NBA News, Rumors 2015: Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2015 Finalists Named
The prestigious Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2015 has named 12 more deserving candidates to join the list of elite players, coaches and contributors of the ball sport on Saturday.
A report from BleacherReport.com cited NBA's official Twitter account revealing the names of the 12 finalists. They later provided a more comprehensive listing of the names which are as follows:
- Leta Andrews – Coach
- Dick Bavetta – Referee
- John Calipari – Coach
- Bill Fitch – Coach
- Tim Hardaway – Point Guard
- Jo Jo White - Guard
- Spencer Haywood – Power Forward
- Robert Hughes – Coach
- Kevin Johnson – Point Guard
- Lisa Leslie – Coach
- Dikembe Mutombo – Center
- Bo Ryan – Coach
SI.com's Matt Dollinger also tweeter five directly elected people to the list which include John Isaacs, Tom Heinsohn, Louis Dampier, Lindsay Gaze and George Raveling.
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ESPN.com meanwhile cited Mutombo speaking after the announcement of the finalists.
"Being from Africa, who would have ever though that my name would have been called to the Basketball Hall of Fame?" the defensive wizard said. "I never dreamed of playing basketball to reach this level."
The Kentucky coach also said to the publication that he was "humbled" for the committee's consideration of his talents and efforts.
"I'm at a loss for words," Calipari said. "I want to thank the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame committee for even considering me. The process is by no means over -- I'm just a finalist at this point -- but to even be mentioned as a finalist among these worthy candidates is an unbelievable honor. I am absolutely humbled by this."
The finalists who receive "at least 18 votes" from the Honors Committee will be finally inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame which will be announced this April, HoopHall.com wrote.
