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Mullin, Rodman highlight Basketball Hall of Fame class |
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SPRINGFIELD — The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame recently announced that 10 individuals have been named as the Class of 2011 to be honored Aug. 11 to 13 during the Enshrinement Ceremonies, presented by NIKE.
The inductees include former NBA star and 1992 Dream Team member Chris Mullin; five-time NBA champion Dennis Rodman; American Basketball Association (ABA) and NBA legend Artis Gilmore and four-time NCAA women's coach of the year Tara VanDerveer; in addition to four-time Olympic gold medalist Teresa Edwards; European star Arvydas Sabonis; all-time NCAA wins leader Herb Magee; eight-time NBA champion Tom "Satch" Sanders; coaching legend Tex Winter; and former Harlem Globetrotter Reece "Goose" Tatum, who will be honored posthumously.
The announcement was made at a press conference in Houston, the site of the 2011 NCAA Final Four.
"We are pleased to welcome these 10 electees who will join the greatest in the game and take their rightful place in Springfield as a Hall of Famer," John L. Doleva, president and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, said.
Jerry Colangelo, chair of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Board said, "The Basketball Hall of Fame's Class of 2011 is a true global representation of the game of basketball. These distinguished players and coaches have made an impact at all levels worldwide and they have motivated, taught and inspired future generations to succeed both on and off the court."
Finalists required 18 of 24 votes from the Honors Committee for election into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
This year, in addition to the Veterans and International committees, there are directly elected enshrinees from two other newly formed committees representing the ABA and Early African-American Pioneers of the Game. This change in the selection process will ensure that the Hall of Fame takes the necessary steps to preserve the history of the game and protect a critical era of basketball.
"The addition of the ABA and Early African-American Pioneers of the Game committees make sure we bring historical context to the modern game and meet our mission of recognizing the entire game," Colangelo said. "This generation built a foundation for the sport and the Hall of Fame is dedicated to making sure that they do not go unrecognized."
The Class of 2011 will be enshrined during a week of events culminating on Aug. 12, followed by a special ceremony at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., on Aug. 13.
Ticket packages to the 2011 Enshrinement Ceremony and all Enshrinement Events are on sale now and available by calling the Hall of Fame at 231-5550.
Additional information on Enshrinement Week will be announced in the near future, and information will be available at www.hoophall.com/enshrinement-tickets.
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