“Women Veterans” Added to Direct-Elect Categories to Honor Historical Greats

SPRINGFIELD, MA – Today, December 21st, marks the Birthday of Basketball – the game that was invented by Dr. James Naismith in Springfield, Massachusetts and has grown into an international pastime. As part of the celebration of this momentous day, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has announced the eligible candidates for the Class of 2019, including the addition of a new direct-elect category for Women Veterans.

The Women Veterans direct-elect committee aims to recognize the historical greats of the women’s game who may be overshadowed by those in the contemporary women’s game, such as nominees from the WNBA or the present-day college game. Those considered must be retired from the game for 35 years or more and may be a player, coach, contributor or team. Direct-elect committees were developed by the Hall’s Board of Governors to ensure the election process is fair and equitable to all constituencies. Longstanding direct-elect categories still in consideration include Early African-American Pioneers, International, Contributors and Men Veterans.

A first look at the list of eligible nominees was provided by The Jump on ESPN2, hosted by Rachel Nichols, Byron Scott and Brian Windhorst. A complete list of eligible candidates can be found below.

A press conference announcing the Finalists from the North American and Women’s committee for the Class of 2019 will be held during NBA All-Star Weekend, which is scheduled for Friday, February 15th in Charlotte, North Carolina. The entire Class of 2019, including those selected by the direct elect committees, will be unveiled during the NCAA Final Four in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Enshrinement festivities will take place in Springfield, Mass., September 5-7, 2019. Tickets for the various Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2019 Enshrinement events are on sale as of noon eastern time on www.hoophall.com.

About the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame: Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was born, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving and celebrating the game of basketball at every level – men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches and contributors, both domestically and internationally. The Hall of Fame museum is home to more than 400 inductees and over 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Nearly 200,000 people visit the Hall of Fame museum each year to learn about the game, experience the interactive exhibits and test their skills on the Jerry Colangelo "Court of Dreams." Best known for its annual marquee Enshrinement Ceremony honoring the game’s elite, the Hall of Fame also operates over 70 high school and collegiate competitions annually throughout the country and abroad. For more information on the Basketball Hall of Fame organization, its museum and events, visit www.hoophall.com, follow @hoophall #19HoopClass or call 1-877-4HOOPLA.

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2019 Ballot

* Indicates First-Time Nominee