NEW YORK, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Naismith Memorial BasketballHall of Fame announce Saturday six players, five coaches and onereferee as finalists from the North American and Women's committeesto be considered for election in 2015.
Eight-time NBA All-Star Dikembe Mutumbo and three-time WNBA MVPLisa Leslie were among the finalists when the Hall of Fameannounced it during the NBA All-Star Weekend here.
Other elite players includes seven-time NBA All-Star Jo JoWhite, five-time NBA All-Star Tim Hardaway, four-time NBA All-StarSpencer Haywood, and three-time NBA All-Star Kevin Johnson.
Two-time College Coach of the Year John Calipari, two-time NBACoach of the Year Bill Fitch, four-time Division III nationalchampion coach Bo Ryan, all-time winningest boys high school coachRobert Hughes, all-time winningest high school coach Leta Andrewsand 39-year NBA referee Dick Bavatta are also on the list.
"The finalists for the Class of 2015 are a group of verydistinguished individuals who have each made a unique impact on thegame of basketball," said Jerry Colangelo, Chairman of the Hall ofFame. "To be recognized as a Finalist is a great achievement in andof itself and each of the Finalists recognized today should be veryproud."
The Class of 2015 will be announced on April 6 in Indianapolisprior to the NCAA Men's Championship game. A finalist needs 18 of24 votes from the Honors Committee for election into the Hall ofFame. Enditem
