The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2016 lived up to its lofty billing with an epic three-hour induction ceremony Friday night at Springfield’s Symphony Hall, with Iverson and O’Neal stealing the show.
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Memories and the thrills of the retired superstars were celebrated at enshrinement festivities which saw speeches from several of the iconic talents being honored for their work at many levels. Joining them in the 10-member class will be Chinese star Yao Ming, WNBA star Sheryl Swoopes, longtime Michigan State coach Tom Izzo and National Basketball Association executive Jerry Reinsdorf, along with four posthumous inductees. It’s been a part of my life since I was 8-years-old and I studied it and I dreamed about it. Basketball has been always my life, and when you see greatness in somebody else that loves basketball the way you do, you always have the utmost respect for them.
Yao played for the Shanghai Sharks from 1997-2002 before joining the NBA’s Houston Rockets, who now boast the tallest and smallest Hall of Famers in Yao and 5-foot-9 Calvin Murphy.
The 7-6 Chinese sensation played in the National Basketball Association from 2002 through 2011, when injuries forced him to retire early at age 30.
“Another notable member, 7’6” Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets, told 22News of his respect for Shaq.
He ranks seventh on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 28,596 points and 14th in rebounds with 13,099. “We’ve been having conversations, he said he’s interested in my son, and as a proud father, I can’t wait to have that conversation”. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
O’Neal and Iverson are overshadowing the other inductees when it comes to publicity.
Former Lakers star Kobe Bryant, who retired from the National Basketball Association in April after playing 20 seasons, took to Instagram on Thursday night to congratulate O’Neal, calling him the most dominate big of all time. The media treating me like they did throughout my career. “But also help me get pushed off the team and traded to Miami”.
O’Neal, one of the best centers in NBA history, nearly brought his whole family for this gala to celebrate his big day as a basketball player, though he has had enormous achievement in his decorated career.
Fighting tears throughout, Iverson thanked former Georgetown coach John Thompson “for saving my life”. “How often does that happen”, Wang said.
Another pivotal figure in Iverson’s career, despite that crossover, was none other than Michael Jordan. “It takes a whole organization”.
Iverson starred in football and basketball at Bethel High School.
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“So to every little boy and girl out there who may be watching, it doesn’t matter where you come from, as long as you work hard, believe and never give up”.
