Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard: One Step Closer to Glory
Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard are one step closer to achieving a remarkable feat: being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. The Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame announced on Friday that both Anthony and Howard are among the finalists for the Class of 2025. This is a significant milestone not only for their individual achievements but also for their roles on the 2008 U.S. Olympic team, the "Redeem Team," which won gold in Beijing. Jerry Colangelo, the Hall of Fame chairman and former managing director of the 2008 Olympic team, highlighted the exceptional teamwork and unity that defined that experience. "The Star-Spangled Banner being played, the flag being raised, it was a moment of total completion," Colangelo said, reflecting on the team’s achievements.
Women’s Basketball Giants: A Legacy of Gold
The Hall of Fame also announced several women’s basketball greats as finalists, including Sue Bird, Sylvia Fowles, Maya Moore, and Jennifer Azzi. Bird, a five-time Olympic gold medalist, Fowles, a four-time gold medalist, Moore, a two-time gold medalist, and Azzi, who won gold at the 1996 Atlanta Games, are being recognized for their extraordinary contributions to the sport. Colangelo praised their achievements, noting, "You look at the accomplishments for each of them in terms of championships, in terms of winning gold, in terms of being the players they were for as long as they were, it’s a real tribute to the game of basketball and women’s basketball in particular." These women have not only set records on the court but have also inspired a new generation of athletes.
Coaches and Contributors: Shaping the Game
The North American committee also selected a list of distinguished coaches and contributors as finalists for enshrinement. Billy Donovan, the former two-time NCAA champion coach at Florida, and Mark Few, the longtime coach of Gonzaga, were both recognized for their significant impact on collegiate basketball. Former NBA referee Danny Crawford, NBA legends Marques Johnson and Buck Williams, and Jerry Welsh, the coach who led Potsdam to NCAA Division III titles in 1981 and 1986, were also named finalists. Welsh, in particular, is celebrated for his mentorship and the lasting relationships he has built with his players. "He’s everybody’s mentor, a second father," said Steve Babiarz, a former player for Welsh. "I talk to him every single month since I left Potsdam. He’s my hero."
Micky Arison and Tal Brody: Leaders and Legends
Miami Heat managing general partner Micky Arison and longtime Maccabi Tel Aviv star Tal Brody were also named finalists by the Contributors Committee. Arison, known for his leadership and the family-oriented culture he has fostered within the Heat organization, received high praise from Heat President Pat Riley. "He’s just a great owner," Riley said. "It’s a family organization." Tal Brody, a legendary figure in Israeli basketball, was also recognized for his contributions to the sport. The Women’s Veteran Committee selected Molly Bolin, the first player signed by the Women’s Professional Basketball League, while the International Committee named Dusan Ivkovic, a former Serbian professional player and longtime coach, as a finalist. Ivkovic is already a FIBA Hall of Famer, adding to his impressive legacy.
Media and Lifetime Achievements: Honoring the Storytellers
The Hall of Fame also announced the winners of the Curt Gowdy Media Awards, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to basketball through media. George Blaha, the voice of the Detroit Pistons since 1976, and CBS analyst Clark Kellogg, who has been part of the NCAA Tournament coverage for over three decades, were among the honorees. Michelle Smith, a prominent women’s basketball writer, and Adrian Wojnarowski, a renowned NBA journalist and New York Times best-selling author, were also recognized. Wojnarowski, who retired from journalism last year to become the general manager of the men’s basketball team at St. Bonaventure, has been a key figure in breaking news and shaping the narrative of the NBA.
The Road Ahead: Final Steps to Enshrinement
The finalists now face one final step: the Hall’s Honors Committee will meet in the coming weeks, and 18 votes from the 24-person panel are required for election. The class will be unveiled at the NCAA men’s Final Four in San Antonio on April 5. The enshrinement weekend is set for September 5-6 at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, and the Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. "Selection as a finalist for the Class of 2025 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is a remarkable achievement, signifying a career of excellence and lasting influence on the game," Colangelo said. "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 induction of these remarkable individuals will not only celebrate their personal achievements but also honor their enduring impact on the sport of basketball.
