Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard stand on the brink of Basketball Hall of Fame induction, an honor that reflects their significant contributions to the sport.
They may not only enter as individuals but also for their pivotal roles in the unforgettable 2008 U.S. Olympic team, famously known as the “Redeem Team,” which captured gold at the Beijing Games.
The Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame recently announced their candidacies as finalists for the Class of 2025, highlighting their remarkable careers and achievements.
Hall of Fame chairman Jerry Colangelo expressed the significance of teamwork, stating, “Any time you have an association with a group of people that come together for a common cause and good, you see a lot of good things happen.” He reminisced about the pride felt during the national anthem and the raised flag, marking a moment of fulfillment.
Joining Anthony and Howard as finalists are legendary women’s basketball players, including Sue Bird, Sylvia Fowles, Maya Moore, and Jennifer Azzi. Bird boasts five Olympic gold medals, while Fowles has four, Moore two, and Azzi contributed to the 1996 Atlanta gold medal victory.
Colangelo praised their achievements, noting, “You look at the accomplishments for each of them in terms of championships and winning gold — it’s a real tribute to the game of basketball and women’s basketball in particular.”
Other notable finalists include Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan, Gonzaga coach Mark Few, retired NBA referee Danny Crawford, and NBA legends Marques Johnson and Buck Williams. Jerry Welsh, who led Potsdam to NCAA Division III titles in 1981 and 1986, is also recognized for his mentorship.
Steve Babiarz, a player from Welsh’s championship team, remarked, “He’s everybody’s mentor, a second father. Coaching was secondary; he brought student-athletes there to be successful.” This highlights the impact of coaching beyond just wins and losses.
Miami Heat managing general partner Micky Arison is also a finalist, nominated by the Contributors Committee, alongside Maccabi Tel Aviv star Tal Brody.
Heat President Pat Riley praised Arison, stating, “He’s just a great owner. It’s a family organization.” This sentiment underscores the importance of leadership in sports franchises.
The Women’s Veteran Committee nominated Molly Bolin, the first player signed by the Women’s Professional Basketball League. The International Committee recognized former Serbian player and coach Dusan Ivkovic, who is already a FIBA Hall of Famer.
Colangelo emphasized the significance of being a finalist, stating, “This recognition goes beyond statistics and accolades — it honors those who have defined eras, inspired generations, and elevated basketball through their talent, leadership, and dedication.”
The enshrinement weekend is set for September 5-6 at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, followed by ceremonies at the Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Media and Lifetime Achievement Awards
The Hall of Fame also announced the Gowdy Awards, recognizing media members who have significantly contributed to basketball.
Longtime Boston Celtics vice president Jeff Twiss received the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, the Hall’s most prestigious honor aside from enshrinement. Twiss has been with the Celtics since 1981, during which the team has secured four NBA championships.
These recognitions not only celebrate individual accomplishments but also reflect the collective spirit and history of basketball, showcasing the influence of players, coaches, and contributors who have shaped the game.
