The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame welcomed new members to its 2016 class. Some notable members include Shaquille O'Neal, Allen Iverson, Sheryl Swoopes and Tom Izzo.
There is no doubt by looking at this list, that this is a memorable and extraordinary class. Luckily for me, I was able to witness the playing of Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson.
Iverson (which was my favorite player at a young age), changed the game on and off the court. His signature crossover and will to score made everyone want to be like him and watch him play.
He is four-time NBA scoring champion, 11-time NBA All-star, and he leads the NBA in steals three times in 2001-2003. From everything Iverson has endured in his life, it is a blessing that he is able to be in the Hall of Fame and definitely deserves it.
To learn more about Iverson's life before, during and after the NBA, I recommend watching ESPN's 30 for 30: No Crossover: The Trial of Allen Iverson.
O'Neal (a guy I did not like at the time because he beat Iverson in the 2001 NBA Finals) is the most dominant player/center to ever play the game. He is a four-time NBA Champion, a three-time NBA Finals MVP and a 15 time NBA All-Star.
Although I did not like that he beat Iverson and the 76er's in the NBA Finals, I had to respect the greatness of him. To learn more about his early life before his NBA career, I recommend watching ESPN's SEC Storied: Shaq and Dale.
After watching the documentary of Sheryl Swoopes, I was impressed but also embarrassed that I never got to watch her play or even heard of her until then. She is a four-time WNBA champion, a three-time WNBA defensive player of the year and a six-time WNBA All-Star.
She was one of the best women basketball players to ever play and put the WNBA on notice in 1996. I encourage you to watch her ESPN documentary: Nine for IX: "Swoopes".
Last but not least, Tom Izzo. Who can not forget one of the best coaches of college basketball? Izzo is still the head coach of the Michigan State Spartans, and his resume includes one national NCAA championship (2001), 524 wins (5th most among other college coaches in their first 21 seasons), and seven final fours.
Other members include Yao Ming, John McClendon, Darrell Garretson, Jerry Reinsdorf, Zelmo Beaty, and Cumberland Posey.
This Hall of Fame class has phenomenal talent and people in their 2016 Hall of Fame class. All without a doubt deserve this honor and will be remembered by me and other fans. I appreciate everything they have gave to the sport of basketball.
