HoopsVibe

Well I'm sure Reggie Miller, Don Nelson, Ralph Sampson and Jamaal Wilkes are breathing a little bit easier today as various media outlets (NBA.com, CBSSports.com, ESPN.com) all reported they became four of the most notable members of the 2012 class to be headed to the Basketball Hall of Fame. 

Miller, who might seem like a shoe-in to any basketball fan, even commented that it was a "humbling experience."  He went on to say, "to be part of such an exclusive club is pretty special."   Reggie was always known as a bit of a trash talker on the court but his humility at the ceremony today just goes to show that there are never any certainties about making it to Springfield, MA.

Dennis Rodman, a five-time NBA champion, that won two Defensive Player of the Year trophies and seven rebounding titles, wasn't even named as a finalist the year before he was elected in 2011.

Miller spent 18 seasons in the league, all with the Pacers and is currently second all-time in 3-pointers made.  (Only Ray Allen has made more in his career).

Don Nelson, nickname "Nellie," is the NBA's all-time winningest coach, tallying a total of 1,333 wins (aka a boatload) over his NBA career with four different teams; the Bucks, the Knicks, the Mavericks, and the Warriors.

Sampson played nine seasons in the NBA, averaging over 15 points and just under 9 rebounds a game.  He was a beast, standing 7 feet 4 inches.  He won the Rookie of the Year Award in the 1983-84 season but his career was somewhat stifled by various knee injuries.

Jamaal Wilkes was a without question a California guy, growing up in Ventura then playing for the late, legendary John Wooden at UCLA.  He spent his NBA career that spanned 12 seasons with the Warriors, the Clippers and the Lakers; so you know what I mean when I say he was truly a California guy.  He averaged 17.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg in his tenure and according to wikipedia.com, when John Wooden was asked to describe his ideal player he said, "I would have the player be a good student, polite, courteous, a good team player, a good defensive player and rebounder, a good inside player and outside shooter.  Why not just take Jamaal Wilkes and let it go at that."

Mel Daniels, Don Barksdale, Lidia Alexeeva, Katrina McClain, Hank Nichols, Chet Walker, Phil Knight and the All-American Red Heads (the female Harlem Globetrotters) will also be inducted at the ceremony this September.



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