Phil Knight, founder and chairman of Nike Inc., was among five people elected to the Hall of Fame in the “Contributor” category.
Other inductees include Mel Daniels (ABA), Don Barksdale (Early African-American Pioneers), Lidia Alexeeva (International), former Bulls standout Chet Walker (Veterans) and Nike chairman.
Also, Magic executive Pat Williams was named winner of the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, and long-time Bulls writer Sam Smith (print) and former Trail Blazers broadcaster Bill Schonley (electronic) will receive the Curt Gowdy Media Awards.
Twelve finalists for induction via the North American and Women’s Committee were revealed. The inductees from that group will be announced at the Final Four.
The finalists: Katrina McClain, the All American Red Heads barnstorming women’s team, Maurice Cheeks, Bill Fitch, Bernard King, Reggie Miller, Dick Motta, Don Nelson, college referee Hank Nichols, Rick Pitino, Ralph Sampson and Jamaal Wilkes.
