Search by the First Name of the HOFers
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
WNBA 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 and Honors
- 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
Teams
New York Renaissance (1930s–1940)
Washington Bears (1940)
Refereeing Career-
NBA Referee (1950s–1970s)
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 and Honors
- 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.
NBA/ABA 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
NBA/ABA 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.