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It was a great honor to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. I felt proud and humbled to be included with the people who had already been enshrined in Springfield, Mass.
After working in the game for as long as I had, including 20 years as an NBA head coach, it was very satisfying to get that type of recognition. I thoroughly enjoyed the Hall of Fame experience.
Although I don't place much importance on personal honors, reaching the Hall of Fame is the epitome of your profession. I received the honor at a dinner, and about 1,000 people came to the event. The day of the event, my family and friends came and enjoyed the benefits of the Hall of Fame. The occasion turned into somewhat of a family reunion.
I don't remember exactly what I said during my induction speech, but I remember thanking everybody. I couldn't have made the Hall of Fame without a lot of good fortune associated with where I worked, the job opportunities and the players I coached. The players are really the ones who get you there.
Before my induction in 1992, I had been nominated, but never elected. Although I was hoping to be inducted, your election is never a sure thing. Until you are elected, you never know if or when you will be elected. I was very delighted when the Hall's executive director called me with the news.
I wouldn't have gotten to the Hall of Fame without winning the NBA championship in Portland. Although I had been general manager of Philadelphia's championship team in 1967, that's not the same. A GM doesn't have the same involvement and doesn't feel the same sense of accomplishment as a coach.
The 1977 NBA title was the epitome of my life in basketball. Whatever else happened after that I just had to accept. As great an honor as the Hall of Fame is, it was not quite the same as winning the NBA championship.
Dr. Jack Ramsay is a pro basketball analyst for ESPN and ESPN Radio | |
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