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Mostrando las entradas con la etiqueta Dwayne Wade. Mostrar todas las entradas
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jueves, 13 de abril de 2023

Basketball News

 


















National Basketball Coaches Association

Announces 2023 Michael H. Goldberg

NBCA Coach of the Year Award

Voted Annually By 30 NBA Head Coaches

 

New York, April 13, 2023 — Sacramento Kings Head Coach Mike Brown is the 2023 recipient of the Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award, the National Basketball Coaches Association announced today.

 

The Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award recognizes the dedication, commitment, and hard work of NBA Head Coaches and is presented annually to a Head Coach who helps guide his players to a higher level of performance on the court and shows outstanding service and dedication to the community off the court. It honors the spirit of Mr. Goldberg, the esteemed long-time Executive Director of the NBCA, who set the standard for loyalty, integrity, love of the game, passionate representation, and tireless promotion of NBA coaching. The award is unique in that it is voted upon by the winners’ peers, the Head Coaches of all 30 NBA teams.

 

All told, 5 Head Coaches received votes, once again reflecting the depth of coaching excellence in the NBA. In addition to Brown, the following Head Coaches also received votes [listed alphabetically]: Mike Budenholzer, Milwaukee Bucks; Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City Thunder; Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics; and Tom Thibodeau, New York Knicks.

 

“Congratulations to Mike Brown on one of the greatest coaching jobs we’ve ever seen in this league,” said Indiana Pacers Head Coach and NBCA President Rick Carlisle. “He completely changed the attitude and vibe of the Kings franchise and fan base, launching them into an amazing new era of success.”

 

Coach Brown, in his first season as Head Coach of the Kings, led the team to its first playoff berth since 2006, ending the longest playoff drought in NBA history and the longest active non-playoff streak in North American professional sports.

 

The Kings captured their first Pacific Division title since 2003 and finished with a record of 48-34, an 18 game improvement over last season and the best turnaround in the NBA this season. Sacramento finished with a 25-16 record on the road, the best road winning percentage in the Western Conference.

 

The Kings are in the playoffs for just the eleventh time in the 38 years since relocating to Sacramento in 1985.

 

Coach Brown quickly transformed a relatively young team into one of the most prolific offensive teams in the NBA. The Kings led the league in scoring, averaging 120.7 ppg. They also led the NBA in offensive rating at 118.6, the highest one season rating since the NBA began keeping this statistic. In addition, the Kings ranked in the Top Ten in numerous offensive categories, including:

 

  • First in offensive efficiency at 1.159;
  • First in true shooting percentage at 60.8%;
  • Second in effective field goal percentage at 57.2%;
  • Second in field goal percentage at 49.4%;
  • Third in assists at 27.3;
  • Second in assist-to-turnover ratio at 2.02;
  • Third in assist ratio at 19.3;
  • Seventh in assist percentage at 62.6%;
  • Fourth in passes made at 299.4; and
  • Third in potential assists at 49.7

Coach Brown won Western Conference Coach of the Month honors for February, 2023.

 

“Receiving this award from my peers is especially meaningful and an honor that I truly embrace,” said Sacramento Kings Head Coach Mike Brown. “We have an incredible group of head coaches in the NBA, all of whom deserve to be recognized for their leadership as they execute their craft at the highest level every day. This award is incredibly special in my first year with the Kings. It is a reflection of the caliber of men that Monte McNair and Wes Wilcox have assembled and who I have absolutely loved coaching. I also want to recognize our medical staff, who have been an integral ingredient to our success and worked tirelessly to maximize our players’ health throughout the year. Additionally, our coaching staff has been invaluable in supporting our organization and working with my obsession for perfection. Lastly, this recognition is especially meaningful to me because it honors the legacy of Michael Goldberg - a personal friend who worked tirelessly for NBA coaches, always doing so with integrity and class.”

 

“Mike Brown is extremely deserving of this award and the recognition that comes with the Coach of the Year vote by his peers,” said David Fogel, NBCA Executive Director and General Counsel. “Coach Brown’s hard work, commitment and dedication to his craft and the development of his players led the Kings to a franchise-changing season. Mike embodies the same high levels of integrity and excellence that Michael displayed every day of his life. Congratulations to Coach Brown, the Kings Assistant Coaches, and the entire basketball staff on winning the Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award.”

 

In 1980, just four years after the NBCA was founded, Goldberg became its first Executive Director. Building on the existing NBCA foundation, he guided the organization during the years of the greatest growth in professional basketball. He helped gain significant benefits for NBA Coaches, including increased retirement funds and disability insurance. Prior to the NBCA, Goldberg was General Counsel of the American Basketball Association.

 

The prior recipients of the Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award are:

 

  • 2022: Monty Williams
  • 2021: Monty Williams
  • 2020: Mike Budenholzer and Billy Donovan
  • 2019: Mike Budenholzer
  • 2018: Dwane Casey
  • 2017: Mike D’Antoni and Erik Spoelstra

 

The NBA will announce the NBA’s Coach of the Year later during the 2023 NBA Playoffs.

 

About the NBCA: The National Basketball Coaches Association (NBCA) is the labor association that represents basketball coaches in the National Basketball Association (NBA).  Founded in 1976 by legendary Boston Celtics player and coach, Tommy Heinsohn, the NBCA consists of all NBA Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches and alumni, and works closely with the NBA on all matters that pertain to the coaching profession.


NBA 2K LEAGUE PARTNERS WITH META FOR GAMES TO BE STREAMED ON META QUEST

 

– 20 Nights of Live NBA 2K League Games To Be Streamed on Meta Quest VR Headsets in NBA Arena in Meta Horizon Worlds and in XTADIUM –

 

NEW YORK, April 13, 2023 – The NBA 2K League and Meta announced today a multiyear partnership allowing fans to stream 20 nights of live NBA 2K League games in VR environments on Meta platforms beginning tonight and through the 2023 season. Earlier this year, the NBA and Meta announced a multiyear partnership extension for fans through Meta Horizon Worlds via Meta Quest.

 

During the season, 20 nights of live NBA 2K League games will be available on the Meta Quest VR Headsets in NBA Arena in Meta Horizon Worlds and in XTADIUM, a VR sports hub app that offers shared watching experiences in high definition. 

 

“The NBA 2K League takes great pride in always seeking to be an innovative leader in sports,” said NBA 2K League Head of Business Development Lindsay Ullman. “Our partnership with Meta allows our fans, who are highly engaged and passionate about our product, an amazing new way to experience the NBA 2K League using the cutting-edge technology that is the Meta Quest VR Headset through Horizon Worlds and in the XTADIUM app.”

 

The complete NBA 2K League on Meta live schedule is below:

 

NBA 2K LEAGUE ON META SCHEDULE*

 

Date                            Time                           Event                                                                     

Thursday, April 13      6 p.m. ET                    Coinbase NBA2KL 3v3 SWITCH OPEN

Thursday, April 20      6 p.m. ET                    Coinbase NBA2KL 3v3 SWITCH OPEN

Thursday, April 27      6 p.m. ET                    Coinbase NBA2KL 3v3 SWITCH OPEN

            Saturday, May 6          6 p.m. ET                    Coinbase NBA2KL 3v3 STEAL OPEN

            Thursday, May 11       6 p.m. ET                    NBA 2K League 3v3 Playoffs

            Friday, May 12           6 p.m. ET                    NBA 2K League 3v3 Playoffs

            Saturday, May 13        6 p.m. ET                    NBA 2K League 3v3 Finals

            Thursday, May 25       6 p.m. ET                    THE TIPOFF Powered by AT&T

            Thursday, June 1         6 p.m. ET                    THE TIPOFF Powered by AT&T

            Thursday, June 8         6 p.m. ET                    THE TIPOFF Powered by AT&T

            Thursday, June 15       6 p.m. ET                    THE TIPOFF Powered by AT&T    

Thursday, June 22       6 p.m. ET                    THE TURN Powered by AT&T

            Thursday, June 29       6 p.m. ET                    THE TURN Powered by AT&T

            Thursday, July 13       6 p.m. ET                    THE TURN Powered by AT&T

            Thursday, July 20       6 p.m. ET                    THE TURN Powered by AT&T

            Friday, July 28            6 p.m. ET                    THE TICKET Powered by AT&T

            Saturday, July 29        6 p.m. ET                    THE TICKET Powered by AT&T

            Thursday, August 3    6 p.m. ET                    NBA 2K League 5v5 Playoffs   

Friday, August 4         6 p.m. ET                    NBA 2K League 5v5 Playoffs   

            Saturday, August 5     6 p.m. ET                    NBA 2K League 5v5 Finals      

 

*Schedule subject to change

 

About the NBA 2K League
The NBA 2K League, a professional esports league co-founded by the NBA and Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO), launched in 2018 and features 25 teams and the best NBA 2K players in the world. NBA 2K League partners include Anheuser-Busch, AT&T, Champion Athleticwear, Coinbase, Google, Loco, Meta, Mondelēz International, SAP, Snickers, Sony Interactive Entertainment, SPS, Wilson and YouTube. For more information about the NBA 2K League, visit NBA2KLeague.com.


FIBA and streamer Ibai Llanos announce second edition of
FIBA 3x3 Streamers Tournament

APRIL 13, 2023

MIES (Switzerland) / BARCELONA (Spain)-  After the success from last year’s edition, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and celebrity streamer Ibai Llanos will partner again to host the second edition of the FIBA 3x3 Streamers Tournament, which will take place in Barcelona, Spain on April 21, 2023.

Some of the most popular streamers on the planet will lace up their sneakers and step on a 3x3 court to compete in a real competition with FIBA 3x3 rules. The event will be broadcast live by Ibai on his Twitch Channel, which ranks fourth in the world with more than 12.9 million followers. The participants will be announced closer to the event.

During its first edition last year, the event was the number one most watched stream worldwide on Twitch that day. An average of 150,000 fans followed the games live, with a peak at 193,000 users. In total, more than 2 million people watched the event on Ibai’s Twitch channel. And, after the final buzzer, the participating influencers generated more than 20 million views across their social media platforms.

The event also had a significant, positive impact on FIBA3x3’s owned channels, in the form of 10,000 new followers in a few days.

The collaboration with Ibai, who won the Best Streamer of the World Award three times, is the perfect proof of 3x3’s attractiveness and FIBA’s willingness to engage with a young new audience.



###

Exciting, urban and innovative, 3x3 is inspired by several forms of streetball played worldwide and is considered the world’s number one urban team sport. Steered by FIBA, games see two teams of three players face off on a basketball half-court.

It was played successfully for the first time in international competition at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore and since then has benefited from the launch of a yearly city-based FIBA 3x3 World Tour and national-team FIBA 3x3 World & Continental Cups.

On July 24, 2021, 3x3 made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games.

For further information about 3x3, visit fiba3x3.basketball, FIBA 3x3 accounts on FacebookInstagramSina WeiboTencentTikTokTwitterYouku , YouTube and Twitch or contact 3x3@fiba.basketball.

Please be advised of the updated 2023 NBA Play-In Tournament Schedule:

 

 

GAME

AWAY

HOME

ET

TV/R*

Friday, April 14

5

Chicago

Miami

7:00PM

TNT/R

6

Oklahoma City

Minnesota

9:30PM

ESPN/R

 

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Denver vs. West 8th Seed

DAY

DATE

AWAY

HOME

GM

ET

TV / R

Sun

4/16

West 8th

Denver

1

10:30PM

TNT

Wed

4/19

West 8th

Denver

2

10:00PM

TNT

Fri

4/21

Denver

West 8th

3

9:30PM

ESPN

Sun

4/23

Denver

West 8th

4

9:30PM

TNT

Tue

4/25

West 8th

Denver

5*

TBD

TBD

Thu

4/27

Denver

West 8th

6*

TBD

TBD

Sat

4/29

West 8th

Denver

7*

TBD

TNT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#2 Memphis vs. #7 L.A. Lakers

DAY

DATE

AWAY

HOME

GM

ET

TV / R

Sun

4/16

L.A. Lakers

Memphis

1

3:00PM

ABC/R

Wed

4/19

L.A. Lakers

Memphis

2

7:30PM

TNT/R

Sat

4/22

Memphis

L.A. Lakers

3

10:00PM

ESPN

Mon

4/24

Memphis

L.A. Lakers

4

TBD

TBD

Wed

4/26

L.A. Lakers

Memphis

5*

TBD

TBD

Fri

4/28

Memphis

L.A. Lakers

6*

TBD

TBD

Sun

4/30

L.A. Lakers

Memphis

7*

TBD

TBD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#3 Sacramento vs. #6 Golden State

DAY

DATE

AWAY

HOME

GM

ET

TV / R

Sat

4/15

Golden State

Sacramento

1

8:30PM

ABC

Mon

4/17

Golden State

Sacramento

2

10:00PM

TNT

Thu

4/20

Sacramento

Golden State

3

10:00PM

TNT

Sun

4/23

Sacramento

Golden State

4

3:30PM

ABC/R

Wed

4/26

Golden State

Sacramento

5*

TBD

TBD

Fri

4/28

Sacramento

Golden State

6*

TBD

TBD

Sun

4/30

Golden State

Sacramento

7*

TBD

TBD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#4 Phoenix vs. #5 LA Clippers

DAY

DATE

AWAY

HOME

GM

ET

TV / R

Sun

4/16

LA Clippers

Phoenix

1

8:00PM

TNT

Tue

4/18

LA Clippers

Phoenix

2

10:00PM

TNT

Thu

4/20

Phoenix

LA Clippers

3

10:30PM

NBATV

Sat

4/22

Phoenix

LA Clippers

4

3:30PM

TNT

Tue

4/25

LA Clippers

Phoenix

5*

TBD

TBD

Thu

4/27

Phoenix

LA Clippers

6*

TBD

TBD

Sat

4/29

LA Clippers

Phoenix

7*

TBD

TNT

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Milwaukee vs. East 8th Seed

DAY

DATE

AWAY

HOME

GM

ET

TV / R

Sun

4/16

East 8th

Milwaukee

1

5:30PM

TNT

Wed

4/19

East 8th

Milwaukee

2

9:00PM

NBATV

Sat

4/22

Milwaukee

East 8th

3

7:30PM

ESPN/R

Mon

4/24

Milwaukee

East 8th

4

TBD

TBD

Wed

4/26



 

“CHASING HISTORY” TO PREMIERE ON NBA APP AHEAD OF NBA PLAYOFFS

 

– Original NBA Entertainment Series to Provide Behind-the-Scenes Access to Title Race –

 

– First Episode to Debut on Saturday, April 15; Show to Stream Throughout NBA Postseason –

 

NEW YORK, April 12, 2023 – The NBA today announced the debut of “Chasing History,” an original NBA Entertainment multi-part series, which will stream on the NBA App beginning Saturday, April 15.  From the AT&T NBA Play-In Tournament through the NBA Finals presented by YouTube TV when a champion is crowned, the series will provide fans behind-the-scenes access to teams and players as they compete for a title and chase milestones.  The docuseries will combine exclusive access with cinematic storytelling and explore key storylines that develop throughout the playoffs.

 

“Chasing History” will tip off on April 15 with a glimpse at the race for the seventh and eighth playoff seeds, followed by an in-depth look at the Sacramento Kings’ long-awaited return to the playoffs and the new-look Phoenix Suns starting their postseason journey.

The series will culminate in the NBA Finals with one episode per game, replicating the cadence and style of the NBA’s traditional “minimovies.”

 

Additional details regarding future episodes will be available as the playoffs unfold.

 

“Chasing History” joins a growing list of original programming featured on the NBA App, including “NBA Rewind with Ahmad Rashad,” “Pass the Rock,” “Throw It Down with Bill Walton,” “Gold Blooded” and more.

 

As previously announced, the new and improved NBA App is the all-in-one destination for NBA fans of every team.  With entirely new personalization features, the NBA App provides wall-to-wall content from every NBA game and features social-style vertical video, unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to players and teams, new and existing shows and series, and access to the NBA vault for free.  The NBA App – a product of NBA Digital, the league’s joint venture with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports – is free to download here.


LEBRON JAMES AND THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS LEAD NBA’S MOST POPULAR JERSEY AND TEAM MERCHANDISE LISTS FOR SECOND HALF OF REGULAR SEASON

 

NEW YORK, April 12, 2023 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Basketball Players Association today jointly announced that LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers secured the top spots on the NBA’s Most Popular Jersey and Team Merchandise lists.  Results are based on NBAStore.com sales for the second half of the 2022-23 regular season.

 

The 2023 AT&T NBA Play-In Tournament continues tonight as the Toronto Raptors host the Chicago Bulls (7 p.m. ET, ESPN) before the Oklahoma City Thunder visit the New Orleans Pelicans (9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).

 

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NBA DELIVERS RECORD-BREAKING SEASON ACROSS SOCIAL AND DIGITAL PLATFORMS

 

– @NBA Generated More Than 13 Billion Video Views on Instagram, Higher Than Any Other Account on the Platform –

 

– Most Viewed Season Ever on Social Media with 32 Billion NBA Video Views Across All Social Media Platforms –

 

– NBA’s YouTube Channel Becomes First Professional Sports League Account to Surpass 12 Billion Lifetime Video Views and 20 Million Subscribers –

 

– New NBA App Generates More Than One Billion Video Views, More Than Tripling Last Year’s Total –

 

NEW YORK, April 11, 2023 – Driven by its multi-platform digital strategy, the NBA finished the 2022-23 regular season with record-breaking engagement across the NBA App, NBA League Pass and NBA social media accounts.  Notably, @NBA on Instagram generated more than 13 billion video views this season, the most of any account on the platform.  The league also amassed a record 32 billion video views across all NBA and NBA-related social media accounts, up more than 10% year-over-year, spurred by growth among young and international followers.

 

Additional consumption highlights from NBA social media, the NBA App and NBA League Pass include:

 

NBA Social Media

@NBA generated a record 18 billion views across social media platforms this season, the most among all sports leagues.  The growth was led by the addition of 14 million new followers, largely from outside the U.S.  International followers make up more than 70% of the NBA’s social media following, with 50 percent of the total audience comprised of people age 25 or younger.  NBA social media milestones this season include:

 

  • YouTube: The NBA’s YouTube channel became the first professional sports league account to surpass 20 million subscribers and 12 billion lifetime video views on the platform.  Every 90 days, the NBA reached more than 75 million unique viewers on YouTube who, on average, watched more than 35 minutes of content on the channel.

 

  • Instagram: With 78 million Instagram followers, the NBA is the 8th most-followed brand on the platform.

 

  • Five of the 10 most-viewed players on NBA social this season are age 26 or younger.  The top 10 also includes five international players:

 

  1. LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers; U.S.): 1.3 billion
  2. Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors; U.S.): 881 million
  3. Luka Dončić (Dallas Mavericks; Slovenia): 736 million
  4. Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies; U.S.): 653 million
  5. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks; Greece; ties to Nigeria): 522 million
  6. Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics; U.S.): 496 million
  7. Kyrie Irving (Dallas Mavericks; Australia): 374 million
  8. Victor Wembanyama (2023 Draft Prospect; France): 350 million
  9. Jordan Poole (Golden State Warriors; U.S.): 293 million
  10. Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets; Serbia): 253 million

 

  • With a global fanbase that includes top celebrities from around the world, the NBA’s  announcement naming South Korean rapper, songwriter, producer and BTS star SUGA an NBA Ambassador generated the second-most liked NBA Instagram post (4.6 million likes) and second-most retweeted NBA tweet (118K retweets) of all time.

 

NBA Digital Platforms

The reimagined NBA App, which launched in September 2022, generated more than one billion video views this season, more than triple last year’s total.  The growth was driven by the integration of social media-inspired vertical video content, attracting a younger audience that drove consumption of new series and programming, including “Pass the Rock” – an original series featuring the league’s rising stars – and live streams of Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 games starring 2023 NBA Draft prospect Victor Wembanyama.  The NBA App – a product of NBA Digital, the league’s joint venture with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports – is free to download.

 

NBA ID, the league’s new global membership program offering fans benefits and rewards, drove a 40% increase in NBA App downloads.  With the launch of new alternative game telecasts such as “Throw it Down with Bill Walton,” and original live programming such as NBA CrunchTime, NBA League Pass saw a 50% growth in subscribers and a 48% increase in viewership this season.

 

The AT&T Play-In Tournament tips off tonight with a doubleheader on TNT as No. 7 Miami Heat hosts No. 8 Atlanta Hawks (7:30 p.m. ET), followed by No. 8 Minnesota Timberwolves visiting No. 7 Los Angeles Lakers (10 p.m. ET).  The 2023 NBA Playoffs presented by Google Pixel begin Saturday, April 15.


NBA ANNOUNCES 36 OFFICIALS SELECTED FOR 2023 NBA PLAYOFFS PRESENTED BY GOOGLE PIXEL

– Playoff Roster Features 28 Officials with 10 or More Years of NBA Experience –

 

NEW YORK, April 11, 2023 – The NBA today announced the list of 36 officials who have earned spots to work the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs presented by Google Pixel. The same group also comprises the officiating staff available for the AT&T NBA Play-In Tournament.

 

Qualifying for the postseason is the goal of NBA coaches and players, and the same is true for our NBA officials,” said Byron Spruell, NBA President, League Operations. “Congratulations to this group of 36 officials on their on-court achievements and selection to work the 2023 NBA Playoffs.”

 

Below is the list of officials for the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs presented by Google Pixel:

Ray Acosta, Brent Barnaky, Curtis Blair, Tony Brothers, Nick Buchert, Sean Corbin, Kevin Cutler, Eric Dalen, Marc Davis, JB DeRosa, Mitchell Ervin, Tyler Ford, Brian Forte, Scott Foster, Pat Fraher, Jacyn Goble, John Goble, David Guthrie, Bill Kennedy, Courtney Kirkland, Karl Lane, Eric Lewis, Mark Lindsay, Tre Maddox, Ed Malloy, Rodney Mott, Gediminas Petraitis, Kevin Scott, Aaron Smith, Michael Smith, Ben Taylor, Josh Tiven, Justin Van Duyne, James Williams, Sean Wright and Zach Zarba.

 

Ray Acosta and Aaron Smith are making their debut as members of the playoff staff.

 

The following officials are alternates for the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs presented by Google Pixel:

Lauren Holtkamp, Ashley Moyer-Gleich, Natalie Sago, Dedric Taylor and Scott Twardoski.

 

The officials who comprise the 2023 playoff roster average 16 years of NBA experience, with 28 having 10 or more years of experience. Twenty-two officials have five or more years of playoff experience.

 

Referees assigned to first-round games include 16 with 50 or more playoff games worked and seven with 100 or more playoff games officiated: Scott Foster (226), Tony Brothers (174), Marc Davis (174), Zach Zarba (133), Ed Malloy (128), Bill Kennedy (127) and John Goble (113). 

 

Playoff officials are selected by the NBA Referee Operations management team based on three specific criteria assessed throughout the season: NBA Referee Operations graded rankings, play-calling accuracy and team rankings. Officials will be evaluated after each round of the playoffs to determine who will advance in the 2023 postseason.

 

The AT&T NBA Play-In Tournament begins tonight with a TNT doubleheader, featuring Atlanta at Miami and Minnesota at the Los Angeles Lakers. The first round of the NBA Playoffs presented by Google Pixel tips off Saturday, April 15. Individual game assignments for referees are posted at NBA.com/official at approximately 9 a.m. ET each game day.


NBA SETS ALL-TIME RECORDS FOR ATTENDANCE AND SELLOUTS DURING 2022-23 REGULAR SEASON

 

– More Than 22 Million Fans Attend Games 

 

– Average Attendance Exceeds 18,000 for First Time –

 

NEW YORK, April 10, 2023 – The NBA set records for total attendance, average attendance, percentage of capacity and sellouts in the 2022-23 regular season.  A record 791 sellouts shattered the previous mark of 760 set during the 2018-19 season, and arenas were filled to an all-time-high 97 percent capacity.

 

The league’s total attendance mark of 22,234,502 broke the previous record of 22,124,559 set in the 2017-18 season.  This season marks only the second time in NBA history that total attendance exceeded 22 million.  For the first time, teams averaged more than 18,000 fans (18,077).

              

Highest NBA Regular-Season Total Attendance

  1. 2022-23                 22,234,502
  2. 2017-18                 22,124,559
  3. 2016-17                 21,997,412
  4. 2015-16                 21,972,129
  5. 2018-19                 21,964,447

 

                        Highest NBA Regular-Season Average Attendance

  1. 2022-23                 18,077
  2. 2017-18                 17,987
  3. 2016-17                 17,884
  4. 2015-16                 17,864
  5. 2018-19                 17,857

 

The 2023 NBA postseason tips off with the AT&T NBA Play-In Tournament from Tuesday, April 11 through Friday, April 14.  The NBA Playoffs presented by Google Pixel begin on Saturday, April 15 and culminate with the NBA Finals presented by YouTube TV in June.

 

Grises de Humacao a un juego de la serie final de la Liga de Baloncesto Puertorriqueña

(Humacao P.R.) –El pasado jueves, los Grises de Humacao derrotaron a los Capitalinos de San Juan, con marcador de 73-69, en juego celebrado en el legendario e histórico Coliseo Emilio E. Huyke, ante una numerosa y ruidosa fanaticada local. Con la victoria Humacao empata la Serie del “Final 4” (1-1), forzando un tercer partido decisivo el sábado 8 de abril, desde las 8:00 de la noche, en el Coliseo Roberto Clemente, en San Juan, por el pase a la final de Puerto Rico de la Liga de Baloncesto Puertorriqueña (LBP).

El apoderado de Humacao, Orlando J. López informó que, por los Grises, el Capitán Samuel I. Delgado lució en grande y lideró la ofensiva, con 17 puntos. Video: https://www.facebook.com/griseslbp/videos/740683210869156/. El armador Jean Vázquez con 13, Geovan Delgado y Axel Ortiz añadieron 9 y Josué Delgado sumó 8.

🏀‼️𝐋𝐨𝐬 𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐬 𝐚 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐬 𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐬 𝐝𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐨 𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐲𝐨 𝐚 𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬!!”, exhortó a los fanáticos el apoderado del equipo Gris.

Partido Capitalinos de San Juan vs Grises de Humacao - Game 2 - Final 4 - 6/4/23 - LBP 22/23: https://www.youtube.com/live/3cvPNNJ8V0c?feature=share

Para más información pueden comunicarse al (787) 949-4704, en Facebook e Instagram: Grises de Humacao LBP o al correo electrónico grisesdehumacaolbp@gmail.com.

DALLAS MAVERICKS’ GAME PROTEST DENIED

 

NEW YORK, April 6, 2023 – The NBA today denied the Dallas Mavericks’ protest of their 127-125 loss to the Golden State Warriors on March 22, 2023. 

 

The Mavericks’ protest asserted that, with approximately two minutes remaining in the third quarter, the officials did not properly administer an out-of-bounds call and a subsequent throw-in that was followed by an uncontested basket by Golden State.  But the incident occurred with nearly 14 minutes remaining in the game, and Dallas thereafter took the lead twice in the final four minutes.  Under these circumstances, Dallas was not able to show -- as required under the standard for NBA game protests -- that it was deprived of a fair opportunity to win the game, and the protest failed on that basis alone. 

 

Following the game, Dallas Governor Mark Cuban posted on Twitter that the officials had originally awarded possession to Dallas on the play and then during the timeout changed the call.  Those public statements were inaccurate, and in its written submission in support of its protest, Dallas agreed that the referee signaled possession to Golden State.

 

The NBA concluded that although the game officials could have taken steps to better manage this particular situation, that did not provide a basis for the extraordinary remedy of upholding a game protest.


Mongolia and Australia win
FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2023

APRIL 2, 2023

SINGAPORE - Mongolia (men's) and Australia (women's) won the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2023, which took place at the famous Singapore Sports Hub OCBC Square on March 29-April 2. 

Mongolia broke three-time defending champions Australia's 24-game win streak to claim a memorable 21-18 victory in an epic final. 

Mongolia held the edge but Australia stormed back to level at 18 apiece before superstar Anand Ariunbold hit a two-pointer for the ages, then nailed the free-throw to secure the triumph. 

It was Mongolia's second triumph after winning at home in 2017 and avenged losses to Australia in finals in 2018 and 2019. 

Delgernyam Davaasambuu was named MVP after scoring an equal-high 31 points and was joined in the Team of the Tournament by Australia's Daniel Johnson and New Zealand's Tai Wynyard, who finished with 30 points and 29 rebounds in five games. 

New Zealand overcame a heart-breaking semi-final defeat to Mongolia to win the bronze medal over China with a convincing 21-13 win. 

In the women's, all-conquering Australia were unstoppable as they capped one of the most dominant runs seen at the event with a comprehensive 21-11 victory over rival New Zealand. 

It was the closest any team got to Australia, whose most impressive performance was a 21-6 thrashing against China in a re-match of last year's final. 

Marena Whittle won the MVP after pouring in a leading 43 points from five games and she was joined in the Team of the Tournament by teammate Anneli Maley and New Zealand's Sharne Pupuke-Robati

Defending champions China settled for bronze after narrowly beating  Thailand, who had knocked out No.2 seed Japan in the quarter-finals. 

Singapore hosted Asia's biggest 3x3 event for the second straight year.

The winners of the 2023 edition also earned a ticket to one of the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments for Paris 2024.

###

Exciting, urban and innovative, 3x3 is inspired by several forms of streetball played worldwide and is considered the world’s number one urban team sport. Steered by FIBA, games see two teams of three players face off on a basketball half-court.

It was played successfully for the first time in international competition at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore and since then has benefited from the launch of a yearly professional circuit for men and women (World Tour and Women’s Series respectively) and national-team competitions.

3x3 made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

FIBA 3x3 events are played on Enlio floors with Wilson balls, Schelde backstops, Bodet shot-clocks and the Magic Sky canopy system.

For further information about 3x3, visit fiba3x3.basketball, FIBA 3x3 accounts on DouyinFacebook, InstagramSina WeiboTencentTikTokTwitchTwitterYouku and YouTube or contact 3x3@fiba.basketball.


NAISMITH BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME REVEALS WINNERS OF

MEN AND WOMEN’S NAISMITH STARTING FIVE AWARDS

ON ESPN’S COLLEGE GAMEDAY

– Aliyah Boston Becomes First Ever Four-Time Award Winner 

 

Houston (April 1, 2023) – Today on ESPN’s College GameDay coverage of the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Four in Texas, the Basketball Hall of Fame revealed this year’s positional award winners which recognizes the preeminent college basketball player at each position, also known as the Naismith Starting Five. The winners were determined by a combination of input from committees composed of top basketball personnel and Starting Five Fan Voting, presented by Dell Technologies.

 

The Hall of Fame selection committees that included media members, coaches, sports information directors and Hall of Famers determined the preseason watch list of 20 candidates in October, which was narrowed to 10 candidates in February and five candidates in mid-March before determining the winner.  All season long players were able to play their way into award consideration.

 

"The Basketball Hall of Fame is honored to celebrate the best men and women in the game across all levels," said John L. Doleva, President of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. "The student-athletes honored with our Starting Five Awards embody the Hall of Famers who the awards are named for, both in their skills on the court and the character they exhibit. We are proud to recognize this deserving class of individuals and have no doubt that they will continue to excel wherever they go. Today, we celebrate their achievements and recognize them as the Men's and Women's 2023 Naismith Starting Five.”

 

2023 Men’s Naismith Starting Five:

 

Markquis Nowell (Kansas State) – Bob Cousy (Point Guard) Award

Marcus Sasser (Houston) – Jerry West (Shooting Guard) Award

Jalen Wilson (Kansas) – Julius Erving (Small Forward) Award

Trayce Jackson-Davis (Indiana) – Karl Malone (Power Forward) Award

Zach Edey (Purdue) – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Center) Award

 

2023 Women’s Naismith Starting Five:

 

Caitlin Clark (Iowa) – Nancy Lieberman (Point Guard) Award (Two-time winner)

Zia Cooke (South Carolina) – Anne Meyers Drysdale (Shooting Guard) Award

Ashley Joens (Iowa State) – Cheryl Miller (Small Forward) Award (Three-time winner)

Maddy Siegrist (Villanova) – Katrina McClain (Power Forward) Award

Aliyah Boston (South Carolina) – Lisa Leslie (Center) Award (Four-time winner)

 

Quotes from Men’s Naismith Starting Five Award Winners


“I’m honored to receive the Bob Cousy Award as the nation’s top point guard. To be mentioned among the best players in the country at my position is truly a blessing. I want to give all the honor and glory to God for giving me the platform to showcase my talents and gifts this season.  I’m not here without his grace.  I can’t thank my teammates and coaches enough for all their hard work and sacrifice.  It all started with Ish (Massoud) and I, and Coach (Jerome) Tang and his staff were able to build a team around us and we became like brothers. We had a great year that I will always remember. I also want to thank my family for their sacrifice in helping me become the player and man I am today. Finally, a special shout out to K-State Nation for all their love and support during my career”. – Markquis Nowell, Bob Cousy Award Winner (#CousyAward)

 

"I am honored to receive the 2023 Jerry West Award. Through dedication, sacrifice and hard work, anything is possible. I will always be grateful for my time in Houston with my teammates, my coaches, and Coach Sampson. I couldn't have done it without them." – Marcus Sasser, Jerry West Award Winner (#WestAward)

 

“I am very honored to receive this award. Julius Erving is one of the greatest players of all time. I want to congratulate the other finalists on having great seasons. I want to thank Coach Self and the other coaches helping me become the player I am today. More importantly, I want to thank my teammates, my brothers, who pushed me every day. Though we did not achieve our ultimate goal, we did have a great season, winning the Big 12 in the toughest conference in the nation. Playing at Kansas is a blessing and winning this award represents KU as much as me.” – Jalen Wilson, Julius Erving Award Winner (#ErvingAward)

 

“I could not be more excited to receive this year’s Karl Malone Award.  This is something I share with our coaches and staff, my teammates, family, and all of Hoosier Nation. Thank you to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for this honor.” – Trayce Jackson-Davis, Karl Malone Award Winner (#MaloneAward)

 

“I would like to thank the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for this prestigious award. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the greatest center of all time, so to have my name associated with his is an incredible honor. Some of the best centers in college basketball history have won this award, and I am so humbled to join them”. – Zach Edey, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Winner (#KareemAward)

 

Quotes from Women’s Naismith Starting Five Award Winners


“It’s a huge honor to win the Nancy Lieberman award. I’m so thankful I chose to come the University of Iowa because of the exciting style of basketball that Lisa Bluder instills in us. My teammates deserve a lot of credit too!” – Caitlin Clark, Nancy Lieberman Award Winner (#LiebermanAward)

 

“I am so thankful to win the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award this season. I’ve been fighting for so long to get to this place with my game, trusting the process of becoming a more complete, consistent player. I have to thank my coaches for helping me understand that everyone’s journey is different, and that if I just I embraced my path and found beauty in my struggle, I could find success with my team and for myself. That’s what this award represents for me, and I hope it can be that for other players who may be in the heart of their struggle, too.” – Zia Cooke, Ann Meyers Drysdale Award Winner (#MeyersAward)

 

“Winning this award once is an honor, but to be able to win it three times now has been a blessing. Having my name associated with Cheryl Miller as the best small forward in the country is the biggest honor I could receive. Cheryl Miller is an amazing person and phenomenal player, and I am privileged to have my name beside hers.” – Ashley Joens, Cheryl Miller Award Winner (#MillerAward)

 

“The contributions that Katrina McClain made to women’s basketball along with her amazing career accomplishments make winning this award so special. It is a great honor even to be nominated for the award that bears her name. Each of the other finalists this year had outstanding seasons and I am incredibly humbled to have been chosen as the winner. This award means a great deal to me, and I will continue trying to live up to its name.” – Maddy Siegrist, Katrina McClain Award (#McClain)

 

“It was a blessing to win this award my freshman year, and I remember Lisa Leslie telling me not to let it be a reason to stop building my game. I’m so glad that, with God’s help, I never let her down on that and have been able to continue playing at a high level. I’m thankful to my coaches and teammates, who have helped put me in this position as well.” – Aliyah Boston, Lisa Leslie Award Winner (#LeslieAward)

 

For more information, visit HoophallAwards.com or follow @hoophallU on Instagram and Twitter.

About the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame:

Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was born, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving, and celebrating the game of basketball at every level – men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches and contributors, both domestically and internationally. The Hall of Fame museum is home to more than 400 inductees and over 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Nearly 200,000 people visit the Hall of Fame museum each year to learn about the game, experience the interactive exhibits and test their skills on the Jerry Colangelo "Court of Dreams." Best known for its annual marquee Enshrinement Ceremony honoring the game’s elite, the Hall of Fame also operates over 70 high school and collegiate competitions annually throughout the country and abroad. For more information on the Basketball Hall of Fame organization, its museum and events, visit hoophall.com, follow @hoophall or call 1-877-4HOOPLA.


MILWAUKEE’S THANASIS ANTETOKOUNMPO SUSPENDED

 

NEW YORK, April 1, 2023 – Milwaukee Bucks forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo has been suspended one game without pay for headbutting Boston Celtics forward Blake Griffin during a stoppage in play, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.

 

The incident, for which Antetokounmpo was assessed a Flagrant Foul 2 and ejected, occurred with 1:25 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Bucks’ 140-99 loss to the Celtics on March 30 at Fiserv Forum. 

 

Antetokounmpo will serve his suspension April 2 when the Bucks host the Philadelphia 76ers at Fiserv Forum.

 

To view the incident, click on the following link: https://www.nba.com/watch/video/celtics-vs-bucks-3-30-2023


NAISMITH BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES 

12 INDUCTEES FOR THE CLASS OF 2023 


- Ticket Packages for Enshrinement Festivities Available Now on Hoophall.com -

 

HOUSTON (April 1, 2023) – The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced the 12 inductees in the Class of 2023 to be celebrated during this year’s Enshrinement festivities on August 11-12. The Class Announcement was made in Houston, the site of the 2023 NCAA Men’s Final Four, and was televised live on ESPN.

 

This year’s North American Committee inductees (in alphabetical order):

Gene Bess - All-time winningest college coach (1,300), 2-time NJCAA Coach of the Year

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 – 6-time NCAA Coach of the Year, 17 NCAA Tournament appearances

Dirk Nowitzki - 14-time All-Star, 2006-07 MVP, 2011 NBA Champion

Tony Parker - 6-time All-Star, 4-time NBA champion, 2007 Finals MVP

Gregg Popovich - Winningest coach in NBA history, 3-time NBA Coach of the Year, 5-time NBA champion

Dwyane Wade - 13-time All-Star, 3-time NBA champion, 2006 Finals MVP

 

This year’s Women’s Committee inductees (in alphabetical order):

Gary Blair - 852 wins, 2011 National Champion, 2-time Final Four participant

Becky Hammon - 6-time WNBA All-Star, 2-time First-Team All-WNBA recipient

 

This year’s Direct Elect Committee inductees (in alphabetical order):

1976 Women’s Olympic Basketball Team (Women’s Veterans) – Silver medalists in inaugural appearance for Women’s Olympic Basketball

Jim Valvano (Contributor) – 1983 NCAA Champion, created The V Foundation for Cancer Research

 

“The Naismith Hall of Fame Class of 2023 is remarkable and truly embodies the breadth and impact of the global game today,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “This Class represents the game at every level and showcases the incredible efforts of individuals who are not only household names in the game, but also those who teach, coach and counsel to men and women at the most organic levels of basketball. The ultimate achievement of a storied career is Enshrinement in the Naismith Hall, and this Class punctuates and defines what it means to be a Hall of Famer.”

 

The Class of 2023 will be enshrined during festivities in Springfield, the Birthplace of Basketball, as well as the Mohegan Sun on August 11-12. VIP packages and single-event tickets to the 2023 Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend are now available at hoophall.com/events/enshrinement-2023.

 

For the latest news and updates, follow @hoophall on Twitter and Instagram. 

 

 

 

 

 

THE NAISMITH BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2023

 

North American Committee Inductees:

GENE BESS [Coach] – Bess coached at Three Rivers Community College in Popular Bluff, Mo., for 50 years, from 1971-2020. During his time at the helm of the Raiders’ program, Bess, who was named NJCAA National Coach of the Year twice, amassed 1,300 wins and is the all-time winningest college basketball coach across all levels. Bess coached his teams to 17 NJCAA Tournament appearances, including four finals (1979, ‘92, ‘94, 2010) and two championships (1979, ‘92). Before Three Rivers, Bess coached high school basketball for 12 years (1957-69), going 237-95. Bess has been inducted into the Poplar Bluff Sports Hall of Fame (1983), Missouri Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame (1988), NJCAA Fall of Fame (1989) and Missouri Sports Hall of Fame (2006).

 

PAU GASOL [Player] – The 2002 NBA Rookie of the Year, the first non-American to win the award, garnered six All-Star selections (2006, ’09-11, ’15-16) and four All-NBA team accolades during his 18-year NBA career. Gasol won back-to-back NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009-10 and was the fourth player in league history with 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, 3,500 assists and 1,500 blocks. The Barcelona, Spain, native boasted an equally distinguished international career, winning three Olympic medals (silver in 2008, ’12 and bronze in 2016) and, in 2017, became EuroBasket’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing fellow finalist Tony Parker. Gasol also led the Spanish national team to a FIBA World Championship title in 2006, where he was named the competition’s Most Valuable Player, and a EuroBasket tournament crown in 2009 and ’11. He was the highest-scoring player in in the 2004 Olympics and was Spain’s flag bearer at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Games. Gasol had his No. 16 retired by the Lakers on March 7.

 

DAVID HIXON [Coach] – Before retiring in 2020, Hixon was at the helm of the Amherst College basketball program for 42 years (1977-2020). During his career, Hixon amassed 826 wins and became the third coach in men’s college basketball history to surpass the 800-win mark in 2018. He was awarded National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Division III Coach of the Year twice (2007, ‘13). Hixon coached his teams to 20 NCAA Division III national tournaments, including seven Final Four appearances (2004, ‘06-08, ‘13-14, ‘16) and two championships (2007, ‘13). Under Hixon’s leadership, the Mammoths played in 18 New England Small College Athletic Conference championships (2001-19) and won eight titles (2001-02, ‘05-06, ‘12-14, ‘19).

 

GENE KEADY [Coach] – Keady spent 27 seasons as the head coach of the Western Kentucky University (1978-80) and Purdue University (1980-2005) men’s basketball programs. Keady, one of the most respected coaches in college basketball history, garnered 550 career NCAA wins and was named National Coach of the Year six times (1984, ‘88, ‘94-96, 2000). He is the winningest coach in Purdue’s history (512), won six Big Ten titles (1984, ‘87-88, ‘95-96) and a record seven Big Ten Coach of the Year awards (1984, ‘88, ‘90, ‘94-96, 2000). Under Keady’s leadership, Purdue made 17 NCAA Tournament appearances in 24 years. He was also inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013 by the National Association of Basketball Coaches, where he served as president from 2000-01. Among the notable coaches that served under Keady’s direction were Bruce Weber, Kevin Stallings, Steve Lavin, Cuonzo Martin and Matt Painter, current Boilermaker head coach. Keady was a Hall of Fame finalist in 2004 and ‘06.

 

DIRK NOWITZKI [Player] – Nowitzki is a 14-time NBA All-Star (2002-12, ’14-15, ’19) and won the league’s Most Valuable Player Award during the 2006-07 campaign, the first European-born player to take home the honor. Nowitzki, who ranks sixth all-time in NBA scoring, led the Dallas Mavericks to their first-ever NBA championship in 2011 and was named Finals MVP. The Würzburg, West Germany native, played his entire 21-year career with Dallas, a record for most seasons with a single team, and was named to the All-NBA Team on 12 occasions and received first-team accolades four times (2005-07, ’09). He is the Mavericks’ all-time statistical leader in nearly all categories, including points, rebounds, blocks, field goals, three-point field goals and free throws. Nowitzki retired in 2019 as the highest-scoring foreign-born player in NBA history, and is the only player with at least 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, 3,000 assists, 1,200 steals, 1,200 blocks and 1,500 three-point field goals. Prior to joining the NBA, Nowitzki played 5 seasons with DJK Würzburg, and helped the German National Team to a bronze medal in the 2002 FIBA World Championships. He was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021, and the following year, became the first German men’s basketball player to have his number (14) retired.

 

TONY PARKER [Player] – Parker is a four-time NBA champion (2003, ’05, ’07, ’14), six-time NBA All-Star (2006-07, ’09, ’12-14) and was the Most Valuable Player in the 2007 NBA Finals. He was named to an All-NBA team four times, including three consecutive second-team honors (2012-14). Parker, who was recognized on the 2002 NBA All-Rookie First Team, ranks sixth on the NBA’s all-time playoff list in assists and 10th in scoring. He played 17 of his 18 NBA seasons with the San Antonio Spurs and is the franchise leader in assists. Born in Belgium and raised in France, Parker was a fixture on the French national team and was MVP of EuroBasket 2013. In 2015, he became the all-time leading scorer in EuroBasket competition, a record that fellow finalist Paul Gasol broke two years later. Parker was inducted into the Legion of Honor in 2007, the highest French order or merit, and his No. 9 was retired by the San Antonio Spurs in 2019. Parker is the majority owner and president of ASVEL Basket, a French professional basketball team.

 

GREGG POPOVICH [Coach] – Popovich has been the head coach for the San Antonio Spurs for 27 seasons (1996-present) and became the winningest coach in NBA history in March 2022. He is one of five coaches in NBA history with at least five or more championships (1999, 2003, ‘05, ‘07, ‘14). Over the course of his career, Popovich has led the Spurs to 284 playoff victories and six NBA Finals appearances (1999, 2003, ‘05, ‘07, ‘13-14). During his tenure with the Spurs, Popovich coached Hall of Famers David Robinson, Tim Duncan, and Manu Ginobili, along with Class of 2023 finalist Tony Parker. Popovich has won NBA Coach of the Year three times (2003, ‘12, ‘14), and his 67 wins in 2016 are tied for the seventh most all-time in a single season. In addition to his NBA coaching career, “Pop” has served as head or assistant coach for six USA Basketball national teams, including winning a gold medal in the 2020 Olympics.

 

DWYANE WADE [Player] – Wade is a 13-time NBA All-Star (2005-16, ’19), eight-time All-NBA team member, including a pair of first-team accolades (2009-10), and the 2006 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player. Over the course of his 16-year NBA career, he also won three NBA championships (2006, ’12-13), earned NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors on three occasions (2005, ’09-10), led the league in scoring with 30.2 points per game in 2009, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2004. He is the Miami Heat’s all-time leader in numerous categories, including points, assists, steals, field goals and games played. On the international stage, Wade earned 2 Olympic medals, highlighted by taking home the gold in the 2008 Games in Beijing as the leading scorer on the “Redeem Team.” The Chicago native played collegiately at Marquette University and led the Golden Eagles to a Final Four berth in 2003, highlighted a triple-double (29 pts./11 reb./11 asst.) during the Midwest Regional final against top-seeded Kentucky. Wade, who was recognized as a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021, had his No. 3 retired by Marquette (2007) and the Heat (2020).

 

Women’s Committee Inductees:

GARY BLAIR [Coach] – Winner of the 2011 NCAA National Championship with Texas A&M University, Blair went 852-348 (.710) in 37 seasons as head coach at Stephen F. Austin University (1985-93), the University of Arkansas (1993-03) and Texas A&M (2003-22). His 852 victories ranked 12th all-time at the time of his retirement. Blair’s teams earned 23 NCAA Tournament appearances, including a pair of Final Fours (1998 with Arkansas and 2011 with Texas A&M), becoming the third Division I women’s basketball coach to lead two different teams to the Final Four. The veteran Marine, who posted only two losing seasons, was a two-time Women’s Basketball New Service Coach of the Year winner and was a finalist for the Naismith Coach of the Year honors twice (2003, ’07). Blair has been inducted into numerous halls of fame, including the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjack Hall of Fame (2008), Texas Sports Hall of Fame (2012), Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (2013) and the Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame (2022).

 

BECKY HAMMON [Player] – Hammon is a six-time WNBA All-Star (2003, ’05-07, ’09, ’11) and earned First-Team All-WNBA honors twice (2007, ’09). She averaged 13.9 points and 3.8 assists per game over 16 seasons in the WNBA with the New York Liberty (1996-2006) and San Antonio Stars (2007-14) and was named to the league’s 15th (2011), 20th (2016) and 25th (2021) Anniversary Teams. The South Dakota native averaged a WNBA career-high 19.5 points in 2009, and on August 31, 2011, became the seventh player in WNBA history to score 5,000 points. During her collegiate career at Colorado State University, Hammon earned All-American honors three times and led the Rams to a Sweet 16 berth in 1999. From 2014-21, Hammon served as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs, the first full-time female coach in any of the four major professional sports. Following her time with the Spurs, Hammon was named the Las Vegas Aces head coach on Dec. 31, 2021, and in her first season at the helm, led the Aces to a 26-10 record and the 2022 WNBA Finals Championship – the first rookie head coach to capture a WBNA title. Her No. 25 was retired by Colorado State in 2005 and the San Antonio/Las Vegas franchise in 2016. Hammon has been inducted into the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame, Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame, and Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (2022).

 

Direct Elect Committee Inductees:

1976 US WOMEN’S OLYMPIC TEAM [Women’s Veteran] – The 1976 US Women’s Olympic Team won the silver medal in the first-ever Summer Games that featured women’s basketball. The inaugural US Women’s Olympic Team, composed of talented college players, set the standard for future generations of American women’s basketball players, and inspired countless young girls to pursue their dreams on the court. Led by Hall of Famer Billie Moore (Class of 1999), assisted by Sue Gunter (2005), and headlined by Hall of Famers Lusia Harris-Stewart (1992), Ann Meyers Drysdale (1993), Nancy Lieberman (1996) and Pat (Head) Summitt (2000), the team helped change the trajectory of Women's basketball, as increased opportunities to play collegiately, professionally, and abroad became the norm.

 

JIM VALVANO [Contributor] – Valvano, a coach, player, and broadcaster, led North Carolina State Wolfpack to the 1983 NCAA Championship, upsetting the heavily favored Houston Cougars, and inspired the creation of The V Foundation for Cancer Research. Known famously as “Jimmy V,” Valvano went 346-210 in 18 seasons with Bucknell University (1972-75), Iona University (1975-80) and NC State (1980-90). Upon leaving NC State, Valvano began a career as a broadcaster for ESPN before being diagnosed with cancer in June 1992. Valvano spoke at the first ESPY Awards at Madison Square Garden and was presented the inaugural Arthur Ashe Courage and Humanitarian Award. During his memorable speech, he announced the creation of the organization dedicated to finding a cure for cancer, whose motto would be "Don't Give Up...Don't Ever Give Up.” Until his death in 1993, Valvano was an outspoken advocate for cancer research and the V Foundation, which has funded over $150 million in cancer research grants nationwide. He was inducted into the Rutgers Basketball Hall of Fame, where he played collegiately, in 1993, and was named to the first NC State Athletics Hall of Fame class in 2012.

 

About the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was born, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving, and celebrating the game of basketball at every level – men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches, and contributors, both domestically and internationally. The Hall of Fame museum is home to more than 400 inductees and over 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Nearly 200,000 people visit the Hall of Fame museum each year to learn about the game, experience the interactive exhibits and test their skills on the Jerry Colangelo "Court of Dreams." Best known for its annual marquee Enshrinement Ceremony honoring the game’s elite, the Hall of Fame also operates over 70 high school and collegiate competitions annually throughout the country and abroad. For more information on the Basketball Hall of Fame organization, its museum, and events, visit hoophall.com, follow@hoophall #23HoopClass or call 1-877-4HOOPLA.

 


NAISMITH BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES

12 INDUCTEES FOR THE CLASS OF 2023

- Ticket Packages for Enshrinement Festivities Available Now on Hoophall.com -

 

HOUSTON (April 12023) – The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced the 12 inductees in the Class of 2023 to be celebrated during this year’s Enshrinement festivities on August 11-12. The Class Announcement was made in Houston, the site of the 2023 NCAA Men’s Final Four, and was televised live on ESPN.

 

This year’s North American Committee inductees (in alphabetical order):

Gene Bess - All-time winningest college coach (1,300), 2-time NJCAA Coach of the Year

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 – 6-time NCAA Coach of the Year, 17 NCAA Tournament appearances

Dirk Nowitzki - 14-time All-Star, 2006-07 MVP, 2011 NBA Champion

Tony Parker - 6-time All-Star, 4-time NBA champion, 2007 Finals MVP

Gregg Popovich - Winningest coach in NBA history, 3-time NBA Coach of the Year, 5-time NBA champion

Dwyane Wade - 13-time All-Star, 3-time NBA champion, 2006 Finals MVP

 

This year’s Women’s Committee inductees (in alphabetical order):

Gary Blair - 852 wins, 2011 National Champion, 2-time Final Four participant

Becky Hammon - 6-time WNBA All-Star, 2-time First-Team All-WNBA recipient


This year’s Direct Elect Committee inductees (in alphabetical order):

1976 Women’s Olympic Basketball Team (Women’s Veterans) – Silver medalists in inaugural appearance for Women’s Olympic Basketball

Jim Valvano (Contributor) – 1983 NCAA Champion, created The V Foundation for Cancer Research

 

“The Naismith Hall of Fame Class of 2023 is remarkable and truly embodies the breadth and impact of the global game today,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “This Class represents the game at every level and showcases the incredible efforts of individuals who are not only household names in the game, but also those who teach, coach and counsel to men and women at the most organic levels of basketball. The ultimate achievement of a storied career is Enshrinement in the Naismith Hall, and this Class punctuates and defines what it means to be a Hall of Famer.”

 

The Class of 2023 will be enshrined during festivities in Springfield, the Birthplace of Basketball, as well as the Mohegan Sun on August 11-12. VIP packages and single-event tickets to the 2023 Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend are now available at hoophall.com/events/enshrinement-2023.


For the latest news and updates, follow @hoophall on Twitter and Instagram.


THE NAISMITH BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2023

 

North American Committee Inductees:

GENE BESS [Coach] – Bess coached at Three Rivers Community College in Popular Bluff, Mo., for 50 years, from 1971-2020. During his time at the helm of the Raiders’ program, Bess, who was named NJCAA National Coach of the Year twice, amassed 1,300 wins and is the all-time winningest college basketball coach across all levels. Bess coached his teams to 17 NJCAA Tournament appearances, including four finals (1979, ‘92, ‘94, 2010) and two championships (1979, ‘92). Before Three Rivers, Bess coached high school basketball for 12 years (1957-69), going 237-95. Bess has been inducted into the Poplar Bluff Sports Hall of Fame (1983), Missouri Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame (1988), NJCAA Fall of Fame (1989) and Missouri Sports Hall of Fame (2006).

 

PAU GASOL [Player] – The 2002 NBA Rookie of the Year, the first non-American to win the award, garnered six All-Star selections (2006, ’09-11, ’15-16) and four All-NBA team accolades during his 18-year NBA career. Gasol won back-to-back NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009-10 and was the fourth player in league history with 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, 3,500 assists and 1,500 blocks. The Barcelona, Spain, native boasted an equally distinguished international career, winning three Olympic medals (silver in 2008, ’12 and bronze in 2016) and, in 2017, became EuroBasket’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing fellow finalist Tony Parker. Gasol also led the Spanish national team to a FIBA World Championship title in 2006, where he was named the competition’s Most Valuable Player, and a EuroBasket tournament crown in 2009 and ’11. He was the highest-scoring player in in the 2004 Olympics and was Spain’s flag bearer at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Games. Gasol had his No. 16 retired by the Lakers on March 7.

 

DAVID HIXON [Coach] – Before retiring in 2020, Hixon was at the helm of the Amherst College basketball program for 42 years (1977-2020). During his career, Hixon amassed 826 wins and became the third coach in men’s college basketball history to surpass the 800-win mark in 2018. He was awarded National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Division III Coach of the Year twice (2007, ‘13). Hixon coached his teams to 20 NCAA Division III national tournaments, including seven Final Four appearances (2004, ‘06-08, ‘13-14, ‘16) and two championships (2007, ‘13). Under Hixon’s leadership, the Mammoths played in 18 New England Small College Athletic Conference championships (2001-19) and won eight titles (2001-02, ‘05-06, ‘12-14, ‘19).

 

GENE KEADY [Coach] – Keady spent 27 seasons as the head coach of the Western Kentucky University (1978-80) and Purdue University (1980-2005) men’s basketball programs. Keady, one of the most respected coaches in college basketball history, garnered 550 career NCAA wins and was named National Coach of the Year six times (1984, ‘88, ‘94-96, 2000). He is the winningest coach in Purdue’s history (512), won six Big Ten titles (1984, ‘87-88, ‘95-96) and a record seven Big Ten Coach of the Year awards (1984, ‘88, ‘90, ‘94-96, 2000). Under Keady’s leadership, Purdue made 17 NCAA Tournament appearances in 24 years. He was also inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013 by the National Association of Basketball Coaches, where he served as president from 2000-01. Among the notable coaches that served under Keady’s direction were Bruce Weber, Kevin Stallings, Steve Lavin, Cuonzo Martin and Matt Painter, current Boilermaker head coach. Keady was a Hall of Fame finalist in 2004 and ‘06.

 

DIRK NOWITZKI [Player] – Nowitzki is a 14-time NBA All-Star (2002-12, ’14-15, ’19) and won the league’s Most Valuable Player Award during the 2006-07 campaign, the first European-born player to take home the honor. Nowitzki, who ranks sixth all-time in NBA scoring, led the Dallas Mavericks to their first-ever NBA championship in 2011 and was named Finals MVP. The Würzburg, West Germany native, played his entire 21-year career with Dallas, a record for most seasons with a single team, and was named to the All-NBA Team on 12 occasions and received first-team accolades four times (2005-07, ’09). He is the Mavericks’ all-time statistical leader in nearly all categories, including points, rebounds, blocks, field goals, three-point field goals and free throws. Nowitzki retired in 2019 as the highest-scoring foreign-born player in NBA history, and is the only player with at least 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, 3,000 assists, 1,200 steals, 1,200 blocks and 1,500 three-point field goals. Prior to joining the NBA, Nowitzki played 5 seasons with DJK Würzburg, and helped the German National Team to a bronze medal in the 2002 FIBA World Championships. He was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021, and the following year, became the first German men’s basketball player to have his number (14) retired.

 

TONY PARKER [Player] – Parker is a four-time NBA champion (2003, ’05, ’07, ’14), six-time NBA All-Star (2006-07, ’09, ’12-14) and was the Most Valuable Player in the 2007 NBA Finals. He was named to an All-NBA team four times, including three consecutive second-team honors (2012-14). Parker, who was recognized on the 2002 NBA All-Rookie First Team, ranks sixth on the NBA’s all-time playoff list in assists and 10th in scoring. He played 17 of his 18 NBA seasons with the San Antonio Spurs and is the franchise leader in assists. Born in Belgium and raised in France, Parker was a fixture on the French national team and was MVP of EuroBasket 2013. In 2015, he became the all-time leading scorer in EuroBasket competition, a record that fellow finalist Paul Gasol broke two years later. Parker was inducted into the Legion of Honor in 2007, the highest French order or merit, and his No. 9 was retired by the San Antonio Spurs in 2019. Parker is the majority owner and president of ASVEL Basket, a French professional basketball team.

 

GREGG POPOVICH [Coach] – Popovich has been the head coach for the San Antonio Spurs for 27 seasons (1996-present) and became the winningest coach in NBA history in March 2022. He is one of five coaches in NBA history with at least five or more championships (1999, 2003, ‘05, ‘07, ‘14). Over the course of his career, Popovich has led the Spurs to 284 playoff victories and six NBA Finals appearances (1999, 2003, ‘05, ‘07, ‘13-14). During his tenure with the Spurs, Popovich coached Hall of Famers David Robinson, Tim Duncan, and Manu Ginobili, along with Class of 2023 finalist Tony Parker. Popovich has won NBA Coach of the Year three times (2003, ‘12, ‘14), and his 67 wins in 2016 are tied for the seventh most all-time in a single season. In addition to his NBA coaching career, “Pop” has served as head or assistant coach for six USA Basketball national teams, including winning a gold medal in the 2020 Olympics.

 

DWYANE WADE [Player] – Wade is a 13-time NBA All-Star (2005-16, ’19), eight-time All-NBA team member, including a pair of first-team accolades (2009-10), and the 2006 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player. Over the course of his 16-year NBA career, he also won three NBA championships (2006, ’12-13), earned NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors on three occasions (2005, ’09-10), led the league in scoring with 30.2 points per game in 2009, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2004. He is the Miami Heat’s all-time leader in numerous categories, including points, assists, steals, field goals and games played. On the international stage, Wade earned 2 Olympic medals, highlighted by taking home the gold in the 2008 Games in Beijing as the leading scorer on the “Redeem Team.” The Chicago native played collegiately at Marquette University and led the Golden Eagles to a Final Four berth in 2003, highlighted a triple-double (29 pts./11 reb./11 asst.) during the Midwest Regional final against top-seeded Kentucky. Wade, who was recognized as a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021, had his No. 3 retired by Marquette (2007) and the Heat (2020).

 

Women’s Committee Inductees:

GARY BLAIR [Coach] – Winner of the 2011 NCAA National Championship with Texas A&M University, Blair went 852-348 (.710) in 37 seasons as head coach at Stephen F. Austin University (1985-93), the University of Arkansas (1993-03) and Texas A&M (2003-22). His 852 victories ranked 12th all-time at the time of his retirement. Blair’s teams earned 23 NCAA Tournament appearances, including a pair of Final Fours (1998 with Arkansas and 2011 with Texas A&M), becoming the third Division I women’s basketball coach to lead two different teams to the Final Four. The veteran Marine, who posted only two losing seasons, was a two-time Women’s Basketball New Service Coach of the Year winner and was a finalist for the Naismith Coach of the Year honors twice (2003, ’07). Blair has been inducted into numerous halls of fame, including the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjack Hall of Fame (2008), Texas Sports Hall of Fame (2012), Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (2013) and the Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame (2022).

 

BECKY HAMMON [Player] – Hammon is a six-time WNBA All-Star (2003, ’05-07, ’09, ’11) and earned First-Team All-WNBA honors twice (2007, ’09). She averaged 13.9 points and 3.8 assists per game over 16 seasons in the WNBA with the New York Liberty (1996-2006) and San Antonio Stars (2007-14) and was named to the league’s 15th (2011), 20th (2016) and 25th (2021) Anniversary Teams. The South Dakota native averaged a WNBA career-high 19.5 points in 2009, and on August 31, 2011, became the seventh player in WNBA history to score 5,000 points. During her collegiate career at Colorado State University, Hammon earned All-American honors three times and led the Rams to a Sweet 16 berth in 1999. From 2014-21, Hammon served as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs, the first full-time female coach in any of the four major professional sports. Following her time with the Spurs, Hammon was named the Las Vegas Aces head coach on Dec. 31, 2021, and in her first season at the helm, led the Aces to a 26-10 record and the 2022 WNBA Finals Championship – the first rookie head coach to capture a WBNA title. Her No. 25 was retired by Colorado State in 2005 and the San Antonio/Las Vegas franchise in 2016. Hammon has been inducted into the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame, Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame, and Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (2022).

 

Direct Elect Committee Inductees:

1976 US WOMEN’S OLYMPIC TEAM [Women’s Veteran] – The 1976 US Women’s Olympic Team won the silver medal in the first-ever Summer Games that featured women’s basketball. The inaugural US Women’s Olympic Team, composed of talented college players, set the standard for future generations of American women’s basketball players, and inspired countless young girls to pursue their dreams on the court. Led by Hall of Famer Billie Moore (Class of 1999), assisted by Sue Gunter (2005), and headlined by Hall of Famers Lusia Harris-Stewart (1992), Ann Meyers Drysdale (1993), Nancy Lieberman (1996) and Pat (Head) Summitt (2000), the team helped change the trajectory of Women's basketball, as increased opportunities to play collegiately, professionally, and abroad became the norm.

 

JIM VALVANO [Contributor] – Valvano, a coach, player, and broadcaster, led North Carolina State Wolfpack to the 1983 NCAA Championship, upsetting the heavily favored Houston Cougars, and inspired the creation of The V Foundation for Cancer Research. Known famously as “Jimmy V,” Valvano went 346-210 in 18 seasons with Bucknell University (1972-75), Iona University (1975-80) and NC State (1980-90). Upon leaving NC State, Valvano began a career as a broadcaster for ESPN before being diagnosed with cancer in June 1992. Valvano spoke at the first ESPY Awards at Madison Square Garden and was presented the inaugural Arthur Ashe Courage and Humanitarian Award. During his memorable speech, he announced the creation of the organization dedicated to finding a cure for cancer, whose motto would be "Don't Give Up...Don't Ever Give Up.” Until his death in 1993, Valvano was an outspoken advocate for cancer research and the V Foundation, which has funded over $150 million in cancer research grants nationwide. He was inducted into the Rutgers Basketball Hall of Fame, where he played collegiately, in 1993, and was named to the first NC State Athletics Hall of Fame class in 2012.


About the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was born, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving, and celebrating the game of basketball at every level – men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches, and contributors, both domestically and internationally. The Hall of Fame museum is home to more than 400 inductees and over 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Nearly 200,000 people visit the Hall of Fame museum each year to learn about the game, experience the interactive exhibits and test their skills on the Jerry Colangelo "Court of Dreams." Best known for its annual marquee Enshrinement Ceremony honoring the game’s elite, the Hall of Fame also operates over 70 high school and collegiate competitions annually throughout the country and abroad. For more information on the Basketball Hall of Fame organization, its museum, and events, visit hoophall.com, follow @hoophall #23HoopClass or call 1-877-4HOOPLA.


NBA AND NBPA REACH TENTATIVE DEAL

ON NEW COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT

 

NEW YORK, April 1, 2023 – The NBA and National Basketball Players Association have reached a tentative agreement on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, pending ratification by players and team governors.

 

Specific details will be made available once a term sheet is finalized.


MINNESOTA’S RUDY GOBERT, CHRIS FINCH FINED

 

NEW YORK, March 31, 2023 – Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert has been fined $25,000 and Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch has been fined $15,000 for public criticism of the officiating, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.

 

Gobert and Finch made their comments to the media following the Timberwolves’ 107-100 loss to the Phoenix Suns on March 29 at Footprint Center.