Hall of Fame Class 2009-2010
Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2016 8:56 am
Welcome to Springfield, Massachusetts, home of the Basketball Hall of Fame.
We are here tonight to recognize three men whose careers have proven that hard work, dedication, and an undeniable will to win can get you anywhere in life. Let's meet this year's PBSL Hall of Fame Class.
Our first inductee was a California boy who aspired to be the ultimate team player. Although he never averaged more than 16 points a game during his career, Jason proved his value in all other phases on the court. Not only was Jason a gifted passer who always found his teammates and put them in a position to win, he was a tenacious rebounder for his size, averaging almost 7 for his entire career. And that's not even talking about his defense, which is where he made his mark. Jason was on 8 all defense teams, 6 of them first teams.
All of these skills together created a combatant who was willing to win at all costs. And win he did -- three championships, twice the PBSL Finals MVP. When looking at Kidd, it's important to take all of these things in consideration. Winning, intelligence, defense -- these things don't show up in the box score, but they do make a Hall of Famer. Welcome to the Hall of Fame, Jason Kidd.
Next up we have a player who spent so much time being the face of a franchise that it's easy to forget that his most successful season came when he was at the tail end of his career. Smith had a reputation of never being able to get over the hump, but as his career took a turn and his skills started to decline, he learned what it was to be a champion. That ring in Toronto, though he was not the biggest contributor, Steve Smith finally found a way to become a champion.
But even without that ring, he would be a Hall of Famer. Smith defined Detroit Pistons basketball in the early 90s. He made Reggie Miller expendable. He may be one of the most efficient scorers of all time. He was an Olympian, a perennial allstar, and a great teammate. And now, tonight in front of friends and fans, he is a Hall of Famer. Congratulations to Steve Smith.
Finally, Zo. One of an exclusive group of players who received unanimous induction to the Hall of Fame. Alonzo has the offensive accolades, averaging anywhere from 22 to 30 points in his prime. He has the defensive accolades, winning on DPOY and amassing 3,750 blocks in his career. And he has the intangibles that manifest themselves in wins: grit, heart, determination, two rings, and two Finals MVP trophies.
Boston and Alonzo were a perfect match. He mirrored the residents of Boston with his hard-nosed, workpail attitude. He got the job done and asked his teammates to do the same, and they delivered. The Boston Celtics were the team of the 90s, and there's no question that this man was the primary reason. Though others have won more rings, or amassed more personal accolades, no one embodied a team and a decade better than Alonzo Mourning. And today it has granted him sanctuary in the PBSL Hall of Fame. Congratulations to Alonzo Mourning.
Let's give it up for the 2009-2010 Hall of Fame Class!
We are here tonight to recognize three men whose careers have proven that hard work, dedication, and an undeniable will to win can get you anywhere in life. Let's meet this year's PBSL Hall of Fame Class.
Our first inductee was a California boy who aspired to be the ultimate team player. Although he never averaged more than 16 points a game during his career, Jason proved his value in all other phases on the court. Not only was Jason a gifted passer who always found his teammates and put them in a position to win, he was a tenacious rebounder for his size, averaging almost 7 for his entire career. And that's not even talking about his defense, which is where he made his mark. Jason was on 8 all defense teams, 6 of them first teams.
All of these skills together created a combatant who was willing to win at all costs. And win he did -- three championships, twice the PBSL Finals MVP. When looking at Kidd, it's important to take all of these things in consideration. Winning, intelligence, defense -- these things don't show up in the box score, but they do make a Hall of Famer. Welcome to the Hall of Fame, Jason Kidd.
Next up we have a player who spent so much time being the face of a franchise that it's easy to forget that his most successful season came when he was at the tail end of his career. Smith had a reputation of never being able to get over the hump, but as his career took a turn and his skills started to decline, he learned what it was to be a champion. That ring in Toronto, though he was not the biggest contributor, Steve Smith finally found a way to become a champion.
But even without that ring, he would be a Hall of Famer. Smith defined Detroit Pistons basketball in the early 90s. He made Reggie Miller expendable. He may be one of the most efficient scorers of all time. He was an Olympian, a perennial allstar, and a great teammate. And now, tonight in front of friends and fans, he is a Hall of Famer. Congratulations to Steve Smith.
Finally, Zo. One of an exclusive group of players who received unanimous induction to the Hall of Fame. Alonzo has the offensive accolades, averaging anywhere from 22 to 30 points in his prime. He has the defensive accolades, winning on DPOY and amassing 3,750 blocks in his career. And he has the intangibles that manifest themselves in wins: grit, heart, determination, two rings, and two Finals MVP trophies.
Boston and Alonzo were a perfect match. He mirrored the residents of Boston with his hard-nosed, workpail attitude. He got the job done and asked his teammates to do the same, and they delivered. The Boston Celtics were the team of the 90s, and there's no question that this man was the primary reason. Though others have won more rings, or amassed more personal accolades, no one embodied a team and a decade better than Alonzo Mourning. And today it has granted him sanctuary in the PBSL Hall of Fame. Congratulations to Alonzo Mourning.
Let's give it up for the 2009-2010 Hall of Fame Class!