Kobe among eight 2020 finalists
Legend’s tragic death has instant impact on Hall of Fame selections as he likely to join ranks of immortals
>> LOS ANGELES: Five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers legend killed last month in a helicopter crash, was among eight finalists named on Friday for 2020 induction to the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Bryant, an 18-time NBA All-Star in his first year of eligibility, is considered a certainty to join the ranks of the sport’s immortals by being enshrined at the honour shrine in Springfield, Massachusetts.
The announcement of Hall of Fame inductees will be on April 4 in Atlanta at the US college “Final Four” with 18 of 24 votes from the Honours Committee needed to join the select list.
Enshrinement will take place at ceremonies in Springfield from Aug 28-30.
Other first-time finalists include 15-time NBA All-Star and threetime NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Tim Duncan, 15-time NBA All-Star and nine-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection Kevin Garnett and 10-time Women’s NBA All-Star and four-time Olympic champion Tamika Catchings.
Prior finalists with another chance include US college coaches Kim Mulkey, Barbara Stevens, Eddie Sutton and twotime NBA champion coach Rudy Tomjanovich.
Bryant’s tragic death at age 41, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others, has had an impact on the Hall of Fame selections.
“We knew this class had the potential of being one of the most historic of all time,” said Hall of Fame chairman Jerry Colangelo.
“The untimely passing of Kobe Bryant has left us in a state of reflective mourning and we’re proud to honour his legacy while also recognising seven other individuals who have meant so much to our game.
“We congratulate our finalists and those who have supported them on their journeys and we look forward to revealing the Class of 2020 at the Final Four in Atlanta.”
While an international committee selection will also be enshrined this year, other direct election categories involving pioneers and contributors have been suspended for 2020.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
The Los Angeles Lakers opened registration on Friday for anybody wishing to purchase tickets to attend the Feb 24 memorial service in honour of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna at Staples Center.
Titled “Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant,” the ceremony will have three price tiers: the first at US$224 per ticket, the second at two tickets for $224 and a third tier at $24.02 each.
Bryant wore No.24 for part of his playing days, while 13-yearold Gianna wore No.2 on the youth team that her father helped coach.
Kobe and Gianna Bryant were killed, along with seven others, in a Jan 26 helicopter crash in Calabasas as they were en route to a youth basketball game.
Registration for the Bryants’ memorial service will continue until tomorrow at 10pm PST by using Ticketmaster Verified Fan. If ticket demand exceeds supply, those requesting to purchase tickets will be selected at random to participate in the public sale.
Tickets will be released for public sale on Wednesday, with a personal access code needed to make a purchase. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.