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 Russell

Inducted:
1975

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

College
San Francisco (1953–1956)

Bill Russell was the ultimate winner in the history of North American professional sports and the defensive anchor of the greatest dynasty in NBA history. A 6'10" center with peerless shot-blocking instincts and a genius-level basketball IQ, Russell transformed the game by proving that a team could be built entirely around defense and rebounding. In his 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics, he led the team to an astronomical 11 NBA Championships, including a record eight in a row.

His rivalry with Wilt Chamberlain defined the era, a classic battle of Russell’s team-first winning philosophy against Chamberlain’s individual statistical dominance. Off the court, Russell was a towering figure in the Civil Rights Movement and became the first Black head coach in the history of major U.S. professional sports. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 1975 and again as a coach in 2021.

Russell's Awards & Honors

2× NCAA champion (1955, 1956)
NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (1955)
UPI College Player of the Year (1956)
2× Helms Player of the Year (1955, 1956)
2× Consensus first-team All-American (1955, 1956)
WCC Player of the Year (1956)
3× First-team All-WCC (1954–1956)

NBA Records

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 Teams

Boston Celtics (1956–1969)

NBA Draft
1956: 1st round, 2nd overall pick
St. Louis Hawks

Number Worn
6

NBA Stats

Seasons
13 (1956–1969)
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
PPG:
15.1
Playoff Games:
165

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

Bill Sharman

Inducted:
2004

Player Stats

6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
175 lb (79 kg)

Born
May 25, 1926
Abilene, Texas, U.S.

Died
October 25, 2013
Redondo Beach, California, U.S.

Position
Coach

College
USC (1946–1950)

Bill Sharman is a rare dual-inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, honored first as a player (1976) and later as a coach (2004). While his playing career with the Celtics was legendary, his coaching career was revolutionary. Sharman is the only coach in history to win championships and Coach of the Year honors in three different professional leagues: the ABL (Cleveland Pipers), the ABA (Utah Stars), and the NBA (Los Angeles Lakers).

His coaching masterpiece came in the 1971–72 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Inheriting a team of aging superstars like Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West, Sharman implemented a rigorous fast-break system and defensive discipline that led to an NBA-record 33-game winning streak—a mark that still stands across all four major American sports.

Sharman's Awards and Honors

ABA champion (1971)
ABL champion (1962)
ABA Coach of the Year (1970)
ABA All-Star Game head coach (1971)

NBA Records

NBA champion (1972)
NBA Coach of the Year (1972)
3× NBA All-Star Game head coach (1968, 1972, 1973)
Set NBA record for wins in a season (at the time)

NBA Team

San Francisco Warriors (1966–1968)
Los Angeles / Utah Stars (1968–1971)
Los Angeles Lakers (1971–1976)

NBA Stats

Head coaching career:
1962–1976
Game Coached:
819
Win:
466
Lose:
353
W/L(%):
.569
NBA championships as head coach:
1
NBA Finals appearances:
2
Best season record:
69–13 (1971–72)

Bill Sharman

Inducted:
1976

Player Stats

6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
175 lb (79 kg)

Born
May 25, 1926
Abilene, Texas, U.S.

Died
October 25, 2013
Redondo Beach, California, U.S.

Position
Shooting guard

College
USC (1946–1950)

Bill Sharman was a cornerstone of the Boston Celtics dynasty and arguably the greatest shooting guard of the 1950s. Known for his meticulous preparation—including the invention of the "morning shootaround"—Sharman formed one half of the "Gold Standard" backcourt alongside Bob Cousy.

He was a pioneer of the one-handed set shot and a relentless competitor who led the Celtics in scoring during their first two championship seasons. Sharman was famously one of the first guards to shoot over 40% from the floor and was the league’s most feared free-throw shooter, leading the NBA in FT% seven times.

He is one of the few individuals to be inducted into the Hall of Fame as both a player (1976) and a coach (2004), and his legacy spans 15 total NBA championships as a player, coach, and executive.

Sharman's Awards & Honors

Consensus first-team All-America (1950)
2× First-team All-PCC (1949, 1950)
21 retired by Boston Celtics
11 retired by USC Trojans

NBA Records

4× NBA champion (1957, 1959–1961)
8× NBA All-Star (1953–1960)
NBA All-Star Game MVP (1955)
4× All-NBA First Team (1956–1959)
3× All-NBA Second Team (1953, 1955, 1960)
NBA anniversary team (25th, 50th, 75th)
7× NBA Free Throw Percentage Leader (1953–1957, 1959, 1961)

NBA Teams

Washington Capitols (1950–1951)
Boston Celtics (1951–1961)

NBA Draft
1950: 2nd round, 17th overall pick
Washington Capitols

Number Worn
10, 21

NBA Stats

Seasons Played:
11 (1950-1961)
Game Played:
711
Points:
12,665 (17.8 ppg)
Rebounds:
2,779 (3.9 rpg)
Assists:
2,101 (3.0 apg)
Field Goal(%):
42.6
Free Throw(%):
88.3
Playoff Game:
78

Bill Walton

Inducted:
1993

Player Stats

6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)
210 lb (95 kg)

Born
November 5, 1952
La Mesa, California, U.S.

Died
May 27, 2024
San Diego, California, U.S.

Position
Center

College
UCLA (1971–1974)

Bill Walton was a generational talent whose intelligence and unselfishness redefined the center position. As the first overall pick in 1974, he quickly transformed the Portland Trail Blazers into contenders, leading them to their first NBA championship in 1977.

Despite a career frequently interrupted by severe foot injuries, Walton’s peak was nearly peerless. He remains one of the few players to win both the NBA MVP and the Sixth Man of the Year award, the latter achieved during a successful late-career resurgence with the Boston Celtics. Known for his elite passing and defensive timing, he anchored two championship rosters and was named to the league's 75th Anniversary Team.

His impact on the game extended into a legendary second career as a vibrant broadcaster, where his passion for the sport continued to inspire fans worldwide. Walton was rightfully honored for his on-court dominance with induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.

Walton's Awards and Honors

2× NCAA champion (1972, 1973)
2× NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (1972, 1973)
3× National college player of the year (1972–1974)
3× Consensus first-team All-American (1972–1974)
32 retired by Portland Trail Blazers

NBA Records

2× NBA champion (1977, 1986)
NBA Finals MVP (1977)
NBA Most Valuable Player (1978)
2× NBA All-Star (1977, 1978)
All-NBA First Team (1978)
NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1986)
NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th)

NBA Teams

Portland Trail Blazers (1974–1979)
San Diego / Los Angeles Clippers (1979–1985)
Boston Celtics (1985–1988)

NBA Draft
1974: 1st round, 1st overall pick
Portland Trail Blazers

Number Worn
32, 5

NBA Stats

Seasons:
10 (1974-1987)
Games Played:
468
Game Started:
117
Points:
6,215 (13.3 ppg)
Rebounds:
4,923 (10.5 rpg)
Assists:
1,590 (3.4 apg)
Blocks:
1,034 total (2.2 bpg)
Steals:
380 (0.8 spg)
Field Goal Percentage:
52.1%
Free Throw Percentage:
66.0%

Billie Moore

Inducted:
1999

Stats

Born
May 5, 1943
Humansville, Missouri, U.S.

Died
December 14, 2022
Fullerton, California, U.S.

Position:
Coach

College:
Southern Illinois University

Billie Moore was a trailblazing coach whose influence helped shape women’s basketball at the highest levels. She made history as the first head coach of UCLA women’s basketball, building the program from the ground up and leading it to national prominence.

She holds the historic distinction of being the first head coach to lead two different schools to national championships—winning with Cal State Fullerton (1970) and UCLA (1978). Beyond her collegiate success, Moore was the architect of the first-ever U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball Team in 1976.

For her role as a pioneer and master teacher, she was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

Moore's Awards and Honors

Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (Charter Member, 1999)
AIAW National Champion (1970, 1978)
Naismith Women’s Outstanding Contribution Award (2002)
WCAA Coach of the Year (1985)
UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame (2000)
First head coach in UCLA women’s basketball history
Builder of a national championship program

NBA Team

Cal State Fullerton (1969–1977)
UCLA (1977–1993)

National Team
United States

NBA Stats

Seasons coached:
25
Head coaching record:
436–196 (.690)
National championships:
2 (1970, 1978)
Final Four Appearances:
5
UCLA Wins:
296 (All-time program record)
Conference Titles:
10

Billy Cunningham

Inducted:
1986

Player Stats

6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
210 lb (95 kg)

Born
June 3, 1943
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.

Position
Small forward
Power forward

College
North Carolina (1962–1965)

Billy Cunningham was one of the most dynamic forwards of his era, known for his rebounding tenacity, scoring versatility, and relentless energy. Nicknamed “The Kangaroo Kid” for his leaping ability, Cunningham starred primarily with the Philadelphia 76ers during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Despite being an undersized forward at 6'6", he was a tenacious "glass-cleaner" who averaged a double-double for his career. In a bold move, he jumped to the ABA in 1972, where he immediately dominated, winning the league MVP award in his first season.

Cunningham also spent time in the ABA before returning to the NBA, further enhancing his reputation as an all-around scorer and competitor. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1986.

Cunningham's Awards & Honors

ABA MVP (1973)
All-ABA First Team (1973)
ABA All-Star (1973)
ABA All-Time Team
32 retired by Philadelphia 76ers
New York City Basketball Hall of Fame inaugural class (1990)

NBA Records

NBA champion (1967)
4× NBA All-Star (1969–1972)
3× All-NBA First Team (1969–1971)
All-NBA Second Team (1972)
NBA All-Rookie First Team (1966)
NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th)

NBA Teams

Philadelphia 76ers (1965–1972,1974–1976)
Carolina Cougars (1972–1974)

NBA draft
1965: 1st round, 5th overall pick
Philadelphia 76ers

Number Worn
32

NBA Stats

Season:
11 (1965-1976)
Games Played:
770
Points:
16,310 (21.2 ppg)
Rebounds:
7,981 (10.4 rpg)
Assists:
3,305 (4.3 apg)
Steals:
390 (1.8 spg)
Blocks:
133 (0.6 bpg)
Field Goal %:
47.3%
Free Throw %:
70.4%
Playoff Game:
54

Bira Maciel

Inducted:
2010

Player Stats

6 ft 6.5 in (1.99 m)
212 lb (96 kg)

Born
January 18, 1944
São Paulo, Brazil

Died
July 17, 2002
Brasília, Brazil

Position:
Power forward
Center

College:
NA

Ubiratan "Bira" Pereira Maciel, known affectionately as "O Rei" (The King), is the greatest center in the history of Brazilian basketball. While the NBA did not officially integrate international players during the peak of his career in the 1960s and 70s, Bira was a global titan of the hardwood. He was the defensive anchor and emotional leader of the Brazilian National Team for over two decades.

Bira was a master of the "crafty" left-handed post game. He led Brazil to its most successful era, securing a World Championship in 1963 and an Olympic Bronze in 1964. His impact was so significant that he was named one of FIBA's 50 Greatest Players. Though he passed away in 2002, his legacy was immortalized with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010.

Maciel's Awards and Honors

FIBA World Champion (1963)
Olympic Bronze Medalist (1964)
5x Brazilian League Champion
FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991)
FIBA Order of Merit (1994)
FIBA Hall of Fame (2009)

NBA Team
Clube Espéria (1960–1961)
Corinthians (1961–1969)
Venezia (1969–1972)
Trianon Clube (1972)
Sírio (1972–1973)
Palmeiras (1973–1978)
São José dos Campos (1978–1982)

National team
Brazil

Number Worn
6

NBA Stats

Playing career:
1960–1982
Olympic appearances:
3
Olympic Medals:
1 Bronze (1964 Tokyo)
FIBA World Cup Appearances:
5 (1963, 1967, 1970, 1974, and 1978)
Games Played:
41
Points:
474
World Championship Gold:
1 (1963 Brazil)
World Championship Medals:
4 (1 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze)
Brazilian Championships:
5 (1965, 1966, 1969, 1977, 1981)
South American Championships:
5

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)

Teams

Wisconsin–Platteville 1984–1999
Milwaukee 1999–2001
Wisconsin 2001–2015

Coaching Stats

Seasons:
32
Win:
747
Loose:
233
Winning Percentage:
.762
Big Ten Conference Championships:
4
NCAA Tournament Appearances:
14
Final Four Appearances:
2

Bob Dandridge

Inducted:
2021

Player Stats

6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
195 lb (88 kg)

Born:
November 15, 1947
Richmond, Virginia, U.S.

Position:
Small forward
Shooting guard

College:
Norfolk State (1965–1969)

Bob Dandridge was a smooth-scoring forward who played a crucial role on two NBA championship teams in the 1970s. Known for his clutch performances and defensive versatility, Dandridge quietly became one of the best forwards of his era.

He helped the Milwaukee Bucks win the title in 1971 alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson, then won another with the Washington Bullets in 1978. Dandridge consistently guarded the opposing team’s best wing while providing steady offense.

Over his career, he averaged nearly 19 points and made four All-Star appearances. Though often underappreciated during his playing days, his contributions in big moments never went unnoticed by teammates and opponents.

His induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021 was a long-overdue recognition of his all-around excellence and winning impact.

Dandridge's Awards and Records

10 retired by Milwaukee Bucks
12 retired by Norfolk State Spartans
Scored the most points in the 1970s NBA Finals (414 total)
One of only a few players to win titles with two different franchises in the 1970s
Known for guarding top scorers like John Havlicek and Julius Erving
Often called the “unsung hero” of championship teams

NBA Records

2× NBA champion (1971, 1978)
4× NBA All-Star (1973, 1975, 1976, 1979)
All-NBA Second Team (1979)
NBA All-Defensive First Team (1979)
NBA All-Rookie First Team (1970)

NBA Teams

Milwaukee Bucks 1969–1977
Washington Bullets 1977–1981
Milwaukee Bucks 1981

NBA Draft:
1969: 4th round, 45th overall pick
Milwaukee Bucks

Numbers Worn:
10

Career Stats

Seasons:
13 (1969–1981)
Games Played:
839
Points:
15,530 (18.5 PPG)
Rebounds:
5,715 (6.8 RPG)
Assists:
2,846 (3.4 APG)
FG%:
48.5%
Playoff Games:
98
Playoff PPG:
20.1

Bob Houbregs

Inducted:
1987

Player Stats

6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
210 lb (95 kg)

Born
March 12, 1932
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Died
May 28, 2014
Olympia, Washington, U.S.

Position
Power forward
Centre

College
Washington (1950–1953)

Bob Houbregs was a versatile forward-center known for his scoring ability, rebounding, and leadership during the 1950s. A standout at the University of Washington, Houbregs led the Huskies to the 1953 NCAA championship game and was named a consensus All-American before being drafted by the Milwaukee Hawks.

Houbregs played in the NBA for the Milwaukee Hawks, Baltimore Bullets, Boston Celtics, and Fort Wayne/Detroit Pistons. Known for his basketball IQ and fundamental skills, Houbregs contributed to the game both on and off the court, later serving in scouting and executive roles.

His overall impact, combining collegiate excellence and professional contributions, earned him induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987.

Houbregs' Awards & Honors

Helms Foundation Player of the Year (1953)
Consensus First-Team All-American (1953)
3× First-team All-PCC (1951–1953)
3× All-Pacific Coast Conference First Team (1951–1953)
NCAA Tournament Leading Scorer (1953)
25 Retired by the Washington Huskies
Inducted into the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame (2000)
Versatile forward-center in early NBA

NBA Teams

Baltimore Bullets (1953–1954)
Boston Celtics (1954)
Fort Wayne / Detroit Pistons (1954–1958)

NBA Draft
1953: 1st round, 2nd overall pick
Milwaukee Hawks

Number Worn
10, 14, 20, 8, 17

NBA Stats

Seasons:
5 (1953–1958)
Games Played:
281
Points:
2,611 (9.3 ppg)
Rebounds:
1,552 (5.5 rpg)
Assists:
500 (1.8 apg)
Field Goal(%):
40.4
Free Throw(%):
72.1
Playoff Game:
23

Bob Huggins

Inducted:
2022

Player Stats

Born:
September 21, 1953
Morgantown, West Virginia, U.S.

Position:
Coach

College:
West Virginia University (1977)

Bob Huggins, a coaching legend in college basketball, built his legacy on tough defense, relentless intensity, and consistent success.

Across a coaching career that spanned over four decades, Huggins amassed over 900 wins, making him one of the winningest coaches in NCAA Division I men’s basketball history. He started at Walsh University before gaining national recognition at the University of Cincinnati, where he revived a struggling program and turned it into a powerhouse.

Huggins later led Kansas State for a season before returning home to coach the West Virginia Mountaineers, where he became a beloved figure and guided the team to multiple NCAA tournament appearances, including a Final Four in 2010.

Known for his fiery courtside demeanor and ability to develop gritty, hardworking players, Huggins was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2022. Despite never coaching in the NBA, his impact on the game and his players is undeniable.

Huggins's Awards and Records

2 NCAA Division I regional—Final Four (1992, 2010)
2 MOC regular season (1982, 1983)
2 MOC tournament (1982, 1983)
OVC regular season (1986)
OVC tournament (1986)
2 Great Midwest regular season (1992, 1993)
4 Great Midwest tournament (1992–1995)
8 C-USA regular season (1996–2002, 2004)
4 C-USA Tournament (1996, 1998, 2002, 2004)
Big East tournament (2010)
Jim Phelan Award (2015)
C-USA Coach of the Decade (2005)
OVC Coach of the Year (1986)
2× Great Midwest Coach of the Year (1992, 1993)
3× C-USA Coach of the Year (1998–2000)
Big 12 Coach of the Year (2015)

NBA Teams

As Coach
West Virginia (assistant) 1977–1978
Ohio State (assistant) 1978–1980
Walsh 1980–1983
UCF (assistant) 1983–1984
Akron 1984–1989
Cincinnati 1989–2005
Kansas State 2006–2007
West Virginia 2007–2023

Career Stats

Coaching Tenure:
1977–2023 (as head coach from 1980 onward)
Overall NCAA Division I Record:
935–414 (.693 winning percentage)
NCAA Tournament Appearances:
25 times
Final Four Appearances:
1 (2010 with West Virginia)
Sweet 16 Appearances:
8 times

Bob Hurley

Inducted:
2010

Player Stats

Born
July 31, 1947
Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.

Position:
Coach

College:
NA

Bob Hurley Sr. is a legendary high school basketball coach who spent 45 years building a national powerhouse at the now-closed St. Anthony High School in Jersey City, New Jersey. In an era where elite coaches often jumped to the college or professional ranks, Hurley famously declined all offers, choosing instead to remain at a small, financially struggling school with no gym of its own.

His impact was both athletic and social. Working in one of the toughest neighborhoods in America, Hurley boasted that in his four-decade career, all but two of his players went on to attend college. On the court, he amassed over 1,200 wins, 26 state championships, and four national titles. His legendary status was cemented in 2010 when he became only the third high school coach in history to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Hurley's Awards and Honors

3x USA Today National Coach of the Year (1989, 1996, 2008)
ESPY Award for Best Coach/Manager (2017)
New Jersey Hall of Fame Inductee (2012)
NABC Mike Krzyzewski Award (2025 Recipient)
Multiple National Coach of the Year honors
One of the winningest coaches in basketball history
Became the tenth coach in high school history to win 1,000 games

Stats

NBA Team
St. Anthony HS (1972–2017)

NBA Stats

Years at St. Anthony:
45 (1972–2017)
Career Wins:
1,274
State Championships:
26
National Championships:
4 (1989, 1996, 2008, 2011)
Undefeated Seasons:
5
NBA First-Round Picks Coached:
6

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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.