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New York, Feb 15 (IANS)
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced the name of six players - including NBS All-Star Dikembe Mutombo, five coaches and one referee as finalists from the North American and Women's committees to be considered for election in 2015. Eight-time NBA All-Star Dikembe Mutombo and three-time WNBA MVP Lisa Leslie were among the finalists when the Hall of Fame announced the names Saturday, reported Xinhua.
Other elite players include seven-time NBA All-Star Jo Jo White, five-time NBA All-Star Tim Hardaway, four-time NBA All-Star Spencer Haywood, and three-time NBA All-Star Kevin Johnson.
Two-time College Coach of the Year John Calipari, two-time NBA Coach of the Year Bill Fitch, four-time Division III national champion coach Bo Ryan, and 39-year NBA referee Dick Bavatta are also on the list.
"The finalists for the Class of 2015 are a group of very distinguished individuals who have each made a unique impact on the game of basketball," said Jerry Colangelo, chairman of the Hall of Fame.
"To be recognised as a finalist is a great achievement in and of itself and each of the finalists recognised should be very proud."
