Search by the First Name of the HOFers
1976 US Women’s Olympic Team
Inducted:
2023
Players
Cindy Brogdon
Nancy Dunkle
Luisa Harris
Patricia Head
Charlotte Lewis
Nancy Lieberman
Gail Marquis
Ann Meyers
Mary Anne O’Connor
Patricia Roberts
Susan Rojcewicz
Juliene Simpson
Coaches
Billie Moore
Sue Gunter
Olympic Team Awards
- Silver Medal
Olympics
1976
Games of the XXI Olympiad in Montreal, Canada
vs Soviet Union
Final Score 77–112
Al Attles
Inducted:
2019
Player Stats
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
175 lb (79 kg)
Born:
November 7, 1936
Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
Died:
August 20, 2024
Oakland, California, U.S.
Position:
Point guard
Coach
College:
North Carolina A&T (1956–1960)
Alvin “Al” Attles Jr. (1936–2024) devoted over six decades to the Warriors franchise as player, coach, general manager, and ambassador. Drafted in 1960, he became known as “The Destroyer” for his defensive tenacity and grit. As a guard for Philadelphia/San Francisco, he averaged 8.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg, and 3.5 apg over 711 games, including being Wilt Chamberlain’s key teammate during the 100‑point game in 1962.
Transitioning to coach in 1970, Attles led Golden State to its first NBA championship in 1975, becoming only the second Black head coach to win a title. He retired with a record of 557–518, holding the franchise record for wins and tenure. In 2019, he joined the Naismith Hall of Fame as a contributor. His number 16 hangs in the rafters, symbolizing a career built on loyalty, character, and pioneering leadership.
Attles's Awards & Honors:
- 16 retired by Golden State Warriors
- 22 retired by North Carolina A&T Aggies
- NBA champion (1975)
- 2× NBA All-Star Game head coach (1975, 1976)
- Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award (2017)
- Scored 17 points during Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game in 1962
- 2017 Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award recipient
NBA Records
- Second African-American head coach to win an NBA championship (1975)
- Longest-tenured individual with a single NBA franchise
- First African-American coach to serve as both player and head coach in the same season
- Most coaching wins in Golden State Warriors history
NBA Teams:
As a player:
Philadelphia / San Francisco Warriors (1960–1971)
As a coach:
San Francisco Warriors (assistant) (1968–1970)
San Francisco / Golden State Warriors (1970–1983)
Golden State Warriors (assistant) (1994–1995)
NBA Draft:
1960: 5th round, 39th overall pick
Philadelphia Warriors
Number Worn:
16
NBA Stats:
Seasons Played
11 (1960–1971)
Regular Season Games
711
Points
6,328 (8.9 ppg)
Rebounds
2,463 (3.5 rpg)
Assists
2,483 (3.5 apg)
Field Goal %
45.1%
Player-Coach Season
1970–71
Head Coach Record
557–518 (.518)
NBA Championships
1 (1975)
All-American Red Heads
Inducted:
2012
Team Stats:
Team Players:
Mel Daniels
Katrina McClain
Reggie Miller
Ralph Sampson
Chet Walker
Jamaal Wilkes
Coaches:
Cathy Rush
Lidia Alexeeva
Don Nelson
Contributors:
Donald Barksdale
Phil Knight
The All-American Red Heads, founded in 1936 by C.M. “Ole” Olson and his wife Doyle, were pioneers of women’s basketball and one of the most iconic barnstorming teams in sports history. Known for their trademark red hair—often dyed or in wigs—the Red Heads entertained crowds nationwide by taking on men’s teams in full-court games under men’s rules, a bold departure from the limited opportunities available to women in sports at the time.
Traveling tens of thousands of miles each year, they combined athletic skill with showmanship, much like the Harlem Globetrotters. Over their 50-year run, the Red Heads played more than 200 games annually, helping to break down barriers and inspire future generations of female athletes. Their impact went far beyond the scoreboard, proving that women could compete at the highest levels of basketball.
In 2012, the All-American Red Heads were inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, securing their legacy as trailblazers for women’s basketball.
Awards & Records:
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2012)
- Considered the “female Globetrotters” of basketball
- One of the longest-running women’s basketball teams in history
- Inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame
- Inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame
Teams Record:
Active Years:
1936–1986
Games Played:
200+ per season
Allen Iverson
Inducted:
2016
Player Stats:
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
165 lb (75 kg)
Born:
June 7, 1975
Hampton, Virginia, U.S.
Position:
Shooting guard
Point guard
College:
Georgetown (1994–1996)
Allen Iverson wasn’t just a basketball player—he was a cultural icon who redefined toughness, style, and scoring in the modern NBA. Standing just six feet tall, Iverson played with unmatched heart and fearlessness, regularly challenging players nearly a foot taller. Drafted first overall in 1996, he quickly became the face of the Philadelphia 76ers and one of the most exciting guards in league history.
Iverson led the NBA in scoring four times, was named MVP in 2001, and famously carried a scrappy Sixers team to the Finals that same year. His signature crossover dribble and relentless attacking style made him a nightmare for defenders and a hero to millions. Off the court, he reshaped league culture with his authenticity, unapologetic confidence, and streetwise fashion—bridging the gap between basketball and hip-hop.
A Hall of Famer inducted in 2016, Iverson’s influence on the game and its players remains profound, proving that heart and hustle can outshine height and hype.
Iverson's Awards & Records:
- NBA Most Valuable Player (2001)
- 11× NBA All-Star (2000–2010)
- 2× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2001, 2005)
- 3× All-NBA First Team (1999, 2001, 2005)
- 3× All-NBA Second Team (2000, 2002, 2003)
- All-NBA Third Team (2006)
- NBA Rookie of the Year (1997)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (1997)
- 4× NBA scoring champion (1999, 2001, 2002, 2005)
- 3× NBA steals leader (2001–2003)
- NBA 75th Anniversary Team
NBA Records:
- Most steals per game in NBA history
- 1st overall pick in 1996 NBA Draft
- 7th all-time in career points per game (26.7 PPG)
- Most points scored by a rookie in a game for the 76ers (50)
- Scored 40+ points in 5 consecutive playoff games (2001)
- Most minutes played per game in a season – 43.7 (1999)
NBA Teams :
Philadelphia 76ers 1996–2006
Denver Nuggets 2006–2008
Detroit Pistons 2008–2009
Memphis Grizzlies 2009
Philadelphia 76ers 2009–2010
NBA Draft:
1996: 1st round, 1st overall pick
Philadelphia 76ers
Number Worn:
3
Career Stats:
Seasons Played:
14
Game Played:
914
Game Started:
901
Points:
24,368 (26.7 PPG)
Rebounds:
3,394 (3.7 rpg)
Assists:
5,624 (6.2 APG)
Steals:
1,983 (2.2 SPG)
Field Goal %:
42.5%
Free Throw %:
78.0%
Alonzo Mourning
Inducted:
2014
Player Stats:
6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
261 lb (118 kg)
Born:
February 8, 1970
Chesapeake, Virginia, U.S.
Position:
Center
College:
Georgetown (1988–1992)
Alonzo Mourning was one of the most dominant centers of the 1990s and 2000s, renowned for his defensive prowess, shot-blocking, and leadership. Drafted second overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 1992, Mourning became a perennial All-Star and one of the league’s premier interior defenders. He later joined the Miami Heat, where he played a crucial role in their 2006 NBA Championship team.
Known as “Zo,” Mourning recorded over 2,300 career blocks and earned the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award twice (1999, 2000). Despite battling a kidney disorder that sidelined him for part of his career, he returned to help the Heat capture the franchise’s first championship.
Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014, Mourning’s legacy is defined by elite defense, resilience, and leadership on and off the court.
Mourning's Awards and Records:
- NBA Champion (2006)
- 2× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1999, 2000)
- 7× NBA All-Star (1994–1999, 2002)
- 3× All-NBA Second Team (1999, 2000, 2002)
- 3× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1999–2001)
NBA Records:
- One of the all-time leaders in career blocked shots (2,356)
- Key member of Miami Heat’s first NBA Championship (2006)
- Returned from life-threatening kidney disorder to continue elite play
- NBA All-Defensive Team selections: 8 total
NBA Teams:
Charlotte Hornets (1992–1995)
Miami Heat (1995–2003)
New Jersey Nets (2003–2004)
Miami Heat (2005–2008)
NBA Draft:
1992: 1st round, 2nd overall pick
Charlotte Hornets
Number Worn:
33
NBA Stats:
Seasons:
15 (1992-2008)
Games Played:
838
Assists:
1,631 (1.9 APG)
Points:
14,311 (17.1 ppg)
Rebounds:
7,137 (8.5 rpg)
Blocks:
2,356 (2.8 bpg)
FG%
52.7
FG3%
24.7
FT%
69.2
Artis Gilmore
Inducted:
2011
Personal Stats:
7 ft 2 in (2.18 m)
240 lb (109 kg)
Born:
September 21, 1949
Chipley, Florida, U.S.
Position:
Center
College:
Gardner–Webb (1967–1969)
Jacksonville (1969–1971)
Artis Gilmore, nicknamed “The A-Train,” was one of the most dominant big men in basketball history, excelling in both the ABA and NBA. Standing 7-foot-2, Gilmore was a force on both ends of the floor with his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking. A star at Jacksonville University, he led his team to the 1970 NCAA championship game before launching a professional career.
In the ABA, he won Rookie of the Year and MVP honors in 1972, becoming a five-time All-ABA selection and leading the Kentucky Colonels to the 1975 ABA championship. Transitioning to the NBA with the Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, and Boston Celtics, Gilmore continued his dominance, earning six NBA All-Star selections. Known for his consistency, he still holds the NBA’s all-time record for highest career field goal percentage (59.9%).
Gilmore's Awards & Records:
- ABA champion (1975)
- ABA Playoffs Most Valuable Player (1975)
- ABA Most Valuable Player (1972)
- 6× NBA All-Star (1978, 1979, 1981–1983, 1986)
- NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1978)
- ABA Rookie of the Year (1972)
NBA Records:
- Led Jacksonville University to the 1970 NCAA Final
- ABA career averages: 22.3 PPG, 17.1 RPG
- NBA career averages: 17.1 PPG, 10.1 RPG
- One of only a few players to dominate in both ABA and NBA
NBA Teams:
Kentucky Colonels (1971–1976)
Chicago Bulls (1976–1982)
San Antonio Spurs (1982–1987)
Chicago Bulls (1987)
Boston Celtics (1988)
NBA Draft:
1971: 7th round, 117th overall pick
Chicago Bulls
Number Worn:
53
NBA Stats:
Seasons:
17 (1971–1988)
Game Played:
909
Game Started:
804
Points:
24,941
Rebounds:
16,330
Blocks:
3,178
Field Goal %:
59.9%
FT%
71.3
Arvydas Sabonis
Inducted:
2011
Personal Stats:
7 ft 3 in (2.21 m)
292 lb (132 kg)
Born:
19 December 1964
Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR, Soviet Union
Position:
Center
College:
NA
Southeastern Oklahoma State (1983–1986)
Arvydas Sabonis is celebrated as one of the most skilled big men in basketball history, blending size, finesse, and vision rarely seen in a center. Standing 7-foot-3, he dominated international basketball before arriving in the NBA, where he showcased his unique passing, shooting range, and court awareness.
Despite joining the league at age 31 due to political and health obstacles, Sabonis made an immediate impact with the Portland Trail Blazers, providing scoring, rebounding, and playmaking from the post. Prior to his NBA career, he starred for the Soviet Union and Lithuania, earning Olympic gold in 1988 and bronze in 1992 and 1996, solidifying his status as an international legend.
Known for his ability to stretch the floor and facilitate offense, he influenced a generation of versatile centers. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011, Sabonis is remembered not just for his NBA contributions but as a transformative figure who bridged global basketball excellence.
Sabonis's Awards & Records:
- FIBA Hall of Fame: Class of 2010
- Olympic Gold Medalist: 1988 (Soviet Union)
- Olympic Bronze Medalist: 1992, 1996 (Lithuania)
- EuroBasket Champion: 1985
- Spanish League Champion: 3× (1993–1995)
- Spanish League MVP: 2× (1994, 1995)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team: 1996
NBA Records:
- One of the first true international stars to excel in both Europe and the NBA
- Pioneer of the modern passing and shooting big man style
- Considered one of the greatest European players in basketball history
NBA Teams:
Portland Trail Blazers (1995–2001;2002–2003)
NBA Draft:
1986: 1st round, 24th overall pick
Portland Trail Blazers
Number Worn:
11
NBA Stats:
Seasons:
7 (1995-2003)
Games Played:
470
Game Started:
314
Points:
5,629 (12.0 ppg)
Rebounds:
3,436 (7.3 rpg)
Assists:
964 (2.1 apg)
FG%
47.6
FT%
78.6
Points Per Game:
12.0
Barbara Stevens
Inducted:
2020
Player Stats
Born:
September 20, 1954
Southbridge, Massachusetts, U.S.
Position:
Coach
College:
NA
Barbara Stevens (born September 20, 1954) is one of the most successful coaches in women’s college basketball history. Across a 44-year career spanning Clark University, UMass, and Bentley, she amassed an astonishing 1,058–291 record in 1,349 games. She became the first NCAA women’s coach—at any level—to rapidly reach 500, 600, and 700 wins, and she is the only non-Division I coach among the six who have ever notched 1,000 victories . In 2014, Stevens guided Bentley to its first NCAA Division II national championship with a perfect 35–0 season.
A five‑time WBCA Division II National Coach of the Year and 16‑time Northeast‑10 Coach of the Year, she led her teams to 31 NCAA tournament appearances and 14 Elite Eight or Fab Four finishes. Inducted into both the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (2006) and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2020), Stevens is revered for her meticulous coaching style and lasting impact on women’s basketball.
Stevens's Awards and Records
- 5× WBCA National Division II Coach of the Year (1992, 1999, 2001, 2013, 2014)
- 16× NE-10 Coach of the Year (1988, 1989, 1991–1993, 1996–2001, 2003, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2019)
- Carol Eckman Award (2002)
- NCAA Division II National (2014)
- 17 NE-10 regular season (1988–1994, 1996–2001, 2003, 2011–2013)
- 4 NE-10 Northeast division (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019)
- 17 NE-10 Tournament (1990, 1992–1994, 1996, 1998–2001, 2003, 2005, 2011–2014, 2016, 2018)
Becky Hammon
Inducted:
2023
Player Stats
Stats:
5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
136 lb (62 kg)
Born:
March 11, 1977
Rapid City, South Dakota, U.S.
Position:
Point guard
Head coach
College:
Colorado State (1995–1999)
Becky Hammon is a trailblazing basketball figure whose impact spans both the WNBA and NBA. After a standout 16-year WNBA career, she transitioned into coaching, making history in 2014 as the first full-time female assistant coach in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs.
In 2015, she led the Spurs' Summer League team to a championship, becoming the first woman to serve as head coach in that setting.
On December 30, 2020, Hammon broke new ground again by becoming the first woman to act as head coach during an NBA regular-season game after Coach Gregg Popovich's ejection.
In 2021, she took the helm of the Las Vegas Aces, guiding them to back-to-back WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023.
Her contributions were recognized with her induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.
Hammon's Awards
- 25 retired by San Antonio Stars/Las Vegas Aces
- Spanish League champion (2010)
- Queen's Cup winner (2010)
- Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award (1996)
- First-team All-American – AP (1999)
- All-American – Kodak, USBWA (1999)
- 3x WAC Player of the Year (1997–1999)
- 4x First-team All-WAC (1996–1999)
- WAC Tournament MVP (1996)
- WAC Freshman of the Year (1996)
- WAC All-Freshman Team (1996)
NBA Records
- 6× WNBA All-Star (2003, 2005–2007, 2009, 2011)
- 2× All-WNBA First Team (2007, 2009)
- 2× All-WNBA Second Team (2005, 2008)
- WNBA assists leader (2007)
- WNBA 15th Anniversary Team (2011)
- WNBA 20th Anniversary Team (2016)
- WNBA 25th Anniversary Team (2021)
- WNBA Three-Point Shootout champion (2009)
- WNBA Skills Challenge Champion (2007)
WNBA Teams
As Player
New York Liberty 1999–2006
San Antonio Stars 2007–2014
As Coach
San Antonio Spurs 2014–2021 (assistant)
Las Vegas Aces 2022–present
Numbers Worn:
25
WNBA Stats
Seasons:
16
Games Played:
450
Games Started:
329
Minutes Per Game:
27.9
Points Per Game:
13.9
Assists Per Game:
3.8
Rebounds Per Game:
2.5
Steals Per Game:
1.1
Field Goal Percentage:
43.8%
Three-Point Percentage:
37.8%
Free Throw Percentage:
89.7%
Ben Wallace
Inducted:
2021
Player Stats
6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
240 lb (109 kg)
Born:
September 10, 1974
White Hall, Alabama, U.S.
Position:
Center
Power forward
College:
Cuyahoga CC (1992–1994)
Virginia Union (1994–1996)
Ben Wallace went from being undrafted to becoming one of the most dominant defensive forces in NBA history.
A four-time Defensive Player of the Year, Wallace anchored the Detroit Pistons with relentless effort, physicality, and elite shot-blocking. Standing 6'9", he defied the odds as an undersized center, helping lead the Pistons to the 2004 NBA Championship and six straight Eastern Conference Finals appearances.
Wallace was the heart of Detroit’s defense-first identity, known for his rebounding, intensity, and ability to shut down elite big men. He finished his career with over 10,000 rebounds and 2,000 blocks. His path from small-college player to Hall of Famer is one of perseverance and grit.
Wallace was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.
Wallace's Awards and Records
- First-team Division II All-American – NABC (1996)
- Undrafted to Hall of Fame journey – rare and historic
- 3 jersey retired by Detroit Pistons
NBA Records
- NBA champion (2004)
- 4× NBA All-Star (2003–2006)
- 3× All-NBA Second Team (2003, 2004, 2006)
- 2× All-NBA Third Team (2002, 2005)
- 4× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006)
- 5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2002–2006)
- NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2007)
- 2× NBA rebounding leader (2002, 2003)
- NBA blocks leader (2002)
NBA Teams
Washington Bullets / Wizards 1996–1999
Orlando Magic 1999–2000
Detroit Pistons 2000–2006
Chicago Bulls 2006–2008
Cleveland Cavaliers 2008–2009
Detroit Pistons 2009–2012
NBA Draft:
1996: undrafted
Numbers Worn:
30, 4, 3, 6
Career Stats
NBA Seasons:
16 (1996–2012)
Games Played:
1,088
Points:
6,254 (5.7 PPG)
Rebounds:
10,482 (9.6 RPG)
Blocks:
2,137 (2.0 BPG)
Steals:
1,369 (1.3 SPG)
Assists:
1,369 (1.3 APG)
FG%:
47.4%
FT%
41.4%
Bernard King
Inducted:
2013
Player Stats:
6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
205 lb (93 kg)
Born:
December 4, 1956
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Position:
Small forward
College:
Tennessee (1974–1977)
Bernard King was among the NBA’s most feared scorers, combining strength, speed, and a lightning-quick release. A four-time All-Star and 1985 NBA scoring champion, he averaged 32.9 points per game that season, including a legendary 60-point performance on Christmas Day. King’s mid-range accuracy and ability to score in traffic made him nearly unstoppable.
In 1985, a devastating knee injury threatened to end his career, but he returned to elite form, averaging 28.4 points for Washington in 1990–91 at age 34. Over 16 seasons, King scored 19,655 points, cementing his place among the game’s greats. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013, he is remembered for his resilience, scoring artistry, and ability to dominate in big moments.
King's Awards and Records:
- 4× NBA All-Star
- 2× All-NBA First Team; 2× All-NBA Second Team
- NBA Scoring Champion (1985)
- NBA Comeback Player of the Year (1981)
- Hall of Fame Inductee (2013)
NBA Records:
- Scored 60 points in a single game on Christmas Day
- Nearly stopped by injury but returned to high-level scoring at age 34
- Consistently dominated with mid-range and inside scoring skills
NBA Teams:
New Jersey Nets (1977–1979)
Utah Jazz (1979–1980)
Golden State Warriors (1980–1982)
New York Knicks (1982–1987)
Washington Bullets (1987–1991)
New Jersey Nets (1993)
NBA Draft:
1977: 1st round, 7th overall pick
New Jersey Nets
Number Worn:
22, 30
Career Stats:
Season:
14
Games Played:
874
Game Started:
547
Points:
19,655 (22.5 ppg)
Rebounds:
5,060 (5.8 rpg)
Assists:
2,863 (3.3 apg)
Field Goal %:
47.4%
Free Throw %:
69.2%
Point Per Game:
11.3
Bill Fitch
Inducted:
2019
Player Stats
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
205 lb (93 kg)
Born:
May 19, 1932
Davenport, Iowa, U.S.
Died:
February 2, 2022
Lake Conroe, Texas, U.S.
Position:
Coach
College:
Coe (1950–1954)
Bill Fitch was a no-nonsense coach who brought structure, discipline, and lasting success to every NBA franchise he led. Known as a master rebuilder, Fitch took over struggling teams and turned them into contenders. He began his NBA coaching career with the expansion Cleveland Cavaliers in 1970 and led them to the playoffs by 1976, winning Coach of the Year.
Fitch later took over the Boston Celtics in 1979, where he coached a young Larry Bird and guided the team to an NBA title in 1981. Over 25 seasons, Fitch racked up 944 wins—once the second-highest total in league history. He also led the Houston Rockets to the 1986 NBA Finals and coached the New Jersey Nets and LA Clippers.
Known for his intense practices, dry humor, and player development, Fitch shaped multiple generations of stars. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019 for his lasting contributions to the game.
Fitch's Awards & Honors:
- NBA champion (1981)
- 2× NBA Coach of the Year Award (1976, 1980)
- NBA All-Star Game head coach (1982)
- Top 10 Coaches in NBA History
- Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award (2013)
NBA Records:
- One of the first coaches to win NBA Coach of the Year with two different franchises
- One of only a few head coaches to reach the NBA Finals with two different teams
- Coached in 2,050 regular season games and 109 playoff games
NBA Teams:
As a coach:
Cleveland Cavaliers (1970–1979)
Boston Celtics (1979–1983)
Houston Rockets (1983–1988)
New Jersey Nets (1989–1992)
Los Angeles Clippers (1994–1998)
NBA Stats:
Seasons Coached:
25 (1970–1998)
Career Record:
944–1,106
Win (%):
.460
Playoff Record:
55–54
NBA Championships:
1 (1981, Boston Celtics)
Coach of the Year:
2× (1976, 1980)
Bill Russell
Inducted:
2021
Player Stats
6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
215 lb (98 kg)
Born:
February 12, 1934
Monroe, Louisiana, U.S.
Died:
July 31, 2022
Mercer Island, Washington, U.S.
Position:
Center (As Player)
Coach
College:
San Francisco (1953–1956)
Bill Russell is one of the greatest champions in sports history and the ultimate symbol of winning in the NBA.
As the cornerstone of the Boston Celtics dynasty, he led the team to 11 NBA championships in 13 seasons—a record that still stands. Drafted in 1956, Russell revolutionized the game with his shot-blocking, rebounding, and leadership.
Though not a prolific scorer, his impact on defense and team success was unmatched. A five-time MVP, Russell was known for his fierce competitiveness, intelligence, and unselfish play.
He later became the first Black head coach in NBA history, winning two titles as a player-coach. Off the court, he was a vocal civil rights advocate and a symbol of integrity.
Inducted into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1975 and as a coach in 2021, Russell’s legacy extends far beyond basketball—he changed the game and helped shape the league's values and culture.
Russell's Awards and Records
As Player
- 11× NBA champion (1957, 1959–1966, 1968, 1969)[a]
- 5× NBA Most Valuable Player (1958, 1961–1963, 1965)
- 12× NBA All-Star (1958–1969)
- NBA All-Star Game MVP (1963)
- 3× All-NBA First Team (1959, 1963, 1965)
- 8× All-NBA Second Team (1958, 1960–1962, 1964, 1966–1968)
- NBA All-Defensive First Team (1969)
- 4× NBA rebounding champion (1958, 1959, 1964, 1965)
- NBA anniversary team (25th, 35th, 50th, 75th)
- 6 retired by Boston Celtics
- 6 retired by NBA leaguewide
- SI Sportsman of the Year (1968)
As Coach
- 2× NBA Champion as player-coach (1968, 1969 – Boston Celtics)
- First Black head coach in NBA (and major U.S. pro sports) history (1966)
- Only person in NBA history to win multiple championships as a player-coach
- Playoff coaching record: 18–8 (.692 winning percentage)
- Led Celtics to back-to-back championships in first two seasons as coach
- Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach (2021)
- Coached three NBA teams: Celtics, SuperSonics, Kings
- One of the few individuals inducted into the Hall of Fame as both player and coach
Teams
As Player
Boston Celtics 1956–1969
As Coach
Boston Celtics 1966–1969
Seattle Super Sonics 1973–1977
Sacramento Kings 1987–1988
NBA Draft:
1956: 1st round, 2nd overall pick
St. Louis Hawks
Numbers Worn:
6
Career Stats
As Player
Games Played:
963
Points:
14,522 (15.1 PPG)
Rebounds:
21,620 (22.5 RPG)
Assists:
4,100 (4.3 APG)
FG%:
44.0%
FT%:
56.1%
As Coach
Games Coached:
654
Wins:
341
Losses:
290
Winning Percentage:
.540
Playoff Record:
18–8
Playoff Winning %:
.692
NBA Championships as Coach:
2
Bill Self
Inducted:
2017
Player Stats:
5 ft 11 in ; 180 cm
198 lb ; 90 kg
Born:
December 27, 1962
Okmulgee, Oklahoma, U.S.
Position:
Coach
College:
Oklahoma State University
Bill Self has established himself as one of the most successful college basketball coaches in history. As the head coach of the University of Kansas since 2003, Self has consistently built elite teams known for their defensive toughness and disciplined offense. He led Kansas to national championships in 2008 and 2022, and his teams have made multiple Final Four appearances.
Known for his adaptability and leadership, Self has developed dozens of NBA-caliber players and maintained Kansas as a perennial powerhouse in college basketball. With over 800 career wins and a staggering number of conference titles, he ranks among the all-time greats in NCAA history.
Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017, Bill Self’s legacy is marked by sustained excellence, player development, and championship pedigree. His impact on the college game is profound, and his record speaks to a coaching career built on success and integrity.
Bill's Awards & Records:
- 2 NCAA Division I tournament (2008, 2022)
- 4 NCAA Division I regional – Final Four (2008, 2012, 2018*, 2022)[A]
- 2 WAC regular season (1999, 2000)
- Big Ten tournament (2003)
- 2 Big Ten regular season (2001, 2002)
- NABC Coach of the Year (2016)
- Naismith College Coach of the Year (2012)
- USBWA District Coach of the Year 2022
Coaching Career Teams:
Kansas (assistant) 1985–1986
Oklahoma State (assistant) 1986–1993
Oral Roberts 1993–1997
Tulsa 1997–2000
Illinois 2000–2003
Kansas 2003–present
Career Stats:
Wins-Lose:
836–256
NCAA Championships:
2 (2008, 2022)
Final Four Appearances:
4
Conference Championships:
17+ (Big 12)
Win Percentage:
.766
Bo Ryan
Inducted:
2024
Coach Stats
Born:
December 20, 1947
Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Position:
Coach
College:
Wilkes University
Bo Ryan is a legendary basketball coach best known for his success at the University of Wisconsin, where he transformed the Badgers into a perennial powerhouse. Over 14 seasons (2001–2015), Ryan led Wisconsin to four Big Ten titles, two Final Four appearances (2014, 2015), and 14 straight NCAA Tournament berths.
His coaching philosophy emphasized fundamentals, disciplined defense, and efficient offense, making his teams difficult to beat.
Before Wisconsin, Ryan had tremendous success at UW-Platteville, where he won four NCAA Division III National Championships (1991, 1995, 1998, 1999) and built one of the most dominant small-college programs in history.
His 747 career wins across all levels and a .762 career winning percentage solidify his place among the all-time greats.
Ryan's Awards
- Clair Bee Coach of the Year (2007)
- 4× Big Ten Coach of the Year (2002, 2003, 2013, 2015)
- Jim Phelan Award (2008)
- Adolph Rupp Cup (2007)
Sports Fan Products
NBA Hall of Fame
The NBA Hall of Fame, officially known as the Basketball Hall of Fame, is a prestigious institution that honors the greatest figures in the sport of basketball. Each year, the Induction ceremony celebrates legendary players who have made significant impacts on the game. The Hall of Fame class features basketball legends whose remarkable career achievements and iconic moments have defined the sport.
Inductees are recognized for their substantial player contributions, earning various awards and honors throughout their careers. The Hall also pays tribute to retired jerseys and acknowledges the profound impact on the game by highlighting the historic contributions of its members. With a focus on the legacy in basketball, the NBA Hall of Fame continues to celebrate excellence and inspire future generations of players through memorable speeches and recognition in sports.
