Search by the First Name of the HOFers
Hank Nichols
Inducted:
2012
Personal Stats:
Born:
July 20, 1936
Niagara Falls, New York
Position:
NBA referee
College:
NA
Hank Nichols, born July 20, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, earned recognition as one of basketball’s most respected referees and administrators. Known for his steady presence, deep knowledge of the game, and fairness, Nichols officiated at the highest levels of college and international basketball. He worked multiple NCAA Final Fours and was selected to officiate in both the 1976 and 1984 Olympic Games, representing the sport on a global stage.
Beyond his on-court career, Nichols became the NCAA’s National Coordinator of Officials, a role in which he trained and developed referees while helping to set higher standards of professionalism and consistency in officiating. His lifelong dedication to the integrity of basketball officiating elevated the respect for referees within the game.
Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012, Nichols’ career reflects a commitment to fairness, leadership, and improving the sport through excellence in officiating and mentorship.
Nichols's Awards & Records:
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame induction: 2012
- Inducted into several officiating and sports Halls of Fame
- Widely regarded as a leader in referee training and development
Notable Achievements:
- First referee selected to officiate in both Olympic Games and NCAA Final Fours
- Standard-setter for officiating professionalism in college basketball
- Mentored generations of referees through NCAA leadership
Career:
NCAA Basketball referee
Officiating career: 1986–2007
Career Overview:
- Officiated NCAA basketball games for decades
- Worked 10 NCAA Final Fours
- Officiated Olympic Games: 1972, 1984
- Served as NCAA National Coordinator of Officials for 22 years
Harley Redin
Inducted:
2024
Player Stats
Born:
August 29, 1919
Silverton, Texas
Died:
August 1, 2020
Position:
Coach
College:
Na
Harley Redin was not an NBA player but a highly respected basketball coach, best known for his contributions to women’s basketball.
He was a pioneering coach at Wayland Baptist University, where he led the Wayland Baptist Flying Queens to dominance in the 1950s and 1960s.
Under Redin’s leadership, the Flying Queens won six AAU national championships and set a women’s basketball record with a 131-game winning streak.
His emphasis on fast-paced, disciplined play helped revolutionize the sport, influencing generations of coaches and players.
Redin's Awards
- 6× AAU National Championships (1956, 1957, 1959, 1961, 1970, 1971)
- Led Wayland Baptist Flying Queens to a 131-game winning streak (1953–1958)
- Inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (1999)
- Inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame
- Head Coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team in international competitions
- Helped transition women’s basketball from the six-player format to the modern five-player game
- Pioneered fast-paced, full-court pressure style in women's basketball
Team
Coaching Stats
Coaching Tenure:
1955–1973
Seasons:
18
Win:
429
Loose:
63
Winning Percentage:
.860
National Championships:
6 AAU Titles
Herb Magee
Inducted:
2011
Personal Stats:
5 ft 10 in; (68 kg)
Born:
June 21, 1941
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Position:
Coach
College:
NA
Herb Magee, known as the “Shot Doctor,” built one of the most remarkable coaching legacies in basketball history. As the longtime head coach at Philadelphia University, Magee guided the program for over five decades, earning recognition for his ability to develop talent and instill discipline. Renowned for his expertise in shooting, he became a mentor to countless players at every level, from high school athletes to NBA professionals, shaping the way the game was taught.
Magee’s career coaching record surpassed 1,100 victories, making him one of the winningest coaches in NCAA history. Beyond wins, he was celebrated for loyalty, spending his entire career at one institution and building a culture defined by respect, hard work, and skill development.
Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011, Magee’s impact as a teacher of the game continues to inspire coaches and players alike. His career stands as a model of excellence, commitment, and basketball knowledge.
Magee's Awards & Records:
- NCAA College Division II tournament (1970)
- 5× CACC tournament (2008, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2018)
- CACC regular season (2007)
- 6× CACC South Division regular season (2008–2010, 2012, 2014, 2017)
NBA Records:
- One of the all-time winningest coaches in NCAA basketball history
- Spent entire career at one institution
- Recognized as one of the greatest shooting instructors in basketball
- Helped shape generations of players and coaches across all levels
NBA Teams:
Philadelphia Textile/Philadelphia/Jefferson (1963–2022)
NBA Draft:
1963: 62nd pick
Boston Celtics
NBA Stats:
Coaching Career:
1967–2022
Total Wins:
1,144
Overall Wins:
1,144
Losses:
450
Win(%)
.718
Herb Simon
Inducted:
2024
Stats
Born:
October 23, 1934
New York City, U.S.
Position:
Contributor – Owner
College:
NA
Herb Simon is the longtime owner of the Indiana Pacers, having purchased the team in 1983 alongside his late brother, Mel Simon. Under his leadership, the Pacers have become one of the NBA’s most stable franchises, consistently competing at a high level and making multiple deep playoff runs.
Simon played a crucial role in keeping the Pacers in Indianapolis, ensuring the team remained a key part of the city's sports culture.
Beyond basketball, Simon is a highly successful businessman, known for his work in real estate as the chairman of Simon Property Group, one of the world’s largest shopping mall operators.
His impact on both sports and business earned him widespread recognition, making him one of the most influential owners in NBA history.
Simon's Awards
- Owner of Indiana Pacers since 1983
- Led Pacers to multiple Eastern Conference Finals and an NBA Finals appearance (2000)
- Helped secure Gainbridge Fieldhouse (formerly Conseco Fieldhouse) for the Pacers
- Key figure in keeping the Pacers in Indianapolis
- Herb is the longest-tenured NBA owner.
Team
Owner Stats
Occupation:
Chairman emeritus(Simon Property Group)
Ownership Team:
Indiana Pacers
Ownership Since:
1983
Co-Owner(Team):
Indiana Fever
Howard Garfinkel
Inducted:
2021
Player Stats
5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
165 lbs (75 kg)
Born:
August 1, 1929
New York City, U.S.
Died:
May 7, 2016
New York City, U.S.
Position:
Contributor
College:
City College
Howard Garfinkel was a legendary figure in grassroots basketball, best known as the founder of the Five-Star Basketball Camp, which helped launch the careers of hundreds of NBA and college stars. Established in 1966, Five-Star became the premier developmental camp in the country, featuring alumni like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Patrick Ewing, and Chris Paul. Garfinkel was a master talent evaluator and a trusted source for college recruiters for decades.
He also co-founded the High School Basketball Illustrated (HSBI) scouting service, revolutionizing how talent was tracked and recruited. Beyond his eye for talent, “Garf” created a competitive culture at Five-Star that emphasized fundamentals, coaching excellence, and intensity. His legacy is woven into the careers of Hall of Famers and top-tier coaches, many of whom credit him for their development. Garfinkel was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 as a contributor.
Garfinkel's Awards and Records
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee (2016, Contributor)
- Five-Star Basketball Camp credited with shaping modern scouting/recruiting
- Recognized by countless NCAA and NBA legends
- Promoted high-level competition and elite coaching clinics
- Instrumental in the development of basketball’s summer circuit culture
- Called “the godfather of grassroots basketball”
Career Stats
Founder
Five-Star Basketball Camp (1966–2008)
Co-Founder
HSBI Scouting Service (1965–2000s)
Estimated NBA Players Influenced:
500+
Estimated College Coaches Influenced:
100+
Notable Alumni:
Michael Jordan, Moses Malone, Isiah Thomas, Grant Hill, Karl-Anthony Towns
Legendary Coaches at Camp:
Bobby Knight, Rick Pitino, Hubie Brown, John Calipari
Sports Fan Products
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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.
