Search by the First Name of the HOFers
Val Ackerman
Inducted:
2021
Player Stats
5 ft 11 in(180 cm)
160 lbs (73 kg)
Born:
November 7, 1959
Lakewood Township, New Jersey, U.S.
Position:
Contributor
College:
University of Virginia
Val Ackerman is a pioneering sports executive best known as the founding president of the WNBA, where she led the league from its launch in 1996 through 2005. A former standout basketball player at the University of Virginia, Ackerman went on to work for USA Basketball and the NBA before becoming the face of professional women’s basketball.
Under her leadership, the WNBA debuted in 1997 and quickly became a cornerstone of women’s sports, thanks to her vision, tireless advocacy, and commitment to player development and league stability. After the WNBA, she served as President of USA Basketball and later became the first commissioner of the Big East Conference.
Ackerman’s legacy includes groundbreaking contributions to basketball governance, gender equity in sports, and global promotion of the game. She was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.
Ackerman's Awards and Records
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee (2021)
- Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee (2011)
- USA Basketball Edward S. Steitz Award
- WBCA Jostens-Berenson Lifetime Achievement Award
- Sporting News “100 Most Powerful People in Sports”
- Title IX Trailblazer in collegiate and professional sports
- Board Member, Basketball Hall of Fame and Knight Commission
Career
Founding President
WNBA (1996–2005)
President
USA Basketball (2005–2008)
Commissioner
Big East Conference (2013–Present)
Career Stats
As a Player
College:
University of Virginia
Games Played:
122
Points:
1,485
Honors:
4-year starter, All-ACC, Academic All-American
Notable:
One of the first female scholarship athletes at UVA
Vince Carter
Inducted:
2024
Player Stats
Stats:
6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
220 lb (100 kg)
Born:
January 26, 1977
Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S.
Position:
Shooting guard /
small forward
College:
North Carolina (1995–1998)
Vince Carter was one of the most electrifying players in NBA history, known for his incredible dunking ability, longevity, and scoring prowess. Drafted fifth overall in 1998 by the Golden State Warriors and traded to the Toronto Raptors, Carter quickly became a global sensation. His high-flying dunks, particularly his legendary performance in the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest, earned him the nickname "Vinsanity."
Beyond his highlight-reel plays, Carter was a versatile scorer who adapted his game over his 22-season career—the longest in NBA history.
An eight-time All-Star, he played a key role in popularizing basketball in Canada during his time with the Raptors. Carter remained a respected veteran leader, mentoring young players while continuing to contribute on the court well into his 40s.
His influence on the game, particularly his combination of athleticism and skill, cements his legacy as one of the most beloved players in NBA history.
Carter's Awards
- 8× NBA All-Star (2000–2007)
- All-NBA Second Team (2001)
- All-NBA Third Team (2000)
- NBA Rookie of the Year (1999)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (1999)
- NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (2000)
- NBA Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award (2016)
- NBA Sportsmanship Award (2020)
- Consensus second-team All-American (1998)
- First-team All-ACC (1998)
- Third-team All-ACC (1997)
- 15 honored by North Carolina Tar Heels
- 15 retired by Toronto Raptors
- 15 retired by Brooklyn Nets
- First-team Parade All-American (1995)
- McDonald's All-American (1995)
- Florida Mr. Basketball (1995)
NBA Teams
Toronto Raptors 1998–2004
New Jersey Nets 2004–2009
Orlando Magic 2009–2010
Phoenix Suns 2010–2011
Dallas Mavericks 2011–2014
Memphis Grizzlies 2014–2017
Sacramento Kings 2017–2018
Atlanta Hawks 2018–2020
NBA draft:
1998: 1st round, 5th overall pick
Golden State Warriors
Numbers Worn:
15, 25
NBA Stats
Seasons:
22
Games Played:
1,541
Points:
25,728 (16.7 PPG)
Rebounds:
6,606 (4.3 rpg)
Assists:
4,714 (3.1 apg)
Blocks:
888 (0.6 bpg)
Steals:
1,530 (Avg 1.0)
FG%
47.7
FT%
60.0
Three-Point(%)
37.1%
Vlade Divac
Inducted:
2019
Player Stats
7 ft 1 in (2.16 m)
260 lb (118 kg)
Born:
February 3, 1968
Prijepolje, SR Serbia, SFR Yugoslavia
Position:
Center
College:
NA
Vlade Divac (b. 1968) is one of basketball’s true pioneers, bridging European and NBA styles. At 7'1", the Serbian center showcased rare passing vision, soft touch, and all-around skills in a 16-season NBA career. Drafted by the Lakers in 1989, he helped lay groundwork for international players in the league. Divac was an NBA All-Star (2001) and earned All-Rookie First Team honors after his debut season.
He ranked among the most versatile big men ever, crossing milestones with over 13,000 points, 9,000 rebounds, 3,000 assists, and 1,500 blocks. Abroad, he was a two-time FIBA World Champion and three-time EuroBasket gold medalist. Post-retirement, Divac served as Kings GM and led humanitarian efforts through his foundation. Honored by the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2010 and Naismith Hall in 2019, his legacy spans excellence, innovation, and cultural impact.
Divac's Awards & Honors:
- NBA All-Star (2001)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (1990)
- 21 retired by Sacramento Kings
- FIBA Korać Cup champion (1989)
- Yugoslav League champion (1987)
- Yugoslav Cup winner (1989)
- Mister Europa Player of the Year (1989)
- FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991)
- FIBA All-Time EuroStars Team (2007)
- 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors (2008)
- Olympic Order (2016)
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame: 2019
- EuroBasket Gold: 1989, 1991, 1995
- Olympic Silver Medalist: 1988, 1996
NBA Teams:
Los Angeles Lakers 1989–1996
Charlotte Hornets 1996–1998
Crvena Zvezda 1999
Sacramento Kings 1999–2004
Los Angeles Lakers 2004–2005
NBA Draft:
1989: 1st round, 26th overall pick
Los Angeles Lakers
Number Worn:
12, 21
NBA Stats:
Seasons
16 (1989–2005)
Games Played
1,134
Points
13,398 (11.8 ppg)
Rebounds
9,326 (8.2 rpg)
Assists
3,563* (~3.1 apg)
Blocks
1,631 (~1.4 bpg)
Field Goal %
49.5%
NBA All-Star
1 (2001)
All-Rookie Team
1989–90
Walter Davis
Inducted:
2024
Player Stats
Stats:
6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
193 lb (88 kg)
Born:
September 9, 1954
Pineville, North Carolina, U.S.
Died:
November 2, 2023
Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.
Position:
Shooting guard/ Small forward
College:
North Carolina (1973–1977)
Walter Davis was one of the smoothest scorers in NBA history, known for his effortless shooting stroke and ability to score from anywhere on the floor. Playing the majority of his career with the Phoenix Suns (1977–1988), Davis was a six-time NBA All-Star and the 1978 NBA Rookie of the Year.
His silky mid-range jumper and explosive scoring ability made him one of the most feared offensive players of his era.
Over his 15-season career, Davis scored over 19,000 career points, becoming Phoenix’s all-time leading scorer. Despite battling injuries later in his career, his impact on the game remained undeniable.
Davis' legacy as one of the greatest Suns players ever was cemented when the team retired his No. 6 jersey.
Davis's Awards
- 6× NBA All-Star (1978–1981, 1984, 1987)
- 2× All-NBA Second Team (1978, 1979)
- NBA Rookie of the Year (1978)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (1978)
- 6 retired by Phoenix Suns
- First-team All-ACC (1977)
- Second-team All-ACC (1976)
NBA Teams
Phoenix Suns 1977–1988
Denver Nuggets 1988–1991
Portland Trail Blazers 1991
Denver Nuggets 1991–1992
NBA draft:
1977: 1st round, 5th overall pick
Numbers Worn:
6
NBA Stats
Seasons:
15
Games played
1,033
Points
19,521 (18.9 PPG)
Rebounds:
3,053 (3.0 RPG)
Field goals %:
51.1%
Assists
3,878 (3.8 APG)
FG%
51.1
FT%
85.1
Wayland Baptist University Teams Of 1948-82
Inducted:
2019
Player:
Mildred Farris
Alva Jo Fischer
Ruth Cannon
Kay James
Cammy Ethridge
Nell Fortner
Marlene Connor
Ruth Cannon
Lillie Peyton
Nell Fortner
Coach:
Harley Redin
Claude Hutcherson
Cleyon Davis
Dean Weese
The Wayland Baptist Flying Queens from 1948 to 1982 stand as a historic powerhouse in women’s basketball, long before the NCAA or WNBA offered platforms for female athletes. Based in Plainview, Texas, the team became the first women’s basketball dynasty, known for unmatched excellence, innovation, and winning tradition.
Under coaches like Harley Redin, the Flying Queens dominated the AAU circuit, compiling a staggering 131-game winning streak (1953–1958)—still the longest in women’s basketball history. They won 10 national championships, developed structured training regimens, and were among the first to use full-court play and frequent travel by air, which earned them the nickname “Flying Queens.”
Sponsored by Hutcherson Air Service, their story paved the way for the future of women’s sports. The teams from this era were collectively inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.
Team's Awards & Honors:
AAU Women’s National Championships Won (10 titles)
Overall Team Record::
Wins:
1,313
Losses:
268
Winning Percentage:
.830+
Yao Ming
Inducted:
2016
Player Stats:
7 ft 6 in (2.29 m)
310 lb (141 kg)
Born:
September 12, 1980
Shanghai, China
Position:
Center
College:
NA
Yao Ming’s impact reached far beyond the court. The 7-foot-6 center from China became a global ambassador for basketball during his NBA career with the Houston Rockets from 2002 to 2011. Despite injuries shortening his playing years, Yao dominated when healthy—combining size, skill, and a soft shooting touch.
An 8-time NBA All-Star, he averaged double-doubles in multiple seasons and played a key role in expanding the NBA’s reach into Asia. Off the court, he carried himself with humility and leadership, later becoming President of the Chinese Basketball Association. Yao’s presence united fans worldwide and elevated the game’s international appeal.
In 2016, he earned his rightful place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Yao's Awards & Records:
- 8× NBA All-Star (2003–2009, 2011)
- 2× All-NBA Second Team (2007, 2009)
- 3× All-NBA Third Team (2004, 2006, 2008)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (2003)
- 3× CBA rebounding leader (2000–2002)
- 3× CBA blocks leader (2000–2002)
- 3× FIBA Asia Cup MVP (2001, 2003, 2005)
NBA Records:
- First overall pick in 2002 NBA Draft
- Only international player to lead NBA All-Star voting
- Helped NBA's global expansion, especially in China
- Consistently led All-Star fan voting from 2003 to 2005
- One of the tallest players in NBA history at 7'6"
Teams :
Shanghai Sharks (1997–2002)
Houston Rockets (2002–2011)
NBA Draft:
2002: 1st round, 1st overall pick
Houston Rockets
Number Worn:
11
Career Stats:
Seasons:
8 (2002–2011)
Games Played:
486
Points:
9,247 (19.0 PPG)
Rebounds:
4,494 (9.2 RPG)
Blocks:
920 (1.9 BPG)
FG(%):
52.4%
FT(%):
83.3%
Yolanda Griffith
Inducted:
2021
Player Stats
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
188 lb (85 kg)
Born:
March 1, 1970
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Position:
Center
College:
Palm Beach CC (1990–1992)
Florida Atlantic (1992–1993)
Yolanda Griffith was a dominant force in women's basketball, known for her relentless rebounding, elite defense, and efficient scoring. After starring overseas and in the ABL, she made an instant impact in the WNBA, winning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in her 1999 rookie season with the Sacramento Monarchs.
A seven-time All-Star and two-time All-WNBA First Team selection, Griffith led the Monarchs to their only championship in 2005 and earned Finals MVP honors. Renowned for her physicality and work ethic, she was a consistent double-double threat and a key figure in the league's early years. She also captured Olympic gold with Team USA in 2004.
Griffith was inducted into both the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest post players in women's basketball history.
Griffith's Awards and Records
- WNBA champion (2005)
- WNBA Finals MVP (2005)
- WNBA MVP (1999)
- 8× WNBA All-Star (1999–2001, 2003–2007)
- 2× All-WNBA First Team (1999, 2005)
- 3× All-WNBA Second Team (2000, 2001, 2004)
- 2× WNBA rebounding champion (1999, 2001)
- 2× WNBA steals champion (1999, 2004)
- WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (1999)
- 2× WNBA All-Defensive Team (2005, 2006)
- WNBA 10th Anniversary Team (2006)
- WNBA 15th Anniversary Team (2011)
- WNBA 20th Anniversary Team (2016)
- WNBA 25th Anniversary Team (2021)
- Russian League Player of the Year (2005)
- First-team Parade All-American (1989)
WNBA Teams
Sacramento Monarchs 1999–2007
Seattle Storm 2008
Indiana Fever 2009
WNBA draft:
1999: 1st round, 2nd overall pick
Sacramento Monarchs
Numbers Worn:
33, 13
Career Stats
Seasons:
11 (1999–2009)
Games Played:
311
Game Started:
306
Points:
3,672 (11.2 PPG)
Rebounds:
2,444 (7.9 RPG)
Assists:
496 (1.6 APG)
Steals:
544
Blocks:
350
FG%:
50.6%
FT%:
71.3%
Zack Clayton
Inducted:
2017
Player Stats:
Born:
April 17, 1913
Gloucester County, Virginia, U.S.
Died:
November 20, 1997
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Position:
Guard
College:
Simon Gratz
Zack Clayton was a pioneering athlete and sports figure whose influence spanned basketball, baseball, and boxing. Born in 1913 in Virginia and raised in Philadelphia, he starred as a guard with the New York Renaissance, helping lead them to the inaugural World Professional Basketball Tournament title in 1939 after an extraordinary 122-win season. He added another world championship with the Washington Bears in 1943 before playing with the Harlem Globetrotters.
Renowned for his defense, court vision, and leadership, Clayton stood among the era’s elite athletes. After retiring, he served over 40 years as a respected boxing referee, officiating marquee fights including Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman. A lieutenant in the Philadelphia Fire Department for 26 years, Clayton also gave back as a mentor in his community. His lasting impact across sports and civic leadership earned him induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017.
Clayton's Awards & Records:
- Helped lead the New York Renaissance (Rens) to a 122–7 record in 1939, winning the first World Professional Basketball Tournament.
- Key player on the Washington Bears, who won the same tournament in 1943.
- Selected as a guard on the All-Tournament Team in 1939.
- Later became one of the first African American referees in professional basketball
Career Teams :
New York Renaissance (1930s–1940)
Washington Bears (1940)
Refereeing Career-
NBA Referee (1950s–1970s)
Career Stats::
Win:
122
Lose:
7
World Pro Championships:
1939 (Rens), 1943 (Bears)
Zelmo Beaty
Inducted:
2016
Player Stats:
6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
225 lb (102 kg)
Born:
October 25, 1939
Hillister, Texas, U.S.
Died:
August 27, 2013
Bellevue, Washington, U.S.
Position:
Center
College:
Prairie View A&M (1958–1962)
Zelmo Beaty was one of basketball’s most underappreciated big men, yet he quietly dominated in both the NBA and ABA during the 1960s and 70s. Drafted third overall in 1962 by the St. Louis Hawks, Beaty quickly established himself as a force in the paint. Known for his physical style, strong rebounding, and efficient scoring, he averaged a double-double over much of his career.
After several successful seasons in the NBA, Beaty joined the ABA’s Utah Stars and immediately made an impact—leading them to the 1971 championship while earning Playoff MVP honors. His powerful post presence, combined with consistency and leadership, helped legitimize the ABA.
Though often overlooked in his era, Beaty’s contributions were finally recognized with his posthumous induction into the Hall of Fame in 2016. A true pro’s pro, his legacy is etched in the history of two leagues.
Beaty's Awards & Records:
- ABA champion (1971)
- ABA Playoffs MVP (1971)
- 2× NBA All-Star (1966, 1968)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (1963)
- 3× ABA All-Star (1971–1973)
- 2× All-ABA Second Team (1971, 1972)
- ABA All-Time Team
- NAIA tournament MVP (1962)
NBA Records:
- Scored 36 points and 16 rebounds in Game 7 of the 1971 ABA Finals, sealing the title.
- Averaged 22.9 PPG and 15.7 RPG during the 1971 ABA playoffs.
- Among the few players to be ABA Champion, All-Star in both leagues
- One of the most effective post players in ABA history.
Career Teams :
As a player:
St. Louis / Atlanta Hawks 1962–1969
Utah Stars 1970–1974
Los Angeles Lakers 1974–1975
As a coach:
Virginia Squires 1975–1976
NBA Draft:
1962: 1st round, 3rd overall pick
St. Louis Hawks
Number Worn:
14, 31
Career Stats::
Seasons
12 (1962–1975)
Games Played
889
Points:
15,207 (17.1 ppg)
Rebounds:
9,665 (10.9 rpg)
Assists:
1,365 (1.5 apg)
FG(%):
.494
3P(%):
.154
FT(%):
.771
PPG:
17.1
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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.
