The long list of candidates for the 2016 Naismith Hoops Hall of Fame Induction Class was announced this week, and the WNBA has some pretty strong representation!
Included on this list are two previous candidates, Rebecca Lobo and Teresa “T-Spoon” Weatherspoon, who both played for the New York Liberty. Perhaps the biggest news was first time nominee Sheryl Swoopes, who most notably carried the former Houston Comets to three WNBA titles. Here is an excerpt from the official press release:
Today, December 21st, marks the 124th Birthday of Basketball – to start a year-long celebration towards 125 years, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has announced the eligible candidates for the Class of 2016. A complete list of eligible candidates can be found below. As released last week, three distinct modifications have been made to the election process for the upcoming class. Most notably, potential honorees are now eligible on the ballot for Hall of Fame enshrinement after four full seasons of retirement.
A press conference announcing the Finalists from the North American and Women’s committee for the Class of 2016 will be held at NBA All-Star Weekend, which is scheduled for Friday, February 12th in Toronto, Canada. The entire Class of 2016, including those selected by the direct elect committees, will be unveiled on Monday, April 4th at the Men’s NCAA Final Four in Houston, Texas.
Enshrinement festivities will take place in Springfield, Mass., the birthplace of basketball, September 8-10, 2016. Tickets for the various Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2016 Enshrinement events are on sale as of noon eastern time on www.hoophall.com.
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2016 Ballot
* Indicates First-Time Nominee
Women’s Committee Nominations
Leta Andrews (COA)
Jennifer Azzi (PLA)
Rebecca Lobo (PLA)
Muffet McGraw (COA)
Susie McConnell (PLA)
Pearl Moore (PLA)*
Kim Mulkey (COA & PLA)
Harley Redin (COA)
Theresa Shank (PLA)
Marianne Stanley (COA)
Barbara Stevens (COA)
Sheryl Swoopes (PLA)*
Wayland Baptist (TEA)*
Theresa Weatherspoon (PLA)
Huge congrats to the ladies for being named candidates! With the 20th anniversary of the league kicking off next year, we can’t wait to see who receives the final nomination!
(Original Story: HoopHall.com)
