The 2025 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame finalists were announced, featuring prominent figures in basketball history. Among the most notable nominees are Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard, both of whom played key roles in the 2008 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team that won a gold medal.
This team, often referred to as the “Redeem Team,” restored Team USA’s dominance after disappointing performances in previous international competitions. Joining them in the nomination list are legendary women’s basketball players Sue Bird, Maya Moore, and Sylvia Fowles, along with accomplished coaches Billy Donovan and Mark Few.
Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard’s Legacy
Carmelo Anthony, a 10-time NBA All-Star, ranks 10th on the league’s all-time scoring list with 28,289 points. His contributions extend beyond the NBA, as he led Syracuse to an NCAA national championship in 2003. Dwight Howard, a dominant force in the NBA, won three consecutive
Defensive Player of the Year awards from 2009 to 2011. He played a pivotal role in leading the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009 and later won an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. Both players have left a lasting impact on the sport through their individual and team accomplishments.
The 2008 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team was instrumental in re-establishing the country’s dominance in the sport. After failing to secure a gold medal in the 2004 Olympics and struggling in the 2002 and 2006 world championships, Team USA made a strong comeback in 2008.
The team, assembled by Hall of Fame chairman Jerry Colangelo, featured a star-studded lineup, including Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Jason Kidd, and Chris Paul. Their gold medal victory cemented their place in basketball history, making their members strong candidates for Hall of Fame induction.
Women’s Basketball Icons and Coaching Excellence
Sue Bird and Maya Moore both won multiple championships at the collegiate and professional levels. Bird secured two NCAA titles at UConn and four WNBA championships with the Seattle Storm, solidifying her reputation as one of the best point guards in women’s basketball history.
Moore, who also won two NCAA titles and four WNBA championships, retired early to focus on criminal justice reform. Sylvia Fowles, a dominant center, led LSU to four Final Four appearances and won multiple WNBA titles. Meanwhile, Billy Donovan and Mark Few have significantly impacted college basketball. Donovan led Florida to back-to-back NCAA championships, while Few turned Gonzaga into a national powerhouse, leading them to multiple NCAA tournament appearances.
Other notable finalists include longtime NBA referee Danny Crawford, five-time All-Star Marques Johnson, and former WNBA star Jennifer Azzi, among others. The final round of the selection process will involve a panel of 24 anonymous voters, with candidates needing at least 18 votes to be inducted.
The official announcement of the 2025 Hall of Fame class will take place on April 5 in San Antonio during the NCAA Men’s Final Four. The enshrinement ceremony is scheduled for September 5-6, marking a prestigious moment for the inductees and the basketball community.