The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Friday announced the selection of five coaches and seven players as Finalists from the North American and Women’s Screening committees. The Finalists will then be put forth to the Honors Committee to be considered for election as a member of the Class of 2023.
This year’s North American Committee finalists (in alphabetical order):
| Gene Bess – All-time winningest college coach (1,300) Pau Gasol – 6-time All-Star, 2-time NBA champion, 2002 Rookie of the Year David Hixon – 826 wins, 2-time D3 national champion,2-time D3 Coach of the Year Gene Keady – 7-time Big Ten Coach of the Year | Tony Parker – 6-time All-Star, 4-time NBA champion, 2007 Finals MVP Gregg Popovich – Winningest coach in NBA history,5-time NBA champion Dwyane Wade – 13-time All-Star, 3-time NBA champion, 2006 Finals MVP |
This year’s Women’s Committee finalists (in alphabetical order):
| Jennifer Azzi – 1990 Naismith Player of the Year, 1990 national champion Gary Blair – 852 wins, 2011 national champion | Becky Hammon – 6-time WNBA All-Star Marian Washington – 560 wins, 11 NCAA apps. |
“Eleven first-time nominees make up this historic group of Class of 2023 finalists,” said Jerry Colangelo, Chairman of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “It is an incredible honor to be named a Finalist for the Hall of Fame, and their recognition as a Finalist is evidence of the legendary accomplishments and dominance shown throughout their careers. The Class of 2023 will be remembered as one of the most distinguished classes the Hall of Fame will ever see, and we are extremely excited for this unparalleled collection of talent and achievement to be one step closer to Springfield.”
NBA players named 2023 @Hoophall Finalists:
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 17, 2023
– Pau Gasol
– Dirk Nowitzki
– Tony Parker
– Dwyane Wade pic.twitter.com/faV6nq02pr
The entire Class of 2023 will be announced in Houston, on April 1 at the NCAA Men’s Final Four at 11:00 AM ET as part of the Hall of Fame Class Announcement. Potential Enshrinees from the Direct Elect Committees may also be recognized at the NCAA Men’s Final Four.
The Class of 2023 will be enshrined during festivities in Springfield, Mass., the Birthplace of Basketball, on August 11-12. VIP packages to the 2023 Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend are now available. Single-event tickets will go on sale April 1 following the 2023 Class Announcement at 12:00 PM ET. For more information, please visit hoophall.com/events/enshrinement-2023.
(Release via HOF)
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