Johnny Hoops Gets Call to NYC Hall
MSG's John Andariese to Be Inducted Into NYC Basketball Hall of Fame
by: MSG.com
The Official Press Release from the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame:
Gail Marquis, a member of the United States 1976 Women's Olympic basketball team that won Silver (Second Place) at the games in Montreal, Canada, will be inducted into the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame on September 24 at the New York Athletic Club. Gail, who played at Queens College, will become the third woman inducted into the prestigious NYC Basketball Hall of Fame.
Zelda Spoelstra, "The First Lady of the NBA" was the first woman inducted into the NYC Hall and was a member of the charter class of inductees in 1990. That class included charter members Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Red Auerbach, Clair Bee, Bob Cousy, Billy Cunningham, Pop Gates, Connie Hawkins, Dick McGuire, Holcombe Rucker and Adolph Schayes.
Gail will join her 1976 Olympic games teammate, Nancy Lieberman, who in 1993, became the second woman to be inducted into the NYC Basketball Hall of Fame. "It hasn't sunk in yet," said a glowing Gail.
John Crawford, who starred at Printing High School and was a three-time all-conference performer at Iowa State, enters the Hall. He was among the all-time greats in the Eastern Pro League for many years.
Billy Schaefer, from St. John's University and a three-time all-CHSSA selection, joins the 2009 class.
John Kresse, a former Lou Carnesecca assistant who enjoyed a record-setting 24-year career at the College of Charleston, was selected in the coaching ranks, while Madison Square Garden's John Andariese will be inducted as a "Contributor" to the Game of Basketball.
Spencer Ross, the nationally-known Play-by-Play announcer who has called virtually every sport known to man and a long-time Madison Square fixture, will receive the NYC Basketball Hall of Fame Trustees Award, the highest honor one can receive from the organization as a non-player or coach.
Reaction to Johnny Hoops' Pending Induction
Mike Breen:
"There is no one more deserving of this honor than our man John. He has been the perfect ambassador of basketball in NY for well over three decades. Congratulations John."
Al Trautwig:
John, congratulations on this well-deserved honor. One of the great traditions of basketball is to name a Mister of the sport. Now let everyone learn that you have been and will always be Mr. Basketball of New York! It has been an honor to stand with you on the court at the World's Most Famous Arena for 20 years knowing we were continuing your coverage of the Knicks for almost twice that time. Johnny Hoops 2009 completes the Hall of Fame."
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