Ewing, Olajuwon, Riley to Hall-Of-Fame
The NBA will induct a star-studded cast this September, including legends Patrick Ewing, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Pat Riley.
Star power will not be in short supply during the induction ceremonies, included Hakeem Olajuwon, two-time NBA Champion with the Houston Rockets.
Olajuwon, who played for the Houston Rockets his entire career after being drafted by them out of the University of Houston, was the #1 pick, ahead of Michael Jordan coming out of college.
Olajuwon proved to be a dominant pro, a perennial all-star, a terror on both ends of the NBA floor.
Patrick Ewing went head-to-head versus Olajuwon many times during both their college and pro careers.
Ewing beat Olajuwon in college to win the NCAA title while at Georgetown.
Olajuwon returned the favor in the 1994 NBA Finals, with his Rockets beating Ewing's Knicks in a 7-game series.
It is fitting that both giants are to be inducted in the same class.
Ewing's Coach in that Rockets-Knicks series was Pat Riley.
Pat Riley goes to the Hall-Of-Fame on the strength of a tremendous run with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Father of Showtime in the 80's with Magic Johnson leading the parade for the Lakers.
Riley led with a cool and firm hand, juggling big egos during his tenure, including his own.
Riley went on to have a more limited success with the New York Knicks and Miami Heat, leading the Heat to an NBA Title in 2006.
All deserving of the honor, the three represent winning and passion for the game, and that is what the Hall-Of-Fame should be about.
Star power will not be in short supply during the induction ceremonies, included Hakeem Olajuwon, two-time NBA Champion with the Houston Rockets.
Olajuwon, who played for the Houston Rockets his entire career after being drafted by them out of the University of Houston, was the #1 pick, ahead of Michael Jordan coming out of college.
Olajuwon proved to be a dominant pro, a perennial all-star, a terror on both ends of the NBA floor.
Patrick Ewing went head-to-head versus Olajuwon many times during both their college and pro careers.
Ewing beat Olajuwon in college to win the NCAA title while at Georgetown.
Olajuwon returned the favor in the 1994 NBA Finals, with his Rockets beating Ewing's Knicks in a 7-game series.
It is fitting that both giants are to be inducted in the same class.
Ewing's Coach in that Rockets-Knicks series was Pat Riley.
Pat Riley goes to the Hall-Of-Fame on the strength of a tremendous run with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Father of Showtime in the 80's with Magic Johnson leading the parade for the Lakers.
Riley led with a cool and firm hand, juggling big egos during his tenure, including his own.
Riley went on to have a more limited success with the New York Knicks and Miami Heat, leading the Heat to an NBA Title in 2006.
All deserving of the honor, the three represent winning and passion for the game, and that is what the Hall-Of-Fame should be about.
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