21 mins. ago
Coach Mark Few put the Gonzaga Bulldogs program and the university in Spokane, Washington, on the map. An underdog who built something that was never supposed to happen at a tiny Jesuit institution in the Inland Northwest.
Forget all the wins, championships, and NBA pedigree from its alumni for a second; his presence helped the school's enrollment and finances throughout the last 27 years. Helping grow other educational disciplines, such as mine with the Department of Integrated Media, and others. This situation for both parties was a match made in heaven from the beginning.
Along with Few, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's Class of 2026 inducted coach Doc Rivers, coach Mike D'Antoni, forward/center Amar'e Stoudemire, forward Chamique Holdsclaw, forward Candace Parker, forward Elena Delle Donne, referee Joey Crawford, and the 1996 U.S. Olympic Women's Basketball Team. The group received their "Naismith Orange" jackets the day before at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.
In attendance for Few's ceremony were, first and foremost, his family: wife Marcy Laca, sons AJ, Joe, Colt, and daughter Julia. His presenters were Hall of Famer John Stockton, Arkansas Razorbacks coach John Calipari, and Managing Director of USA Basketball Grant Hill.
Arizona Wildcats coach Tommy Lloyd, former Villanova Wildcats coach Jay Wright, sportscaster Neil Everett showed their love for Few. As well as some of his past and current staff members like **** istant coaches Brian Michaelson, RJay Barsh, Zach Norvell, Dan Monson, Bill Grier, Ray Giacoletti, Ricky Fois, and Roger Powell.
#coach
Forget all the wins, championships, and NBA pedigree from its alumni for a second; his presence helped the school's enrollment and finances throughout the last 27 years. Helping grow other educational disciplines, such as mine with the Department of Integrated Media, and others. This situation for both parties was a match made in heaven from the beginning.
Along with Few, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's Class of 2026 inducted coach Doc Rivers, coach Mike D'Antoni, forward/center Amar'e Stoudemire, forward Chamique Holdsclaw, forward Candace Parker, forward Elena Delle Donne, referee Joey Crawford, and the 1996 U.S. Olympic Women's Basketball Team. The group received their "Naismith Orange" jackets the day before at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.
In attendance for Few's ceremony were, first and foremost, his family: wife Marcy Laca, sons AJ, Joe, Colt, and daughter Julia. His presenters were Hall of Famer John Stockton, Arkansas Razorbacks coach John Calipari, and Managing Director of USA Basketball Grant Hill.
Arizona Wildcats coach Tommy Lloyd, former Villanova Wildcats coach Jay Wright, sportscaster Neil Everett showed their love for Few. As well as some of his past and current staff members like **** istant coaches Brian Michaelson, RJay Barsh, Zach Norvell, Dan Monson, Bill Grier, Ray Giacoletti, Ricky Fois, and Roger Powell.
#coach
5 hours ago
On Saturday, eight individuals and one team achieved basketball immortality. The 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class featured Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, Chamique Holdsclaw, the USA women's 1996 Olympic gold medal squad, Amar'e Stoudemire, Mike D'Antoni (coach, contributor), Mark Few (coach), Doc Rivers and Joey Crawford (referee). Each of their induction stories was as distinct as the roles they played to grow the game.
Here are some of the best moments from Saturday's induction ceremony.
Draft: 1999 first-round pick (No. 1 pick by Washington Mystics)
Career highlights: Six-time WNBA All-Star, led Tennessee to three straight NCAA ***** les (1996-98), two-time College Player of the Year, 1999 WNBA Rookie of the Year, 2002 WNBA scoring champion, 2000 Olympic gold medalist
From the speech: Having grown up in New York, Holdsclaw shared memories of the support she received from guys she shared courts with, including a fellow future basketball All-Star from her stomping grounds.
#holdsclaw #Gold #coach
Here are some of the best moments from Saturday's induction ceremony.
Draft: 1999 first-round pick (No. 1 pick by Washington Mystics)
Career highlights: Six-time WNBA All-Star, led Tennessee to three straight NCAA ***** les (1996-98), two-time College Player of the Year, 1999 WNBA Rookie of the Year, 2002 WNBA scoring champion, 2000 Olympic gold medalist
From the speech: Having grown up in New York, Holdsclaw shared memories of the support she received from guys she shared courts with, including a fellow future basketball All-Star from her stomping grounds.
#holdsclaw #Gold #coach
9 hours ago
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — Elena Delle Donne and Candace Parker's WNBA careers were intertwined with so many great moments.
Now they are forever bonded, enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class Saturday night. They were joined by the 1996 U.S. Olympic women's basketball team, Chamique Holdsclaw, NBA player Amar'e Stoudemire, longtime NBA official Joey Crawford, NBA coaches Doc Rivers and Mike D'Antoni, and Gonzaga coach Mark Few.
Delle Donne turned her speech into a love letter to the game of basketball with all the ups and downs she faced in her career. But she always kept life in perspective, thanks to her older sister Lizzie, who is blind and deaf.
"She never played in front of thousands of people, never had a standing ovation. never been interviewed after a big win. Yet I've never met anyone stronger," Delle Donne said, choking up. "Thank you all for keeping me going."
Delle Donne won MVP awards in 2015 and 2019, the second of which came when she led the Washington Mystics to their lone WNBA championship. Delle Donne became the first player in league history to shoot more than 50% from the field, 40% from behind the 3-point line and 90% from the free-throw line.
#line
Now they are forever bonded, enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class Saturday night. They were joined by the 1996 U.S. Olympic women's basketball team, Chamique Holdsclaw, NBA player Amar'e Stoudemire, longtime NBA official Joey Crawford, NBA coaches Doc Rivers and Mike D'Antoni, and Gonzaga coach Mark Few.
Delle Donne turned her speech into a love letter to the game of basketball with all the ups and downs she faced in her career. But she always kept life in perspective, thanks to her older sister Lizzie, who is blind and deaf.
"She never played in front of thousands of people, never had a standing ovation. never been interviewed after a big win. Yet I've never met anyone stronger," Delle Donne said, choking up. "Thank you all for keeping me going."
Delle Donne won MVP awards in 2015 and 2019, the second of which came when she led the Washington Mystics to their lone WNBA championship. Delle Donne became the first player in league history to shoot more than 50% from the field, 40% from behind the 3-point line and 90% from the free-throw line.
#line
9 hours ago
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame will induct eight individuals and one team that has contributed to the growth of basketball - domestically and internationally - becoming one of the best, surpassing milestones and having a worldwide impact.
One of the inductees for the 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame is none other than head coach Doc Rivers.
Other inductees include Joey Crawford, Mark Few, Amar'e Stoudemire, Mike D'Antoni, Candace Parker, Chamique Holdsclaw, Elena Delle Donne and the 1996 USA Basketball Women's National Team.
They will be joined by many fellow Hall of Famers, basketball stars and contributors to the game who will gather to celebrate the newest group of the sport's iconic figures.
The Hall of Fame Class of 2026 will be formally enshrined into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame at Springfield Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts. The broadcast event begins at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT) on NBA TV and streaming on the NBA App.
#crawford
One of the inductees for the 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame is none other than head coach Doc Rivers.
Other inductees include Joey Crawford, Mark Few, Amar'e Stoudemire, Mike D'Antoni, Candace Parker, Chamique Holdsclaw, Elena Delle Donne and the 1996 USA Basketball Women's National Team.
They will be joined by many fellow Hall of Famers, basketball stars and contributors to the game who will gather to celebrate the newest group of the sport's iconic figures.
The Hall of Fame Class of 2026 will be formally enshrined into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame at Springfield Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts. The broadcast event begins at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT) on NBA TV and streaming on the NBA App.
#crawford
9 hours ago
NBA star Amar'e Stoudemire and longtime coach Glenn "Doc" Rivers were among nine inductees into the Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday.
Joey Crawford, an NBA referee for 39 seasons, and veteran coaches Mike D'Antoni and Mark Few were also among those enshrined in ceremonies at the Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Women inductees included Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne and Chamique Holdsclaw, along with the unbeaten 1996 US Olympic gold medal team.
Rivers, who resigned as coach of the Milwaukee Bucks in April, has an NBA coaching record of 1,194-866 over 27 seasons with Orlando, Boston, the Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia and Milwaukee.
"It's so funny. Never in my life did I dream that I would be a coach or be good at it," Rivers said. "To be going in the Hall now, my mom had this saying, 'For the good or bad of it, you're right where you're supposed to be.'"
#hall #milwaukee #seasons #you 're
Joey Crawford, an NBA referee for 39 seasons, and veteran coaches Mike D'Antoni and Mark Few were also among those enshrined in ceremonies at the Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Women inductees included Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne and Chamique Holdsclaw, along with the unbeaten 1996 US Olympic gold medal team.
Rivers, who resigned as coach of the Milwaukee Bucks in April, has an NBA coaching record of 1,194-866 over 27 seasons with Orlando, Boston, the Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia and Milwaukee.
"It's so funny. Never in my life did I dream that I would be a coach or be good at it," Rivers said. "To be going in the Hall now, my mom had this saying, 'For the good or bad of it, you're right where you're supposed to be.'"
#hall #milwaukee #seasons #you 're
11 hours ago
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement is scheduled for tonight at 7 p.m. ET. At the highly touted ceremony, several notable members in the Class of 2026 are being enshrined.
Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, Chamique Holdsclaw and the 1996 United States Olympic Team are among those being recognized. Ahead of the event, fans have an opportunity to take a deeper dive into Delle Donne's personal life.
In November 2017, Delle Donne tied the knot with her partner Amanda Clifton in Long Island, N.Y., and became the first same-sex couple to be featured in The Knot's Dream Wedding, per Colleen Kratofil of People.com.
Delle Donne came out to the public back in August 2016. Upon getting married, both women described their special day as being nothing short of a dream wedding.
Clifton and Delle Donne met through a mutual friend in 2013, and speculation swirled on social media prior to their official engagement announcement.
#memorial #fame
Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, Chamique Holdsclaw and the 1996 United States Olympic Team are among those being recognized. Ahead of the event, fans have an opportunity to take a deeper dive into Delle Donne's personal life.
In November 2017, Delle Donne tied the knot with her partner Amanda Clifton in Long Island, N.Y., and became the first same-sex couple to be featured in The Knot's Dream Wedding, per Colleen Kratofil of People.com.
Delle Donne came out to the public back in August 2016. Upon getting married, both women described their special day as being nothing short of a dream wedding.
Clifton and Delle Donne met through a mutual friend in 2013, and speculation swirled on social media prior to their official engagement announcement.
#memorial #fame
14 hours ago
UNCASVILLE, CT – The celebration surrounding the careers of Chamique Holdsclaw and Candace Parker as the latest members of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is a welcome reminiscence of Lady Vols basketball incredible history.
It is also, unavoidably, a stark reminder of where the Tennessee is right now.
The Lady Vols recorded the worst winning percentage in program history at 16-14 last season, which ended with an eight-game losing streak. All eight returners entered the transfer portal following Tennessee coach Kim Caldwell's second season, and Caldwell had to rebuild her entire roster.
Holdsclaw, who led the Lady Vols to three straight national championships during her career from 1995-99, was asked for her perspective on the state of the program a day before the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement for the 2026 class on Aug. 15 in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Holdsclaw said it has been "a common conversation" amongst former Lady Vols.
#vols #hall
It is also, unavoidably, a stark reminder of where the Tennessee is right now.
The Lady Vols recorded the worst winning percentage in program history at 16-14 last season, which ended with an eight-game losing streak. All eight returners entered the transfer portal following Tennessee coach Kim Caldwell's second season, and Caldwell had to rebuild her entire roster.
Holdsclaw, who led the Lady Vols to three straight national championships during her career from 1995-99, was asked for her perspective on the state of the program a day before the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement for the 2026 class on Aug. 15 in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Holdsclaw said it has been "a common conversation" amongst former Lady Vols.
#vols #hall
1 day ago
UNCASVILLE, CT – Chamique Holdsclaw still remembers the phone call from legendary Lady Vols basketball coach Pat Summitt after Candace Parker committed to Tennessee.
Summitt knew she had another generational talent on her hands just like she did with Holdsclaw a decade earlier.
"She called me and she said, 'We got this one, and this one, she's going to change the game,' " Holdsclaw said Aug. 14 ahead of her Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement.
And Parker did as a 6-foot-4 forward who could play any position, including point guard, forever changing the mold of versatility in the women's game as a big guard. But Parker grew up watching Holdsclaw do it first, and now they're in the same Naismith Hall of Fame class.
The induction ceremony is Aug. 15 (7 p.m. ET, NBA TV) in Springfield, Massachusetts.
#naismith #fame
Summitt knew she had another generational talent on her hands just like she did with Holdsclaw a decade earlier.
"She called me and she said, 'We got this one, and this one, she's going to change the game,' " Holdsclaw said Aug. 14 ahead of her Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement.
And Parker did as a 6-foot-4 forward who could play any position, including point guard, forever changing the mold of versatility in the women's game as a big guard. But Parker grew up watching Holdsclaw do it first, and now they're in the same Naismith Hall of Fame class.
The induction ceremony is Aug. 15 (7 p.m. ET, NBA TV) in Springfield, Massachusetts.
#naismith #fame
