Les HarrisonInducted:1980 Stats Born August 20, 1904 Rochester, New York, U.S. Died December 23, 1997 Rochester, New York, U.S. Position Contributor College NA Les Harrison was a foundational architect of professional basketball, serving as a team owner, coach, and key negotiator during the NBA’s turbulent infancy. As the owner and coach of the Rochester Royals (now the Sacramento Kings), Harrison …
Everett SheltonInducted:1980 Stats Born May 12, 1898 Cunningham, Kansas, U.S. Died April 16, 1974 Sacramento, California, U.S. Position Coach College Phillips University Everett “Ev” Shelton was a master tactician and a driving force in the expansion of basketball across the American West. While your query focuses on the NBA, Shelton’s greatness was primarily established in the collegiate and AAU ranks, …
Dallas ShirleyInducted:1980 Stats Born June 7, 1913 Washington, D.C. Died March 1, 1994 Washington, D.C. Position NBA referee College George Washington University Dallas Shirley was one of the most respected and authoritative officials in the history of basketball. Shirley began his basketball involvement as a player and official while attending Eastern High School, where he helped secure the 1931 InterHigh …
Wilt ChamberlainInducted:1979 Player Stats 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) 250 lb (113 kg) Born August 21, 1936 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Died October 12, 1999 Los Angeles, California, U.S. Position Center College Kansas (1956–1958) Wilt Chamberlain was the most dominant physical force in the history of the NBA. Standing 7’1″ with an athletic profile that defied his era, Chamberlain’s statistical …
Sam BarryInducted:1979 Stats Born December 17, 1892 Aberdeen, South Dakota, U.S. Died September 23, 1950 Berkeley, California, U.S. Position Coach College University of Wisconsin Sam Barry was a pioneering basketball coach whose innovative approach helped shape the modern game. Best known for his long tenure at the University of Southern California, Barry coached the Trojans from 1929 to 1950 and …
James EnrightInducted:1979 Stats Born April 3, 1910 Sodus, Michigan Died December 20, 1981 Chicago Position NBA referee College NA James Enright was one of the most respected and physically fit officials in the history of basketball, known for his “whistle-to-whistle” hustle and impeccable judgment. Enright was a vital officiating presence in the early professional era, working games in the NBL …
Eddie HickeyInducted:1979 Stats Born December 20, 1902 Reynolds, Nebraska, U.S. Died December 5, 1980 Mesa, Arizona, U.S. Position Coach College NA Edgar “Eddie” Hickey was a master of the fast break and a strict disciplinarian whose career bridged the gap between the traditional “set play” era and modern, high-speed basketball. While he is celebrated in the Basketball Hall of Fame …
John McLendonInducted:1979 Stats Born April 5, 1915 Hiawatha, Kansas, U.S. Died October 8, 1999 Cleveland Heights, Ohio, U.S. Position Coach College NA John McLendon was one of the most influential innovators in basketball history and a pioneering coach who helped shape the modern style of play. He is credited with inventing the fast break, the full-court press, and the “four …
