by at 1:00 PM for some fun, including their timeless “magic circle”.  The Globetrotters will also be available for autographs for visitors.

On Friday, February 19^th, Boston Celtics Mascot Lucky the Leprechaun will put on a show at 1:00 PM as he marvels the crowd with his high flying acrobatics, followed by an autograph session.

On Saturday, February 20^th, come shoot hoops and get your photo taken with Steal, mascot of the Springfield Armor as he stops by to have some fun with those in attendance.

Vacation week concludes on Sunday, February 21^st with another day of historic basketball films and lively contests on the Hall of Fame’s Center Court.

The Hall of Fame is open daily during February vacation week from 10am – 4pm on Sunday – Friday and until 5pm on Saturday. Regular adult admission is $16.99 and $11.99 for ages 5-15.  Under 5 years is FREE.  Senior Citizens can enjoy a discount admission of $13.99.  Annual Pass is $39.99.  Parking is FREE.  For information on groups of 15 or more or multi-day tickets go to www.hoophall.com or call 877-4HOOPLA.

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, international, men and women. For more information on these and other upcoming events, please visit our website at www.hoophall.com or call 1-877-4HOOPLA.

“We are proud to announce this strategic change in the governance structure of the Basketball Hall of Fame,” said Colangelo. “Our goal was to create a Board of Governors for the Hall that represents the diversity of the game of basketball while recognizing the key constituents of our game.  The new Board members will bring a wealth of new energy and experience as they work together with local representatives of the Springfield region and key influencers from the national sports and entertainment industry, including many of our great Hall of Famers themselves.”

Joining the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Board of Governors are George Bodenheimer, President, ESPN and ABC Sports and Co-Chairman, Disney Media Networks; Junior Bridgeman, CEO of Bridgeman Foods Inc. and former President of the NBA Players Association; Jody Conradt, former head coach at the University of Texas, who was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998; Charles Denson, President of the NIKE Brand; Pat Riley, President of the Miami Heat, who was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2008; Tom Stultz, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, College Sports for IMG; and Elaine Wynn, board member of the Wynn Resorts Ltd.

In addition, the Hall of Fame named several high level executives to serve as Trustees, including Frank Colaccino, CEO Colvest Group; Mitchell Etess, CEO Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino; Billy Hunter, Executive Director of the NBA Players Association; David Pace, founder of Pace Sports and former Reebok General Counsel; George Raveling, NIKE Global Basketball Director; and Dr. Glenn Wong, Professor of Sports Management at the University of Massachusetts.

“I would like to thank Jerry Colangelo and the members of the Hall’s Board Development and Governance Committee who worked with us to design a structure that will maximize the effectiveness of the Basketball Hall of Fame,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “I am looking forward to working with the new Board members and Trustees to grow the Hall’s presence on a local, national and international basis during this important and exciting time for our organization.”

FEBRUARY 5, 2010  - The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts today announced the final 11 candidates in consideration for the 2010 Bob Cousy Award presented by The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.  This annual award 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 of 73 candidates made up of players from Division I, II and III schools was trimmed by a Hall of Fame appointed, nationally based committee to 20 and has now narrowed that list to a final 11.

“This final list of 11 players represents the cream of the crop in college basketball at the point guard position,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame.  “We look forward to recognizing the nation’s top college basketball point guard and wish all the candidates best of luck.”

"We are proud to be a part of a growing tradition at the Basketball Hall of Fame and congratulate this year’s Bob Cousy Award finalists. This award promotes the values of leadership, vision, teamwork and integrity, skills that are not only needed on the basketball court but also in life," said Mike Concannon, executive vice president of sales and distribution at The Hartford. “These values are shared by The Hartford and reflect the high standards set by Mr. Cousy to inspire people on and off the court to achieve what is ahead of them.”

Beginning February 5, via the Bob Cousy Award’s website – www.cousyaward.com – fans will be able to vote for the top point guard.  The player that receives the most fan votes will receive one vote toward the final committee vote.  Fan voting will run one month – beginning February 5 and will conclude March 5.

The current listing of 11 finalists for the 2010 Bob Cousy Award presented by The Hartford will be narrowed down to five players by March 1^st.  The final five players in contention for the award will be presented to Mr. Cousy and the Hall of Fame’s selection committee.  These Hall of Fame committees are made up of top college basketball personnel including media members, head coaches, Sports Information Directors and Hall of Famers.  The winner of the 2010 Bob Cousy Award presented by The Hartford will be awarded at the Hall of Fame’s Class Announcement on Monday April 5^th in Indianapolis as part of NCAA Final Four weekend.

2010 Bob Cousy Award Finalists

Matt Bouldin - Gonzaga

Sherron Collins - Kansas

Devan Downey – South Carolina

Trevon Hughes – Wisconsin

Jeremy Lin – Harvard

Kalin Lucas – Michigan State

Ronald Moore – Siena

Scottie Reynolds - Villanova

Jon Scheyer - Duke

Greivis Vasquez – Maryland

John Wall - Kentucky

About The Hartford:

Celebrating nearly 200 years, The Hartford (NYSE: HIG) is an insurance-based financial services company that serves households, businesses and employees by helping to protect their assets and income from risks, and by managing wealth and retirement needs. A Fortune 500 company, The Hartford is recognized widely for its service expertise and as one of the world’s most ethical companies. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at www.thehartford.com.

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

Upon learning of McGuire's passing, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's President and CEO, John L. Doleva released the following statement, "Dick McGuire was a true friend to the sport of basketball and to the Hall of Fame.  He was beloved by so many and left an indelible mark as both a collegiate and professional player, as well as an outstanding coach."

McGuire, born on January 25, 1926 in New York, NY, played his college basketball under Hall of Fame coach Joe Lapchick at St. John’s University.  He would be selected as a Helms Foundation All-American in 1944 while leading St. John’s to the NIT Championship.  McGuire would receive the Haggerty Award in 1944 and 1949 which is symbolic of New York’s outstanding college basketball player and was voted as the best player in St. John’s history.  Along with his brother Al, former head coach at Marquette University, the McGuires comprise the only brother Hall of Famer tandem.  McGuire would play in the NBA with the New York Knicks from 1949-1957 and the Detroit Pistons from 1957 – 1960.  He would be selected to seven NBA All-Star games over the course of his career and led the Knicks to three-straight NBA Finals appearances from 1951 – 1953.  McGuire would coach in the NBA for seven seasons with the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks, leading his teams to the playoffs five times.