USA – Jordan, Robinson and Stockton lead 2009 Class Into Springfield

DETROIT (Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame) - United States 'Dream Team' stars Michael Jordan, David Robinson and John Stockton are in the Class of 2009 for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

The announcement was made on Monday in Detroit, Michigan, where the University of North Carolina and Michigan State were to play later in the day for the NCAA men's title.

Jerry Sloan, the long-time boss of the Utah Jazz who coached Stockton for much of his NBA career, and Rutgers University women's coach C. Vivian Stringer, are also in the class which will be inducted into the Hall of Fame during the enshrinement ceremonies from September 10-12 in Springfield, Massachusetts.

FIBA will announce later this year six inductees for the FIBA Hall of Fame in Alcobendas, Madrid.

All 213 national federations of FIBA are requested to send in nomination forms.

As for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Jordan, Robinson and Stockton were elected in their first year of eligibility.

"It seems like it just ended yesterday," Jordan said of his career.

"But when I look back, it's just been an unbelievable ride with a lot of ups and downs - more ups than downs.

"But we all learn from our downs as well. I went out each and every day to try and perform to the best of my ability, and here I am. I ended up in the Hall of Fame with my friends over here."

Jordan captured gold medals with the United States at the 1984 and 1992 Olympics, and he won six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls.

"I appreciate people recognizing what I've done for the game of basketball," he said.

"There are so many people who have had an influence on me during my career that I can't even name them all."

When asked what the highlight of his career was, Jordan said: "It's tough to try and pick one ..."

He then referred to his freshman year in college when Jordan helped the University of North Carolina beat Georgetown in a thrilling NCAA title showdown in New Orleans.

Jordan made the go-ahead jump shot in that game in the final minute.

"Everything started for me with the University of North Carolina in 1982, hitting that shot kind of propelled me in a confidence standpoint that I belonged on that level and from that point, I just grew," Jordan said.

"I would say for me that would be one of the biggest shots that I've ever made."

Robinson, who attended the U.S. Naval Academy, won gold medals at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics.

He spent his entire NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs, helping them capture two NBA crowns.

Stockton, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, had 15,806 assists and 3,265 steals - both NBA records at his retirement.

Stockton said entering Springfield with Jerry Sloan had special significance for him.

"Anything I can do with Jerry Sloan in my life is a huge bonus for me," Stockton said.

"He's not only been my coach and mentor, but he's become a great friend over the years ... I'm delighted to be able to share this big honor with him."

Sloan is the only coach in NBA history to win over 1,000 games with a single team while compiling a winning percentage of over .600. He led the Jazz to two NBA Finals, 18 play-off appearances.

Stringer has won more than 800 games in her career and currently ranks third on the women's all-time career wins list.

She is the first coach to lead three different schools to the NCAA Final Four including Cheyney State, the University of Iowa and Rutgers University where she is currently.

Stringer is also enshrined at the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

To be elected, finalists need 18 of 24 votes from the Honors Committee for election into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Among the 16 finalists were Russian coaching great Vladimir Kondrashin and Brazilian star Maciel “Ubiratan” Pereira.

FIBA