Search by the First Name of the HOFers
Bob Knight
Inducted:
1991
Coach Stats
Born
October 25, 1940
Massillon, Ohio, U.S.
Died
November 1, 2023
Bloomington, Indiana, U.S.
Position
Coach
College
NA
Bob Knight was one of the most successful and intense coaches in basketball history. Best known for his tenure at Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball, Knight built a powerhouse program defined by discipline, motion offense, and tough man-to-man defense.
Over 29 seasons at Indiana (1971–2000), he led the Hoosiers to three NCAA championships (1976, 1981, 1987). His 1975–76 team remains the last undefeated national champion in Division I men’s basketball. Knight also coached the U.S. Olympic team to a gold medal in 1984.
Known for his fiery sideline demeanor, he combined tactical brilliance with a deep commitment to fundamentals. Knight was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991.
Knight's Awards and Honors
- 3× NCAA Division I Champion (1976, 1981, 1987)
- 4× National Coach of the Year (1975, 1976, 1987, 1989)
- 8× Big Ten Coach of the Year
- 11× Big Ten Regular Season Champion
- 2× Henry Iba Award (1975, 1989)
- Olympic Gold Medalist (1984)
- NIT Champion (1979)
NCAA Teams
Army (1965–1971)
Indiana (1971–2000)
Texas Tech (2001–2008)
NCAA Stats
Seasons Coached:
42
Total Career Wins:
902
Total Career Losses:
371
NCAA Championships:
3
Final Four Appearances:
5
Winning Percentage:
.709
Bob Lanier
Inducted:
1992
Player Stats
6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
250 lb (113 kg)
Born
September 10, 1948
Buffalo, New York, U.S.
Died
May 10, 2022
Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
Position
Center
College
St. Bonaventure (1967–1970)
Bob Lanier was a massive presence in the paint, famously recognized for his incredible skill and his signature size-22 shoes. Selected first overall in 1970, he became the cornerstone of the Detroit Pistons for a decade before finishing his career as a key veteran for the Milwaukee Bucks. A left-handed center with a soft shooting touch, Lanier possessed a lethal "hook" shot that made him one of the most efficient scorers of his era.
Despite battling persistent knee injuries, his consistency was remarkable, as he averaged a double-double over fourteen professional seasons. Beyond his physical dominance, Lanier was highly respected for his leadership, serving as the president of the Players Association and later as a global ambassador for the league. His ability to blend raw power with finesse ensured his status as an elite big man.
In honor of his enduring excellence, Lanier was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992.
Lanier's Awards and Honors
- Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (1978)
- 16 jersey retired by the Detroit Pistons
- 16 jersey retired by the Milwaukee Bucks
- Consensus first-team All-American (1970)
- Consensus second-team All-American (1968)
NBA Records
- 8× NBA All-Star (1972–1975, 1977–1979, 1982)
- NBA All-Star Game MVP (1974)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (1971)
NBA Teams
Detroit Pistons (1970–1980)
Milwaukee Bucks (1980–1984)
NBA Draft
1970: 1st round, 1st overall pick
Detroit Pistons
Number Worn
16
NBA Stats
Season:
14 (1970-1984)
Games:
959
Points:
19,248 (20.1 ppg)
Rebounds:
9,698 (10.1 rpg)
Assist:
3,007 (3.1 apg)
Blocks:
1,100 (1.5 bpg)
Steals:
777 (1.1 spg)
Field Goal(%):
51.4
Free Throw(%):
76.7
Bob Leonard
Inducted:
2014
Player Stats:
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
185 lb (84 kg)
Born:
July 17, 1932
Terre Haute, Indiana, U.S.
Died:
April 13, 2021
Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
Position:
Point guard
Coach
College:
Indiana (1951–1954)
Bob “Slick” Leonard was a player, coach, and broadcaster whose influence shaped Indiana basketball for decades. A standout guard at Indiana University, Leonard led the Hoosiers to the 1953 NCAA championship. Drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers, he enjoyed a seven-season NBA career before transitioning to coaching. Leonard became best known for guiding the Indiana Pacers to three ABA championships (1970, 1972, 1973), cementing their status as a dynasty.
Renowned for his fiery passion and in-game “Boom, Baby!” calls, he later served as the Pacers’ radio analyst for over 30 years. Leonard’s career spanned nearly every role in the sport, earning him induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014. His leadership, charisma, and unwavering connection to fans made him one of Indiana’s most beloved basketball figures.
Leonard's Awards and Honors
- 3× ABA Champion (1970, 1972, 1973)
- ABA All-Time Team (Coach)
- Indiana University NCAA Champion (1953)
- Consensus second-team All-American (1954)
- Naismith Hall of Fame Inductee (2014)
- Over 30 years as Pacers broadcaster
ABA and NBA Records
- Most wins by a head coach in Indiana Pacers history (529 total victories)
- Only coach to win three ABA championships with the same team
- Guided the Pacers to five ABA Finals appearances
- Played in the 1954 NCAA Championship Game with Indiana University
- Served as both player and coach in professional basketball, a rare achievement in the sport
NBA Teams
As a player:
Minneapolis / Los Angeles Lakers (1956–1961)
Chicago Packers / Zephyrs (1961–1963)
As a coach:
Chicago Zephyrs / Baltimore Bullets (1962–1964)
Indiana Pacers (1968–1980)
NBA Draft:
1954: 2nd round, 10th overall pick
Baltimore Bullets
Number Worn:
21
NBA Stats
As Player
Seasons:
7 (1956–1963)
Points:
4,204 (9.9 ppg)
Rebounds:
1,217 (2.9 rpg)
Assists:
1,427 (3.3 apg)
As Coach
Seasons:
14 (1968–1980)
Record:
573–534
ABA Championships:
3 (1970, 1972, 1973)
Bob McAdoo
Inducted:
2000
Player Stats
6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
210 lb (95 kg)
Born
September 25, 1951
Greensboro, North Carolina, U.S.
Position:
Center
College:
Vincennes (1969–1971)
North Carolina (1971–1972)
Bob McAdoo was one of the most complete offensive big men the NBA had ever seen, blending size, skill, and shooting touch well ahead of his time. Drafted in 1972, he quickly became the league’s most dominant scorer, leading the NBA in scoring three straight seasons with the Buffalo Braves. McAdoo’s ability to score from the post, mid-range, and face-up positions made him nearly impossible to guard and foreshadowed the modern stretch big.
He reached the peak of individual success by winning the NBA Most Valuable Player award in 1975. Later in his career, McAdoo adapted his role and became a key contributor on championship teams with the Los Angeles Lakers. His versatility, longevity, and scoring brilliance defined an era and influenced future generations of big men. Bob McAdoo was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000.
McAdoo's Awards and Honors
- FIBA Intercontinental Cup champion (1987)
- 2× EuroLeague champion (1987, 1988)
- EuroLeague Final Four MVP (1988)
- 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors (2008)
- 2× Italian League champion (1987, 1989)
NBA Records
- NBA Most Valuable Player (1975)
- 2x NBA Champion (1982, 1985)
- 3x NBA Scoring Champion (1974–1976)
- NBA Rookie of the Year (1973)
- 5x NBA All-Star (1974–1978)
- 2x EuroLeague Champion (1987, 1988)
- NBA 75th Anniversary Team
- 3x NBA Champion as Asst. Coach (2006, 2012, 2013)
NBA Teams
Buffalo Braves (1972–1976)
New York Knicks (1976–1979)
Boston Celtics (1979)
Detroit Pistons (1979–1981)
New Jersey Nets (1981)
Los Angeles Lakers (1981–1985)
Philadelphia 76ers (1986)
NBA Draft
1972: 1st round, 2nd overall pick
Buffalo Braves
Number Worn
11, 21
NBA Stats
Seasons:
14 (1972–1986)
Game Played:
852
Points:
18,787 (22.1 ppg)
Rebounds:
8,048 (9.4 rpg)
Blocks:
1,147 (1.5 bpg)
Field Goal %:
50.3
Free throw(%):
75.4
Points per game:
22.1
NBA Championships:
2 (Player) / 3 (Asst. Coach)
NBA MVP:
1 (1975)
Scoring Titles:
3 (1974, 1975, 1976)
Bobby Jones
Inducted:
2019
Player Stats
6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
210 lb (95 kg)
Born:
December 18, 1951
Akron, Ohio, U.S.
Position:
Power forward
College:
North Carolina (1971–1974)
Bobby Jones built his legacy as one of the greatest defenders and ultimate team players in NBA history. Known for his hustle, integrity, and quiet leadership, Jones played 12 NBA seasons, primarily with the Denver Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers. He was a defensive force who brought energy off the bench and sacrificed individual stats for team success.
Jones made 11 straight All-Defensive Teams and was the first-ever recipient of the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 1983—the same year he helped the 76ers win the NBA Championship. Despite modest scoring numbers, his efficiency and unselfish play made him a coach’s dream. Jones was also admired for his sportsmanship and clean style of play, earning the nickname “The Secretary of Defense.”
He retired with a career field goal percentage of .550 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019 for his all-around impact on the game.
Jones' Awards and Honors
- NBA champion (1983)
- 4× NBA All-Star (1977, 1978, 1981, 1982)
- 8× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1977–1984)
- NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1985)
- NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1983)
- ABA All-Star (1976)
- All-ABA Second Team (1976)
- 2× ABA All-Defensive First Team (1975, 1976)
- ABA All-Rookie First Team (1975)
- 24 retired by Philadelphia 76ers
- Consensus second-team All-American (1974)
- First-team All-ACC (1974)
- Second-team All-ACC (1973)
- 34 honored by North Carolina Tar Heels
- Coach Wooden "Keys to Life" Award (2005)
NBA Teams
Denver Nuggets (1974–1978)
Philadelphia 76ers (1978–1986)
NBA Draft:
1974: 1st round, 5th overall pick
Houston Rockets
Number Worn:
24
NBA Stats
Seasons:
12 (1974–1986)
Games Played:
941
Points:
11,448
Rebounds:
5,739
Assists:
1,875
Steals:
1,293
Blocks:
1,145
Field Goal %:
.550
Points Per Game:
12.1
Bobby McDermott
Inducted:
1988
Player Stats
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
185 lb (84 kg)
Born
January 7, 1914
Queens, New York, U.S.
Died
October 3, 1963
Yonkers, New York, U.S.
Position
Guard
College
NA
Bobby McDermott was one of professional basketball’s earliest superstars and a dominant scorer of the 1930s and 1940s. Playing primarily in the National Basketball League (NBL), a direct predecessor to the NBA, McDermott built a reputation as one of the greatest long-range shooters of his era.
He starred for teams such as the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons (now the Detroit Pistons franchise), leading them to multiple league championships. McDermott was a prolific scorer, winning numerous scoring titles and becoming one of the first players in pro basketball history to reach 4,000 career points — a major milestone at the time.
Known for his toughness and scoring flair, McDermott helped popularize professional basketball during its formative years. His dominance and impact on the early professional game earned him induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1988.
McDermott's Awards and Honors
- 4× NBL Most Valuable Player (1943–1946)
- 3× NBL Champion (1944, 1945, 1947)
- 6× All-NBL First Team (1942–1947)
- 3× World Professional Basketball Tournament Champion (1944–1946)
- World Professional Tournament MVP (1944)
- NBL Scoring Champion (1943)
- Named "Greatest Player in NBL History" (1946)
NBA Teams
Brooklyn Visitations (1934–1936)
Original Celtics (1936–1939,1940–1941)
Baltimore Clippers (1939–1940)
Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons (1941–1946)
NBA Stats
Playing career:
1934–1950
Seasons Played:
17
Total Points (NBL):
3,583
Points Per Game:
12.5
Field Goals Made:
1,465
Free Throw Percentage:
~71.0%
NBL Championships:
3
Bobby Wanzer
Inducted:
1987
Player Stats
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
170 lb (77 kg)
Born
June 4, 1921
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Died
January 23, 2016
Pittsford, New York, U.S.
Position
Point guard
Shooting guard
College
Seton Hall (1942–1943,1946–1947)
Colgate (1943–1944)
Bobby Wanzer was one of the early stars of professional basketball and a pioneer in the guard position. Playing primarily for the Rochester Royals, Wanzer was known for his smooth shooting, leadership, and steady playmaking.
He helped lead the Royals to an NBA championship in 1951 and was a six-time NBA All-Star. Wanzer’s ability to control the offense, distribute the ball, and score efficiently made him one of the most respected guards of his era.
Over his career, Wanzer averaged 11.6 points per game and was recognized for his consistency, defensive skills, and role in establishing professional basketball’s early credibility. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987.
Wanzer's Awards and Honors
- Inducted into the U.S. Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame
- 8 Retired by Seton Hall Pirates
- Key guard for the early Rochester Royals dynasty
- Player-coach pioneer
NBA Records
- NBA Champion (1951)
- 5× NBA All-Star (1952–1956)
- 3× All-NBA Second Team (1952–1954)
- NBA Free Throw Percentage Leader (1952)
- First player in NBA history to shoot 90%+ from the FT line
NBA Teams
Rochester Royals (1947–1957)
NBA Draft
1948: 1st round, 10th overall pick
Rochester Royals
Number Worn
9
NBA Stats
Seasons:
9 (1948–1957)
Games Played:
568
Points:
6,924 (12.2 ppg)
Rebounds:
1,979 (4.5 rpg)
Assists:
1,830 (3.2 apg)
Field Goal(%):
39.3
Free Throw(%):
80.2
Playoff Game:
38
Borislav Stankovic
Inducted:
1991
Secretary General Stats
Born
9 July 1925
Bihać, Kingdom of Serbs,
Croats and Slovenes
Died
20 March 2020
Belgrade, Serbia
Position
Contributor
College
University of Belgrade
Borislav "Bora" Stankovic was a visionary Serbian administrator who served as the Secretary General of FIBA for nearly three decades. Stankovic believed that for basketball to truly become a global game, the "walls" between the professional and amateur worlds had to fall. Working alongside NBA Commissioner David Stern, he orchestrated the 1989 rule change that allowed NBA players to compete in the Olympics.
This monumental shift paved the way for the 1992 "Dream Team," an event that sparked a global explosion of interest in the NBA. A former star player and championship coach in Yugoslavia and Italy, Stankovic used his deep understanding of the game to modernize international rules, including the adoption of the three-point line. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991.
Stankovic's Awards and Honors
- 3× Yugoslav League Champion (Player: 1946–1948)
- 3× Yugoslav League Champion (Coach: 1958, 1960, 1964)
- Italian League Champion (Coach: 1968)
- Olympic Order (1987)
- FIBA Hall of Fame Inductee (2007)
- Women's Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee (2000)
- Order of the Legion of Honour (France, 2001)
FIBA
FIBA Secretary General
Contributions
As Secretary General:
26 Years (1976–2002)
Yugoslav League Titles:
6
Italian League Titles:
1
National Team Appearances:
36 (Yugoslavia)
Olympic Games Oversaw:
9
World Championships Oversaw:
8
Bruce Drake
Inducted:
1973
Stats
Born
December 5, 1905
Gentry, Texas
Died
December 4, 1983
Norman, Oklahoma
Position
Coach
College
University of Oklahoma
Bruce Drake was one of the most innovative coaches in basketball history, earning a reputation for developing creative offensive strategies and maximizing the talent of undersized teams. As head coach at the University of Oklahoma for 17 seasons, he led the Sooners to six conference championships and multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. Drake introduced the famous "Drake Shuffle," a ball-control offense that emphasized movement, passing, and teamwork, influencing coaches across the country.
He also played an important role in improving the sport by advocating for the ban on goaltending and later serving as chairman of the NCAA Rules Committee. In 1956, he was an assistant coach for the United States men's basketball team that won the Olympic gold medal. Bruce Drake was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1973, recognizing his lasting impact on coaching and the evolution of basketball.
Drake's Awards & Honor
- 5 Big Six Championship (1939, 1940, 1942, 1944, 1947)
- Big Seven Championship (1949)
- Chairman, NCAA Rules Committee (1951–1955)
- U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist (1956 - Assistant Coach)
NBA Teams
University of Oklahoma (1938–1955)
Career Stats
Seasons Coached:
17
Overall Record:
200–182
Win(%):
.524
Conference Championships:
6
NCAA Tournament Appearances:
3
Final Four Appearances:
2
Assistant Coach, U.S. Olympic Team:
1956 (Gold Medal)
NCAA Rules Committee:
Member and later Chairman (1951–1955)
Buddy Jeannette
Inducted:
1994
Player Stats
5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
175 lb (79 kg)
Born
September 15, 1917
New Kensington, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died
March 11, 1998
Nashua, New Hampshire, U.S.
Position
Guard
College
Washington & Jefferson (1934–1938)
Harry "Buddy" Jeannette was one of the most significant "bridge" figures in the transition from early professional barnstorming to the modern NBA. A 5'11" guard known for his blistering speed, dexterous passing, and "heady" playmaking, Jeannette was widely considered the premier backcourt player in the world between 1938 and 1948.
His legacy is defined by his versatility and leadership. In 1948, as a member of the Baltimore Bullets, he became the first player-coach in history to win a professional championship in the BAA (the league that would become the NBA a year later). He was a four-time All-NBL First Team selection and won five professional titles across three different leagues. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1994.
Jeannette's Awards and Honors
- BAA champion (1948)
- All-BAA Second Team (1948)
- 3× NBL champion (1943–1945)
- 4× All-NBL First Team (1941, 1944–1946)
- All-NBL Second Team (1943)
- 4× WPBT champion (1941, 1944–1946)
- All-Time Pro Stars Second Team (1945)
- NBL All-Time Team
NBA Teams
Baltimore Bullets (1947–1950)
Number Worn
26, 6, 14
NBA Stats
Seasons played:
3 (1947–1950)
Games played:
139
Points:
997
Assist:
287 ( 2.1 APG)
Field Goal(%):
34.1
Free Throw(%):
78.1
Points Per Game:
7.2
C. Vivian Stringer
Inducted:
2009
Coach Stats
Born
March 16, 1948
Edenborn, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Position:
Coach
College:
NA
C. Vivian Stringer is a legendary architect of women’s college basketball, known for her ability to transform struggling programs into national powerhouses. Over a 50-year coaching career, she became the first coach in history—men's or women's—to lead three different programs to the NCAA Final Four: Cheyney State (1982), Iowa (1993), and Rutgers (2000, 2007).
Stringer's legacy is built on resilience and excellence. She retired in 2022 with 1,055 career victories, ranking her among the top five winningest coaches in NCAA history. A three-time National Coach of the Year, she was a pioneer for African American coaches, becoming the first to reach the 1,000-win milestone. Her impact on the game's growth was cemented when she was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.
Stringer's Awards and Honors
- 3x National Coach of the Year (1982, 1988, 1993)
- Naismith Outstanding Contributor to Basketball (2024)
- John R. Wooden "Legends of Coaching" Award (2020)
- Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (2001)
- First African American coach to win 1,000 games
- First coach to reach the Final Four with three different schools
NCAA Teams
Cheyney State (1972–1983)
Iowa (1983–1995)
Rutgers (1995–2022)
NCAA Stats
Years as Head Coach:
50 (1972–2022)
Total Career Wins:
1,055
NCAA Final Four Appearances:
4 (1982, 1993, 2000, 2007)
NCAA Tournament Berths:
28
20-Win Seasons:
37 (NCAA Record)
Olympic Gold Medals:
1 (As Assistant Coach, 2004)
Calvin Murphy
Inducted:
1993
Player Stats
5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
165 lb (75 kg)
Born
May 9, 1948
Norwalk, Connecticut, U.S.
Position
Point guard
College
Niagara (1967–1970)
Calvin Murphy remains one of the most remarkable figures in basketball history, proving that elite talent transcends physical stature. Standing at just 5 feet 9 inches, he spent his entire thirteen-year professional career with the Rockets franchise, transitioning with the team from San Diego to Houston. He was particularly legendary at the free-throw line, where he once held the record for the most consecutive successful shots.
Throughout the 1970s and early 80s, he was the heart of the Rockets' backcourt, consistently outperforming much larger opponents through sheer agility and skill. His durability and scoring prowess led him to become one of the franchise's all-time leaders in multiple categories. For his groundbreaking career as the shortest player to dominate the modern era, Murphy was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.
Murphy's Awards and Honors
- Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (1979)
- 23 Jersey Retired by the Houston Rockets
- 3× NCAA All-American (at Niagara)
- 23 retired by Houston Rockets
- 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1969, 1970)
- One of the shortest players ever inducted into the Hall of Fame
NBA Records
- NBA All-Star (1979)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (1971)
- 2× NBA Free Throw Percentage Leader (1981, 1983)
NBA Teams
San Diego / Houston Rockets (1970–1983)
NBA Draft
1970: 2nd round, 18th overall pick
San Diego Rockets
Number Worn
23
NBA Stats
Seasons:
13 (1970–1983)
Games Played:
1,002
Points:
17,949 (17.9 ppg)
Assists:
4,402 (4.4 apg)
Steals:
1,165 (1.5 spg)
Blocks:
51 (0.1 bpg)
FG %:
48.2%
FT %:
89.2%
Playoff Game:
51
Carl Braun
Inducted:
2019
Player Stats
6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
180 lb (82 kg)
Born:
September 25, 1927
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Died:
February 10, 2010
Stuart, Florida, U.S.
Position:
Shooting guard
Point guard
College:
Colgate (1945–1947)
Carl Braun (1927–2010) was a pioneering guard who became the first true star of the New York Knicks. Playing 13 seasons (1947–1962), mostly in New York, he led the Knicks in scoring for his first seven years, averaging double figures in 11 straight seasons. Braun set a then‑NBA single‑game scoring record of 47 points in 1947, earned two All‑BAA/NBA Second Team honors (1948, 1954), and was a five‑time All‑Star (1953–1957).
After military service in 1950–52, he returned to maintain his role as a Knicks cornerstone. Braun won an NBA title in 1962 with Boston and became a player‑coach with New York. His elegant playing style and ice‑cold “swish” free‑throw form left a lasting influence. Enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019, Braun remains a key figure in early NBA history.
Braun's Awards and Honors
- NBA champion (1962)
- 5× NBA All-Star (1953–1957)
- All-BAA Second Team (1948)
- All-NBA Second Team (1954)
- First New York Knicks player to score over 10,000 career points
- NBA Single-Game Scoring Record: 47 points
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, 2019
- First NBA player to earn a championship as a bench veteran
NBA Teams
As a player:
New York Knicks (1947–1950,1952–1961)
Boston Celtics (1961–1962)
As a coach:
New York Knicks (1959–1961)
Carol Blazejowski
Inducted:
1994
Player Stats
5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Born
September 29, 1956
Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S.
Position
Forward
College
Montclair State (1974–1978)
Carol "The Blaze" Blazejowski was the premier scoring sensation of women’s basketball in the 1970s. A 5'10" forward with a lethal jump shot and a relentless competitive drive, she put up numbers at Montclair State University that remain legendary. In 1977, she famously scored 52 points at Madison Square Garden—a record for any collegiate player, male or female, at the time—setting the stage for her to become the first-ever recipient of the Wade Trophy in 1978.
While Blazejowski’s on-court career was marked by her incredible scoring (averaging 38.6 points per game in her senior year), it was also defined by the era's limitations. Despite being named captain of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team, the U.S. boycott of the Moscow Games robbed her of her Olympic moment. After a stint as the MVP and leading scorer of the Women's Basketball League (WBL), she successfully transitioned into a powerhouse executive. She was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1994.
Blazejowski's Awards and Honors
- WBL scoring leader (1981)
- USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year (1980)
- Wade Trophy (1978)
- 3x Kodak All-American (1976–1978)
- Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (Inaugural Class, 1999)
- World Championship Gold Medalist (1979)
- USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year (1980)
Teams
Allentown Crestettes (1978–1980)
New Jersey Gems (1980–1981)
National Team
United States
Number Worn
12, 15
Stats
College points:
3,528
College scoring average:
31.7 PPG
Cathy Rush
Inducted:
2008
Coach Stats
Born
April 7, 1947
Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
Position:
Coach
College:
NA
Cathy Rush was a trailblazer in women’s basketball and one of the most successful coaches of the sport’s early collegiate era. As head coach of Immaculata College from 1972 to 1977, Rush built a dynasty that helped bring national attention and credibility to women’s college basketball. Her teams won three consecutive national championships from 1972 to 1974 and reached the title game again in 1975, dominating an era before the NCAA formally sponsored women’s championships.
Under her leadership, Immaculata participated in several historic "firsts," including the first nationally televised women's game and the first women's game at Madison Square Garden. She was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.
Rush's Awards and Honors
- 3x National Champion (AIAW)
- Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (2000)
- Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame (2005)
- 2x National Coach of the Year (1973, 1974)
- S. Olympic Women's Basketball Committee member
- Peter A. Carlesimo Award (2017)
- Led the first true dynasty in women’s collegiate basketball
- Central figure in the sport’s early national growth
NCAA Teams
Immaculata (1972–1977)
NCAA Stats
Coaching career:
1972–1977
Career record:
149–29
Career Record:
149–15
Winning Percentage:
.909
National Championships:
3 (1972, 1973, 1974)
Final Four Appearances:
6
Olympic Involvement:
1975 Pan Am Games (Gold Medal Coach)
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