Celebrating the Life, Remembering the Legacy

REMEMBERING THE LEGACY

DAVID STERN

SEPTEMBER 22, 1942 – JANUARY 1, 2020

Inducted in 2014, David was known to be one of the most influential commissioners in the NBA’s history. He helped shape the game into what it is today. Stern was named the NBA Commissioner in 1984 succeeding Larry O’Brien and he wasted no time in shaping the NBA into one of the most popular sports in the world.

Under Stern the NBA added seven new teams, and the relocation of six NBA franchises. The expansion of the global game was one of Stern’s greatest accomplishments during his tenure by opening 13 global NBA offices and staged regular season games outside the U.S. which was the first ever in professional sports.

After leaving the NBA, David continued to advocate for the game and share his business knowledge through speaking engagements and consulting. In October, just a couple of months before his passing, David was named the McCormack Department of Sport Management Executive-in-Residence at UMASS Amherst. In that role, he held lectures, classroom visits and round-table sessions with students and faculty.

KOBE & GIANNA BRYANT

AUGUST 23, 1978 - JANUARY 26, 2020

MAY 1, 2006 - JANUARY 26, 2020

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame joins the rest of the world in its grief for the loss of Kobe and Gianna. The void they left on this earth will forever be felt and our prayers of strength go out to all who were affected by this tragedy.

Kobe’s legacy as one of the best players of all-time is evidenced by his selection in the first year of his eligibility. His dedication to the game and work ethic was legendary - personifying the “Black Mamba Mentality”. It will be our honor to celebrate the life and career of Kobe Bryant as he is inducted into the Hall of Fame Class of 2020. (Kobe’s career highlights can be found on page 22)

Did you know you can make a gift in honor/memory of your favorite Hall of Famer or loved one? A special way to celebrate their passion for the game.

BORISLAV "BORIS" STANKOVIC

JULY 7, 1925 - MARCH 20, 2020

Boris was a member of the Naismith Hall of Fame Class of 1984. As secretary-general of FIBA (basketball’s international governing body) he popularized international basketball and turned the game into a sport followed by the whole world.

Like many outstanding administrators, Stankovic began as a player. He starred with the Red Star Club of Belgrade, the team that won the 1946 and 1947 Yugoslavia championships. From 1948 to 1953, Stankovic also played on the Yugoslavian national team participating in the first World Championships in Buenos Aires in 1950. A devoted ambassador of international basketball, Stankovic has been a member of the Central Board, Yugoslavia Federation (1953-66), Yugoslavia Olympic Committee, and European Cup Commission.

In 1987, he worked with NBA commissioner David Stern to organize preseason exhibition games between NBA teams and the top teams from Europe. Stankovic’s work to include NBA players in the Olympic Games resulted in the 1992 Dream Team. He will be remembered as a visionary for basketball across the globe.

MORGAN B. WOOTTEN

APRIL 21, 1931 – JANUARY 21, 2020

Coaching success was synonymous with the name Morgan Wootten well before his Hall of Fame Induction in 2000. No other coach in basketball history combined a love for the game with a passion for coaching young men more than Wootten.

In over forty years of coaching at legendary DeMatha High School, Wootten won more than 1,200 games and was the most successful high school coach in basketball history. Wootten led DeMatha to the mythical national championship in 1962, 1965, 1968, 1978, and 1984. The 1965 DeMatha team broke the 71-game winning streak of Lew Alcindor's Power Memorial team. Recording over 40 consecutive seasons with at least 20 wins, his teams won more than 30 conference championships. And to Wootten’s credit, DeMatha finished the season ranked No. 1 in the Washington, D.C. area more than 20 times.

A dedicated educator, more than 150 of Wootten's former players went on to play college basketball and a dozen played in the NBA. More than 20 of his former coaches or players coached at the high school, collegiate, or professional level.

Tribute gifts are tax-deductible and can recognize any occasion, birthday or anniversary. Visit give.hoophall.com or call (413) 231-5520.