We are gathered here tonight to honor three players who dedicated their lives to a game so close to our hearts. Two of these men have been debated over the past decades as the most dominant player in PBSL history. The third has been talked about as one of the best defenders in PBSL history. The common thread is their tenacity, their production on the court, and their dedication to winning.
First, we introduce Ben Wallace. From a small town in Alabama, Ben worked his way from humble beginnings to becoming the 8th pick of the stacked 1996 draft. From there, he led the league in rebounding three times; in blocks twice. He made three defensive second teams in his first four seasons, and those would be the last second teams he made. That is, of course, because he then started making first teams. Six in total. He also won Defensive Player of the Year five years in a row. Though he was never a primary scorer, or even a third or fourth option, Wallace's dedication to defense provided the necessary foundation to two Atlanta Hawks championships. He will be remembered for his defense and his championship mettle. Ladies and Gentlemen, join me in congratulating Ben Wallace.
Second we have Anfernee Hardaway. Nicknamed Penny, Hardaway wasted no time in the PBSL, making the All Star game in his first year. He narrowly missed out on Rookie of the Year to Chris Webber, but from then on Penny made sure that his career eclipsed Webber's. Penny ended up with 11 All Star appearances and 11 First Team selections, and while he only won one MVP, mostly due to our third inductee, Penny's biggest accomplishment can be measured in PBSL Championships. Four of them, to be exact. Penny was always a threat to score and distribute, but he was also a fierce defender, as evidenced by 6 total All Defensive team selections. He led two separate teams to two titles, and any time the lights were brightest, that's when Penny shone the most. We will remember Penny forever as one of the best players in history, if not the best, and a mold of tall point guards that continue to be imitated to this day. Ladies and gentlemen, Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway.
Lastly, and certainly not least, we have Shawn Kemp. As mentioned previously, there were countless debates in the 90s of who the most dominant player was in the PBSL. Penny had his credentials, and Kemp most certainly had his. As of now, Kemp is the leading scorer in our league, as well as the second leading rebounder, despite only leading the league in both for one season each. He made 11 all stars and 10 First Team selections. He won two titles in Golden State, taking home the Finals MVP trophy each time. And most indicative of his dominance, Kemp was voted as the Most Valuable Player in PBSL an unprecedented 7 years in a row. His resume is nearly unmatched, and that's just looking at his offense. He was also the Defensive Player of the Year 4 times, and he made 11 First Team all defense. If we continued to list his accomplishments, you guys wouldn't make it out of here in time for the sunrise, so we have to cut this short. But bottom line, Shawn Kemp dominated PBSL ever since its inception, and for that he will always be seen as a legend. Ladies and gentlemen, Shawn Kemp.
Thank you for coming. Have a great night.
*Scott, Wig, and JNR take one extra point for their picks being inducted*
