Mass. (AP) — Former Seattle Storm star Sue Bird and longtime Gonzaga Bulldogs men’s basketball coach Mark Few have been named first-time nominees for the Basketball Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame announced its list of candidates for the Class of 2025 on Thursday. Among the notable first-time nominees are retired NBA stars Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, and Marc Gasol.
Joining Bird on the women’s side are WNBA legends Maya Moore, Sylvia Fowles, and Chamique Holdsclaw. Other first-time candidates include Few, NBA coaches Doc Rivers and Billy Donovan, Miami Heat managing general partner Micky Arison, and former Iowa women’s coach Lisa Bluder.
Returning Candidates and New Eligibility Rules
Among the returning nominees is the 2008 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team, which featured Anthony.
The Hall of Fame also announced a change to its eligibility rules, reducing the waiting period for player candidates from three full seasons to two. The Hall’s Board of Governors unanimously approved the change.
“To better recognize the distinguished careers of potential first-ballot nominees in a more timely manner, the board has appropriately shortened the waiting period,” said Hall of Fame chairman Jerry Colangelo. “We are excited about this change and believe that honoring individuals while their contributions are still fresh in people’s minds is both meaningful and impactful.”
Next Steps in the Selection Process
Thursday’s announcement marks the beginning of the selection process. Finalists will be named on Feb. 14 during NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco, with the official enshrinement class revealed on April 5 at the men’s NCAA Final Four in San Antonio.
Enshrinement ceremonies are scheduled for Sept. 5 at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut and Sept. 6 at the Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.
According to the Hall, 189 candidates are under consideration across various categories.
