A group of 12 individuals who made remarkable contributions to international basketball have been officially inducted into the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Hall of Fame as members of the Class of 2023. The enshrinement ceremony was held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Manila, Philippines, on Thursday, August 24, 2023.
Those inducted include legendary players Yao Ming (China), Penny Taylor (Australia), Yuko Oga (Japan), Katrina McClain (USA), Amaya Valdemoro (Spain), Wlamir Marques from Brazil, Angelo Monteiro dos Santos Victoriano (Angola), and Sony Hendrawan (Indonesia), with both Carlos Loyzaga (Philippines) and Zurab Sakandelidze (Georgia) being inducted posthumously.
While presiding over the ceremony, Hamane Niang, the FIBA President, hailed the impact of each and celebrated their induction, stating that the ceremony recognises their immense contribution to the development of the game.
“The FIBA Hall of Fame is not only part of our basketball tradition; it is an institution that recognises those who brought our sport to the level of popularity that it has today and inspires the next generation,” Niang said on Thursday.
Andreas Zagklis, the FIBA Secretary General, concluded the induction ceremony by commending coaches and players who have made their country and their club proud during FIBA competitions such as the World Cup.
What is the FIBA Hall of Fame?
The FIBA Hall of Fame is a shrine dedicated to the amazing people who built the foundations of the global sport of basketball from its birth until its accomplished glory today.
