Search by the First Name of the HOFers
Nancy Lieberman
Inducted:
1996
Player Stats
5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
175 lb (79 kg)
Born
July 1, 1958
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Position
Point guard
College
Old Dominion (1976–1980)
Nancy Lieberman is one of the most influential guards in basketball history, known for her toughness, leadership, and elite playmaking. A pioneer of the women’s game, Lieberman dominated at Old Dominion University, where she led the program to national prominence with her scoring, vision, and defensive intensity. She became a global star with USA Basketball, serving as the floor general for teams that won Olympic and World Championship gold medals.
Lieberman’s competitive fire and basketball IQ set her apart, and she remained a high-level performer across multiple decades. She later broke barriers again by playing in the WNBA at age 50, proving her skill and durability were timeless. Beyond playing, she made history as one of the first women to coach in men’s professional basketball. Her lasting impact on the sport earned her induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996.
Lieberman's Awards and Honors
- Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (Inaugural Class, 1999)
- 2x Wade Trophy Winner (1979, 1980)
- 2x Honda Sports Award for Basketball (1979, 1980)
- BIG3 Coach of the Year (2018)
- BIG3 Champion (2018 - Team Power)
- 10 Retired by Old Dominion University
WNBA Records
- WABA champion (1984)
- WABA Most Valuable Player (1984)
WNBA Teams
Phoenix Mercury (1997)
Detroit Shock (2008)
WNBA Draft
1997: 2 (Elite) round, 15th overall pick
Phoenix Mercury
WNBA Stats
Playing career:
1980–1987, 1997, 2008
Seasons:
2 (1997,2008)
Games Played:
26
Points:
64 (2.5 PPG)
Assist:
42 (1.6 APG)
Steal:
14 (0.5 SPG)
Blocks:
2 (0.1 BPG)
Field Goal Percentage:
32.1%
Free Throw Percentage:
80.0%
ODU Career Points:
2,430 (18.1 ppg)
ODU Career Assists:
961 (School Record)
ODU Career Steals:
562
Olympic Medals:
1 (Silver, 1976)
Nat Clifton
Inducted:
2014
Player Stats
6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
225 lb (102 kg)
Born:
October 13, 1922
England, Arkansas, U.S.
Died:
August 31, 1990
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Position:
Power forward
Contributor
College:
Xavier (Louisiana) (1942–1943)
Nat Clifton was a trailblazer in professional basketball, remembered as one of the first African Americans to play in the NBA. Signed by the New York Knicks in 1950 after a successful career with the Harlem Globetrotters, Clifton brought a combination of strength, rebounding, and finesse that made him a dependable forward. Over eight NBA seasons, he averaged 10 points and 8 rebounds per game, helping the Knicks reach the NBA Finals three times.
Beyond his on-court production, Clifton’s greatest contribution was breaking racial barriers, opening the door for countless future stars. His professionalism, leadership, and quiet determination set a powerful example during a pivotal era for the sport. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014 as a Contributor, Clifton’s legacy is defined by his role in advancing integration in basketball while excelling at the game’s highest level.
Clifton's Awards and Honors
- First African-American player to sign an NBA contract
- NBA All-Star selection (1957)
- Led Knicks to three straight NBA Finals appearances (1951–1953)
- Harlem Globetrotters star before NBA career
Notable Achivements
Broke racial barriers by joining the NBA from the Globetrotters
Excelled in scoring, rebounding, and passing despite restrictive roles
Became the oldest first-time All-Star at age 34
Remembered as a versatile, durable, and pioneering figure in league integration
NBA Teams
New York Knicks (1950–1957)
Detroit Pistons (1957–1958)
Chicago Majors (1961)
Number Worn:
19, 8, 24
NBA Stats
Seasons:
8 (1950–1958)
Games Played:
544
Points:
5,444 (10.0 ppg)
Rebounds:
4,469 (8.2 rpg)
Assists:
1,367 (2.5 apg)
Nat Holman
Inducted:
1964
Player Stats
5′ 11″ (1.80 m)
Born
October 19,1896
New York City, New York, U.S.
Died
February 12,1995
Bronx, New York,U.S.
Position
Guard
College
New York University
Nat Holman was one of the greatest basketball players of the 1920s and a true pioneer of the sport. Nicknamed "Mr. Basketball," he starred with the legendary Original Celtics, where his exceptional ball-handling, accurate shooting, court vision and leadership helped establish one of the most dominant teams of the pre-NBA era. Holman was also credited with popularizing the pick-and-roll offense and advancing modern team-oriented basketball through his innovative style of play.
Uniquely active as both a superstar professional player and a collegiate coach simultaneously, Holman coached the City College of New York (CCNY) for 37 seasons. His influence extended far beyond his playing career, leaving a lasting impact on the evolution of the game. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1964 as a player.
Holman's Awards and Honor
- 2× ABL Champion — 1927, 1928
- 2× Eastern League Champion
- 1921 Eastern League champion with Germantown
- Star player of the Original Celtics
- Regarded as one of the era's most accurate shooters
NBA Position
As Player
Original Celtics
As Coach
CCNY (1919-1959)
NBA Stats
Career/Toner
1920-1930
Games Played:
156
Points Per Game:
6.4
ABL Championships:
2 (1927, 1928)
Nate Archibald
Inducted:
1991
Player Stats
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
150 lb (68 kg)
Born
September 2, 1948
New York City, New York, U.S.
Position
Point guard
College
Arizona Western (1966–1967)
UTEP (1967–1970)
Nate “Tiny” Archibald was one of the most dynamic point guards in NBA history, known for his blazing speed, scoring ability, and playmaking brilliance. Despite standing just 6 feet 1 inch tall, Archibald dominated the league with his quickness and offensive versatility.
In the 1972–73 season with the Kansas City–Omaha Kings, he accomplished a historic feat by leading the NBA in both scoring (34.0 points per game) and assists (11.4 per game)—the only player ever to finish a season atop both categories. Over his 14-year career, Archibald earned multiple All-Star selections and later won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 1981.
In recognition of his outstanding career and impact on the game, Archibald was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991.
Archibald's Awards and Honors
- NBA Champion (1981)
- 6× NBA All-Star (1973, 1975, 1976, 1980–1982)
- 3× All-NBA First Team (1973, 1975, 1976)
- 2× All-NBA Second Team (1972, 1981)
- NBA All-Star Game MVP (1981)
- NBA Scoring Champion (1973)
- NBA Assists Leader (1973)
NBA Teams
Cincinnati Royals / Kansas City-Omaha / Kansas City Kings (1970–1976)
New York Nets (1976–1977)
Boston Celtics (1978–1983)
Milwaukee Bucks (1983–1984)
NBA Draft
1970: 2nd round, 19th overall pick
Cincinnati Royals
Number Worn
10, 1, 7
NBA Stats
Seasons:
13 (1970–1984)
Games Played:
876
Points:
16,481 (18.8 ppg)
Assists:
6,476 (7.4 apg)
Rebounds:
2,046 (2.3 rpg)
Field Goal(%):
46.7%
Free Throw(%):
81.0%
Playoff Game:
47
Nate Thurmond
Inducted:
1985
Player Stats
6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)
225 lb (102 kg)
Born
July 25, 1941
Akron, Ohio, U.S.
Died
July 16, 2016
San Francisco, California, U.S.
Position
Center
Power forward
College
Bowling Green (1960–1963)
Nate Thurmond was one of the most dominant defensive centers in NBA history. Known for his rebounding strength, shot-blocking ability, and physical presence, Thurmond starred primarily with the Golden State Warriors during the 1960s and early 1970s.
Playing in an era alongside legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Thurmond carved out his own legacy as a relentless defender and elite rebounder. He recorded the first officially recognized quadruple-double in NBA history (1974) while with the Chicago Bulls.
A seven-time NBA All-Star, Thurmond averaged a double-double for his career and was named to multiple All-Defensive Teams. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1985.
Thurmond's Awards and Honors
- Consensus second-team All-American (1963)
- 3× First-team All-MAC (1961–1963)
- First player to record an official Quadruple-Double (1974)
- 42 retired by the Golden State Warriors
- 42 retired by the Cleveland Cavaliers
NBA Records
- 7× NBA All-Star (1965–1968, 1970, 1973, 1974)
- 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1969, 1971)
- 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1972–1974)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (1964)
- NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th)
NBA Teams
San Francisco / Golden State Warriors (1963–1974)
Chicago Bulls (1974–1975)
Cleveland Cavaliers (1975–1977)
NBA Draft
1963: 1st round, 3rd overall pick
San Francisco Warriors
Number Worn
42
NBA Stats
Seasons:
14 (1963–1977)
Games Played:
984
Points:
14,437 (15.0 ppg)
Rebounds:
14,464 (15.0 rpg)
Assists:
2,575 (2.7 apg)
Steal:
125 (0.5 spg)
Blocks:
553 (2.1 bpg)
Field Goal(%):
42.1%
Free Throw(%):
66.7%
Ned Irish
Inducted:
1964
Stats
Born
May 6, 1905
Lake George, New York
Died
January 21, 1982
Venice, Florida
Position
Contributor
College
University of Pennsylvania
Ned Irish was one of the most important promoters and executives in early professional basketball. A former sportswriter who became basketball director at Madison Square Garden, Irish transformed the sport in 1934 by introducing college basketball doubleheaders to the Garden, proving that basketball could draw massive major-arena crowds. In 1938, he helped create the National Invitation Tournament (NIT).
In 1946, Irish co-founded the Basketball Association of America (BAA)—the forerunner of the NBA—and established its charter franchise, the New York Knicks. Serving as president of the Knicks from 1946 to 1974, he led the franchise to two NBA Championships (1970, 1973) and five total NBA Finals appearances.
Nicknamed "The Father of Big-Time Basketball," he was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a Contributor in 1964.
Irish's Awards and Honor
- 2× NBA Champion President (1970, 1973)
- Founder of the New York Knickerbockers (1946)
- Co-Founder of the BAA / NBA (1946)
- Co-Creator of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) (1938)
- Known as the “Father of Big-Time Basketball”
- Helped establish the Basketball Association of America
NBA Position
President:
New York Knicks (1946-1974)
Co-Founder:
BAA / NBA (1946)
NBA Stats
Madison Square Garden Basketball Director:
1934
Founded the New York Knicks:
1946
Knicks President:
1946–1974
Helped organize the BAA:
1946
Instrumental in establishing the NIT:
1938
Neil Johnston
Inducted:
1990
Player Stats
6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
210 lb (95 kg)
Born
February 4, 1929
Chillicothe, Ohio, U.S.
Died
September 28, 1978
Irving, Texas, U.S.
Position
Center
College
Ohio State (1946–1948)
Neil Johnston was one of the NBA’s dominant centers during the 1950s and a cornerstone of the early Philadelphia Warriors dynasty. Known for his soft shooting touch and trademark underhand scoop shot, Johnston led the NBA in scoring three consecutive seasons (1953–55). He also led the league in rebounding in 1955 and was a six-time All-Star.
Johnston played a key role in helping the Warriors capture the 1956 NBA Championship. Over his eight-season career, he averaged 19.4 points and 11.3 rebounds per game. Despite a relatively short career due to injury, Johnston’s dominance during his peak years secured his legacy as one of the early great NBA centers. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1990.
Johnston's NBA Records
- NBA champion (1956)
- 6× NBA All-Star (1953–1958)
- 4× All-NBA First Team (1953–1956)
- All-NBA Second Team (1957)
- 3× NBA scoring champion (1953–1955)
- NBA rebounding leader (1955
NBA Teams
Philadelphia Warriors (1951–1959)
NBA Draft
1950: undrafted
Number Worn
6
NBA Stats
Seasons:
8 (1951-1959)
Game played:
516
Points:
10,023 (19.4 ppg)
Rebounds:
5,856 (11.3 rpg)
Assists:
1,269 (2.5 apg)
Field Goal(%):
44.4
Free Throw(%):
76.8
Playoff Game:
23
Nera White
Inducted:
1992
Player Stats
6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Born
November 15, 1935
Macon County, Tennessee, U.S.
Died
April 13, 2016
Gallatin, Tennessee, U.S.
Position
Center
Forward
College
Nashville Business College
Nera White is widely considered one of the most naturally gifted athletes to ever play basketball. Long before the professional era of the WNBA, White dominated the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) with the Nashville Business College, leading her team to ten national championships. Standing 6 feet 1 inch, she possessed a rare combination of speed, strength, and finesse that allowed her to outplay opponents at every position.
Her legendary status was cemented on the international stage in 1957, when she led the United States to a World Championship victory over the Soviet Union, earning tournament MVP honors. Known for her unselfish play and remarkable durability, she remained an All-American for fifteen consecutive years. She was rightfully honored as a pioneer of the game and inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992.
White's Awards and Honors
- FIBA World Champion (1957)
- FIBA World Championship MVP (1957)
- 15× AAU All-American (1955–1969)
- 10× AAU National Tournament Outstanding Player
- Named "Best Woman Player in the World" (1957)
- Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (1999)
National Teams
United States
Stats
AAU National Championships:
10
AAU All-American Selections:
15 (Consecutive)
AAU Tournament MVPs:
10
World Championship Average:
14.1 PPG
World Championship High Score:
25 Points
Nikos Galis
Inducted:
2017
Player Stats
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
198 lb (90 kg)
Born:
July 23, 1957
Union City, New Jersey, U.S.
Position:
Shooting guard
College:
Seton Hall (1975–1979)
Nick Galis was one of the greatest scorers in international basketball history and a pioneer for the sport in Greece. Born in the U.S. and a standout at Seton Hall, Galis was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1979 but made his legacy overseas. He played professionally in Greece from 1979 to 1994, where he revolutionized Greek basketball with Aris Thessaloniki and Panathinaikos.
Galis led Greece to victory in the 1987 EuroBasket, where he was named MVP, and remains one of the top scorers in FIBA tournament history. His aggressive drive, incredible scoring ability, and leadership made him a national hero and an international icon.
In 2017, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as a transformative figure in the global game.
Galis' Awards and Honors
- FIBA EuroBasket MVP (1987)
- 4× FIBA EuroBasket Top Scorer (1983, 1987, 1989, 1991)
- Euroscar Award (1987)
- Europa Award (1987)
- 5× FIBA EuroLeague Top Scorer (1988–1990, 1992, 1994)
- 2× FIBA European Selection (1987, 1991 I)
- FIBA EuroLeague assists leader (1994)
- 101 Greats of European Basketball (2018)
- 8× Greek League champion (1983, 1985–1991)
- 7× Greek Cup winner (1985, 1987–1990, 1992, 1993)
- Greek Super Cup winner (1986)
- Greek Super Cup Finals Top Scorer (1986)
- Greek League Hall of Fame (2022)
- 3× Greek Athlete of the Year (1986, 1987, 1989)
- FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991)
- 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors (2008)
Teams
Aris 1979–1992
Panathinaikos 1992–1994
National Team
Greece National Team
NBA Draft:
1979: 4th round, 68th overall pick
Boston Celtics
Number Worn:
6, 4, 7
Stats
Club Career:
Greek League Games Played:
~493
Career Points (Greek League):
~12,714
Career Scoring Average:
33.4 PPG
Highest Single-Season Avg:
~44.0 PPG (1981–82 season)
Greek League Scoring Titles:
11× (1981–1991)
International Career:
Games Played:
168
Total Points:
5,129
Scoring Average:
30.5 PPG
Nolan Richardson
Inducted:
2014
Player Stats
Born:
December 27, 1941
El Paso, Texas, U.S.
Position:
Forward
Coach
College:
Eastern Arizona Junior College (1959-1960)
University of Texas at El Paso
Nolan Richardson transformed college basketball with his fiery "40 Minutes of Hell" coaching style, blending relentless full-court pressure and fast breaks that revolutionized the game. At the University of Arkansas (1985–2002), he guided the Razorbacks to 13 NCAA Tournament appearances, three Final Fours, and a memorable 1994 National Championship.
Before that, he claimed a perfect 37-0 junior college national title at Western Texas College (1980) and an NIT championship at Tulsa (1981)—making him the only coach to win NJCAA, NIT, and NCAA titles.
Honored with induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014, Richardson’s impact went beyond his impressive record. He was a trailblazer for minority coaches, a powerful advocate for student-athletes, and an enduring symbol of intensity, conviction, and innovation in college basketball.
Richardson's Awards and Honors
- NABC Coach of the Year (1994)[1]
- Naismith College Coach of the Year (1994)
- 2× MVC Coach of the Year (1981, 1985)
- 3x SWC Coach of the Year (1989–1991)
- SEC Coach of the Year (1998)
- USBWA Most Courageous Award (1995)
Notable Achivements
- NCAA Championship (1994)
- NCAA Runner-Up (1995)
- First Coach to Win NJCAA, NIT, and NCAA Titles
- College Basketball Hall of Fame (2008)
NCAA Teams
As a player:
Texas Western (1961–1964)
As a coach:
Bowie HS (TX) (1968–1977)
Western Texas JC (1977–1980)
Tulsa (1980–1985)
Arkansas (1985–2002)
Tulsa Shock (2009–2011)
International:
Panama (2005–2007)
Mexico (2007)
NCAA Stats
Overall Record:
508–206 (College)
Winning Percentage:
.711
NCAA Tournament Record:
22–9
NCAA Tournament Appearances:
16
Final Fours:
3 (1990, 1994, 1995)
National Championships:
1 (1994 – University of Arkansas)
NIT Appearances:
2
NIT Record:
1–2
Conference Championships:
5 Regular Season, 3 Tournament Titles
Seasons Coached:
24 (at Tulsa and Arkansas)
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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.