NATIONAL BASKETBALL RETIRED PLAYERS ASSOCIATION TAPS HEARTLENT GROUP TO LEAD NEW VISUAL IDENTITY

Charles Barkley animation: https://twitter.com/NBAalumni/status/1451186255891365889?s=20

(Courtesy NBRPA/HEARTLENT Group)

NATIONAL BASKETBALL RETIRED PLAYERS ASSOCIATION TAPS HEARTLENT GROUP TO LEAD NEW VISUAL IDENTITY

-Newly Designed Brand Enhancement Elements Include Redesigned Logo, Animated Content and Merchandise Designs-

CHICAGO, ILL. October 21, 2021 – The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA), in celebration of its 30th anniversary, is teaming up with sports marketing collective HEARTLENT Group to re-fresh the organization’s visual identity. As part of the partnership, the creative team at HEARTLENT Group, led by managing partner and head of creative Elliot Gerard, is creating new enhancements for the organization, including a new primary logo.

HEARTLENT is also collaborating to design digital content promoting the NBRPA’s Legends Media & Entertainment platforms, including a series of custom animations showcasing previously untold stories about basketball luminaries like Charles Barkley and Alonzo Mourning.

Legends Media & Entertainment (LME), is the multifaceted storytelling platform that is home to Legends Magazine, Legends Live digital series, and the Legends Lounge w/ Trill Withers and Hoop du Jour w/ Peter Vecsey podcasts, that bring the wide-reaching stories of many of the NBA and WNBA’s biggest stars to life. Additionally, HEARTLENT will create unique designs for the NBRPA’s Legends Care initiative, which is the charitable arm of the organization offering programs and services that positively impact youth and communities both locally and globally. This includes a limited-edition Legends Care t-shirt that is available now until November 1 to Legends Care Tip-Off Campaign donors at legendsofbasketball.com/TipOff.

“HEARTLENT Group is the perfect partner to evolve and elevate our brand positioning due to the team's extensive experience in the NBA as well as their genuine love for the game and top creative talent,” said Scott Rochelle, NBRPA President & CEO. “With the growth of Legends Media & Entertainment, the timing is ideal to re-fresh our visual identity and we are pleased to be joining forces with HEARTLENT Group on this endeavor.”

The new logo design incorporates both the history of the NBRPA as well as fresh design elements to display both the physical and cultural aspects of the sport. Utilizing graffiti artwork, the basketball inside the logo includes meaningful imagery like handprints to signify the players who have left their mark on the game, retro sneakers to symbolize the history and culture of basketball, x’s and o’s to stand for what players have accomplished on the court, and much more. A nod to the organization’s three decades of service, the logo also features a three-pointed crown.

“This new re-design of our logo is a fantastic representation of the historical and cultural aspects of the sport of basketball,” said Caron Butler, NBA Legend and NBRPA Board Director. “The design incorporates images that have been prevalent throughout the lives of the brotherhood and sisterhood that make up the NBRPA and highlights the growth and impact of our organization and the Legends brand over the last thirty years.” 

“Our entire team at HEARTLENT Group is thrilled to be working with the NBRPA to showcase the storied organization in a new way while maintaining the utmost respect for its history and the legends of the sport it represents,” said Gerard. “Celebrating athletes is at the core of what HEARTLENT does and we feel honored to take on this important creative work with the NBPRA.”

Founded in 1992, the NBRPA serves former professional basketball players, supporting them in life after their playing days, and helping them to leverage their inspirational influence to promote and teach basketball in their communities.

HEARTLENT Group specializes in digital and social strategy and creative content. Led by managing partners Elliot Gerard, Jonah Ballow and Keith Stoeckeler, the collective utilizes a global creative team and has worked with professional and collegiate sports teams, professional sports leagues, major brands, and political campaigns including Rock the Vote and Biden Harris, among others.

To access a digital file of the new NBRPA logo and select still images from the first Legends Media & Entertainment animation featuring Charles Barkley, click here. To access the animation in its entirety, please follow @NBAAlumni on Twitter.

About the National Basketball Retired Players Association:
The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotters. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Legends Care is the charitable initiative of the NBRPA that positively impacts youth and communities through basketball. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Vice Chairman Dave Cowens, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Thurl Bailey, Caron Butler, Jerome Williams, Shawn Marion, David Naves and Sheryl Swoopes. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.

About HEARTLENT Group

HEARTLENT Group is a digital and social strategy + creative content collective specializing in exceptional storytelling that stands out in today’s digital world. The collective is built from years of sports marketing and creative experience on the professional league, team, and agency sides.  With offices in New York, Los Angeles, Denver, and Connecticut, HEARTLENT Group is focused on the core areas of digital content, animation and illustration, marketing strategy, social campaigns, and video production including broadcast commercials, industrial videos, web and social videos, and motion graphics. Uniquely, HEARTLENT Group collaborates directly with athletes to create innovative content and intellectual property to fuel their brand while maximizing impactful opportunities for revenue-generating sponsorships. For more information, go to www.heartlent.com.

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Media Contacts:
Katrina Younce, HEARTLENT Group, katrina@heartlent.com, 310-995-3619

Julio Manteiga, NBRPA, jmanteiga@legendsofbasketball.com, 516-749-9894

-Former NBA and WNBA Players Begin Their At-Home Rowing Journeys-

Chicago, ILL. August 5, 2021 - The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) today announced a collaboration with Hydrow, Inc. that offers NBRPA Members exclusive access to the luxury, at-home rowing machine and private one-on-one virtual coaching sessions with Hydrow Coaches.  

Hydrow is a state-of-the-art interactive rowing machine that allows users to row on waterways around the world from the comfort of their own homes through Live Outdoor Reality. Hydrow provides a low impact, full-body workout, engaging 86% of the body’s muscles.

“We are very excited to bring Hydrow to NBRPA Members,” said Scott Rochelle, NBRPA President & CEO. “The ability to offer our Legends a one-of-a-kind at-home workout option that exercises the whole body, is great for the heart and easy on the knees was a no-brainer.”

“Working with Legends of Basketball is an incredibly special opportunity for us, as it allows us to support these elite athletes throughout the next chapter in their careers,” said Bruce Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Hydrow, Inc. "Hydrow offers a dynamic, low-impact cardiovascular workout, and the fact that you’re able to work out with others mimics the teamwork these athletes have known their entire lives. We’re proud to be able to work with these players who have given us so much joy throughout their illustrious careers.”

Earlier this year, WNBA Legend Ruth Riley and NBA Legend José Calderón debuted as Hydrow Influencers. Fans can follow along as Riley and Calderón document their Hydrow experiences on their Instagram pages.

Riley recently completed a Hydrow workout with the U.S. Rowing Team. She said, “Nothing like a row with the U.S. Rowing Team to get you into the spirit for Tokyo 2021! I love how Hydrow makes you feel like you are in the boat training with them.”

About the National Basketball Retired Players Association:
The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotters. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Legends Care is the charitable initiative of the NBRPA that positively impacts youth and communities through basketball. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Vice Chairman Dave Cowens, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Thurl Bailey, Caron Butler, Jerome Williams, Shawn Marion, David Naves and Sheryl Swoopes. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.

To follow along with the NBRPA, find them on social media at @NBAalumni on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Twitch or on Facebook at NBA Alumni. 

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CONTACTS:

Julio Manteiga, NBRPA, jmanteiga@legendsofbasketball.com, (516) 749-9894

-Five Undergraduates Attending HBCUs To Receive $10,000 Scholarships-

Chicago, ILL. July 19, 2021 - The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) today announced the 2021-2022 recipients of the Legends HBCU Scholarship, making them the inaugural class of Legends Scholars.

The five Legends Scholars are: 

  • Damon Germaine Bryan Jr, South Carolina State University, Class of 2022
  • Saniya Keeton, Tuskegee University, Class of 2023
  • Tyrell Miller-Johnson, Central State University, Class of 2023
  • Erin Foster, Spelman College, Class of 2024
  • Jayla Imani Thornton, North Carolina A&T State University, Class of 2024

“These five outstanding young people were selected from nearly 1,000 HBCU students in recognition of their academic excellence and commitment to making a positive impact in the world,” said Scott Rochelle, NBRPA President & CEO. “We are extremely encouraged by how high our “Starting Five” have set the bar for future Legends Scholars classes and are excited to welcome these Legends Scholars into our Legends family, providing them support and resources during their collegiate career and beyond.”

The five Legends Scholars will receive a $10,000 academic scholarship from the NBRPA for the 2021-2022 school year. In addition to addressing the financial needs of Legends Scholars, a comprehensive scholars program will assist Legends Scholars in the areas of career preparation and development, job placement and mentoring both during and after their undergraduate years.

The Legends HBCU Scholarship and Legends Scholars program were created in 2020 under the NBRPA’s Legends Care initiative as a way to honor the rich history of HBCUs and their alums while moving the legacy forward by supporting current HBCU undergraduates.

To learn more about the Legends HBCU Scholarship and Legends Scholars program, visit legendsofbasketball.com/HBCU.

About the National Basketball Retired Players Association:
The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotters. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Legends Care is the charitable initiative of the NBRPA that positively impacts youth and communities through basketball. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Vice Chairman Dave Cowens, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Thurl Bailey, Caron Butler, Jerome Williams, Shawn Marion, David Naves and Sheryl Swoopes. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.

To follow along with the NBRPA, find them on social media at @NBAalumni on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Twitch or on Facebook at NBA Alumni. 

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CONTACTS:

Julio Manteiga, NBRPA, jmanteiga@legendsofbasketball.com, (516) 749-9894

- Legends Lounge with Trill Withers to Debut During the NBA Finals Bringing Fans Stories Directly from Some of the Game’s Biggest and Most Outspoken Legends -

- Debut Episodes to Feature NBA Legends Vernon Maxwell, Rex Chapman and Detlef Schrempf -

Chicago, ILL. July 8, 2021 - The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) announced today that the Legends Lounge with Trill Withers podcast will join Legends Media & Entertainment’s Legends Studios original content portfolio beginning on July 8.  Legends Lounge with Trill Withers will join fan favorites such as the Legends Live digital series and the Hoop du Jour with Peter Vecsey podcast and blog, bringing fans original and unfiltered stories directly from some of the NBA and WNBA’s most outspoken and recognizable Legends.

Tipping off on July 8, the first three episodes will feature such notable NBA Legends as two-time NBA champion Vernon Maxwell, twelve-year NBA vet, social media influencer and host of the “Rex Chapman Show” podcast – Rex Chapman, and three-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year – Detlef Schrempf.  

“We are thrilled to be able to provide a forum for our Legends and to see the continued success and growth of Legends Media & Entertainment and Legends Studios as a result of that access,” said Scott Rochelle, President and CEO, NBRPA.  “These stories and recollections, coupled with Trill’s enigmatic personality and reach are key reasons for our success and our Legends’ unfiltered and genuine stories will undoubtedly provide fans with some amazing entertainment.”

Launched in August 2020, Legends Media & Entertainment (LME) is the NBRPA’s multifaceted story-telling platform producing, distributing and quantifying the wide-reaching stories of many of the NBA and WNBA’s biggest stars, spanning various eras in basketball history.

Fans can follow the Legends Lounge with Trill Withers podcast, as well as all LME content, on social media at @NBAalumni and @NBALgndsLounge on Twitter, @NBAAlumni on Instagram, on Facebook at NBA Alumni or at legendsofbasketball.com.  The Legends Lounge with Trill Withers podcast is available on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever fans get their podcasts by searching “Legends Lounge.”  

Trill Withers (Tyler Johnson) is a graduate of the University of Kentucky (Go Cats!) and lives in the Atlanta area. When he’s not tweeting, he enjoys live sporting events, traveling and thinking about when he can tweet next.

About the National Basketball Retired Players Association:
The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotters. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Legends Care is the charitable initiative of the NBRPA that positively impacts youth and communities through basketball. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Vice Chairman Dave Cowens, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Thurl Bailey, Caron Butler, Jerome Williams, Shawn Marion, David Naves and Sheryl Swoopes. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.

To follow along with the NBRPA, find them on social media at @NBAalumni on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Twitch or on Facebook at NBA Alumni. 

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CONTACTS:

Julio Manteiga, NBRPA, jmanteiga@legendsofbasketball.com, (516) 749-9894

- Legends Locker Room App to Provide Secure Destination for All NBRPA Members to Interact and Access Exclusive Content -

Chicago, ILL. May 5, 2021 - The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) today launched its most innovating initiative in providing an exclusive private community for all NBRPA members to communicate and interact.  NBRPA membership will have access to the “Legends Locker Room” app, where they will have exposure to exclusive content, member-to-member communication, NBRPA programming, event information, commerce opportunities, career development resources and additional benefits to assist in their post-playing careers. 

With the creation of the “Legends Locker Room” app, the NBRPA is able to provide an all-inclusive destination for basketball’s biggest stars to securely interact with each other via forums and direct messaging, publish player generated content, receive real-time updates, browse player profiles, and access all Legends Media & Entertainment (LME) content.  LME is the NBRPA’s multifaceted story-telling platform producing, distributing and quantifying the wide-reaching stories of many of the NBA and WNBA’s biggest stars that was launched in August and has seen record growth since launch.

“We are extremely excited to be able to bring the “Legends Locker Room” app to life and to provide a one-stop communications platform for our over 1,300 members to utilize,” said Scott Rochelle, President and CEO of the National Basketball Retired Players Association.  “This app enforces our commitment to provide our members with the best post-playing career support system and grant them access to a secure forum to network with our extended basketball family, explore career and business opportunities, generate, consume and share content and keep up to date with real-time updates on all NBRPA news, initiatives and events.” 

In addition to accessing content and NBRPA updates, members will also be able to access health insurance updates, health and wellness programs, Symplicity career opportunities, scholarship resources, member grant programming, appearance opportunities, event information – including registration/transportation assistance and augmented reality options, for players that cannot attend in person, sponsorship and business opportunities as well as branded content from sponsors. 

The “Legends Locker Room” app was created using technology from TopFan - an end-to-end technology platform for building highly engaged user communities and direct to consumer businesses that has been utilized by such entertainment entities as Warner Bros., MGM, Lionsgate, Maroon5, Zac Brown Band, the Denver Broncos, the MLB Players Association and the NFL Players Association among others. 

About the National Basketball Retired Players Association:
The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotters. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Legends Care is the charitable initiative of the NBRPA that positively impacts youth and communities through basketball. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Vice Chairman Dave Cowens, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Thurl Bailey, Caron Butler, Jerome Williams, Shawn Marion, David Naves and Sheryl Swoopes. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.

To follow along with the NBRPA, find them on social media at @NBAalumni on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Twitch or on Facebook at NBA Alumni.

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CONTACT:

Julio Manteiga, NBRPA, (516) 749-9894, jmanteiga@legendsofbasketball.com

NBRPA ANNOUNCES LEGENDS HBCU SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

$10,000 Scholarships Available to Eligible Undergraduates Attending HBCUs

Chicago, ILL. March 25, 2021 - The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) today announced the launch of the Legends HBCU Scholarship – a scholarship fund and scholars program for undergraduate students attending HBCUs across the country.  The Legends HBCU Scholarship is the latest program from the NBRPA’s Legends Care initiative and will become an integral component of the NBRPA’s mission and scope of influence for years to come.  Legends Scholars will receive a $10,000 scholarship in recognition of their academic excellence and desire to make a positive and purposeful impact in the world.

“As a second generation HBCU graduate, this program is much more than a scholarship.  The Legends HBCU Scholarship program will help us build upon our efforts to provide support for HBCU institutions and amplify the crucial role they play in our communities,” said Scott Rochelle, NBRPA President & CEO.  “We are extremely proud and honored to help ensure that these extraordinary college students have access to the substantial and multifaceted resources offered through our Legends Scholars program during their collegiate career and beyond.”

“There is a rich history of HBCUs and their alums contributing to our society,” said Grant Hill, NBRPA Board Secretary, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee (Class of 2018) and HBCU Legends Scholarship Review Committee Member.  “It is an honor and a privilege to be able to use our platform to create this legacy program and assist in developing future global leaders.”

In addition to addressing the financial needs of Legends Scholars, a comprehensive scholars program will assist Legends Scholars in the areas of career preparation and development, job placement and mentoring both during and after their undergraduate years. Specifically, through the Legends Scholars program, Legends Scholars will receive:

  • Membership to the NBRPA's Legends Scholars job board
  • Access to internship/employment opportunities within the sports industry and/or with companies that are owned and operated by NBRPA Legends.
  • During their scholarship year, Legends Scholars will receive complimentary access, travel and lodging to the NBRPA’s annual Legends Conference.
  • During their senior year, Legends Scholars will take part in a complimentary career development session.
  • Upon graduating from an HBCU, Legends Scholars will enter the Legends Scholars Mentoring Program.

The 2021 Legends HBCU Scholarship application will open on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at legendsofbasketball.com/HBCU. Current undergraduates attending HBCUs will have the opportunity to apply until 11:59pm CST on Friday, May 14, 2021.

About the National Basketball Retired Players Association:
The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotters. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Legends Care is the charitable initiative of the NBRPA that positively impacts youth and communities through basketball. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Vice Chairman Dave Cowens, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Thurl Bailey, Caron Butler, Jerome Williams, Shawn Marion, David Naves and Sheryl Swoopes. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.

To follow along with the NBRPA, find them on social media at @NBAalumni on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Twitch or on Facebook at NBA Alumni. 

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CONTACTS:

Julio Manteiga, NBRPA, jmanteiga@legendsofbasketball.com, (516) 749-9894

NBRPA TO ENHANCE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES EFFORTS WITH TECHNOLOGY FROM CAREER SERVICES MANAGER BY SYMPLICITY

Chicago, ILL. Jan. 21, 2021 - The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) today launched its latest and most encompassing initiative in providing professional services to its members by teaming up with Career Services Manager (CSM) by Symplicity.  CSM will provide, exclusively to NBRPA members that are looking for the next step in their post-playing careers, access to CSM’s extensive resources to browse for career advancement opportunities, upload resumes, keep in touch with recruiters and have access to over 1,200 institutions, commercial entities, and organizations across the world.

Symplicity’s CSM services have been utilized by over 11 million users, including similar peer organizations such as the NFL Player Care Foundation, Divergence Academy, the Flatiron School, Women who Code and more. In addition, the NBRPA is also partnering with AthLife to provide resume assistance to former players that register for the services. 

“We are elated to team up with Symplicty and utilize their innovative technology and extensive network to provide our membership best in class professional services,” said NBRPA President & CEO Scott Rochelle. “Our unwavering focus is to support our membership in life after their playing days, and help leverage their inspirational influence, on-court experience and dedication to excellence into long lasting, success in the modern business world.”   

About the National Basketball Retired Players Association:
The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotters. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Legends Care is the charitable initiative of the NBRPA that positively impacts youth and communities through basketball. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Thurl Bailey, Caron Butler, Jerome Williams, Dave Cowens, Shawn Marion, David Naves and Sheryl Swoopes. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com. To follow along with the NBRPA on social media, find at @NBAalumni on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Twitch or on Facebook at NBA Alumni.

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CONTACT:

Julio Manteiga, NBRPA, (516)749-9894, jmanteiga@legendsofbasketball.com

Ann Meyers Drysdale | Phoenix Mercury and Suns;

Joe Caldwell | Former ASU Basketball Star;

Paul Westphal | Former Phoenix Suns Star & Coach

CHICAGO, IL (September, 11, 2020) — On Tuesday, September 8, Paul Westphal (Naismith Basketball HOF’19, former Phoenix Suns star and coach), Ann Meyers Drysdale (HOF’13 Inductee, Phoenix Mercury and Suns executive), and Joe Caldwell (former Arizona State University basketball star) were elected to the 2020 Arizona Sports Hall of Fame class.  The Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission (ASEC) announced the 2020 class, featuring three basketball standouts, among the seven total inductees.

Nikki Balich-Cammarata, who serves as the ASEC Executive Director issued the following statement in the official 2020 Arizona Sports Hall of Fame press release:

“Arizona has a rich sports tradition, and this Arizona Sports Hall of Fame class exemplifies that tradition perfectly…Each of these individuals has played an important role in shaping our state’s sports history.”

Westphal, Meyers Drysdale, and Caldwell, whose contributions are highlighted below, join the following AZ Sports Hall of Fame Members:

Dick Van Arsdale (1981); Alvan Adams (1988); Jerry Colangelo (2002); Sean Elliott (2010); Fat Lever (2013); Charles Barkley (2015); Dan Majerle (2017); Tom Chambers (2019).

Paul Westphal: “The No. 8 scorer in Phoenix Suns history, Westphal played a key role on the franchise’s two NBA Finals teams. He was a star guard on the underdog team that reached the 1976 NBA Finals and then coached the Suns to the 1993 NBA Finals. With his dazzling moves and elite skills, “Westy” won the hearts of the first generation of Suns fans, and his No. 44 was retired by the team in 1989. After the Suns fell behind the Los Angeles Lakers two games to none in a best-of-five series in the 1993 playoffs, Westphal famously guaranteed that his team would rally to win the series – which it did, extending a run that ended in Game 6 of the Finals. Westphal also led Grand Canyon University to the 1988 NAIA national title. Westphal is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.” - ASEC

Ann Meyers Drysdale: “A basketball pioneer, Ann Meyers Drysdale came to Phoenix as the General Manager of the Phoenix Mercury and Vice President of the Phoenix Suns. Meyers Drysdale played a role in all three of the Mercury’s WNBA titles. Meyers Drysdale now serves the Mercury and Suns as a Vice President and broadcaster. Meyers Drysdale made history when she became the first woman to receive a Division I athletics scholarship, from UCLA. She became a four-time All-American and led the Bruins to their only women’s national title in 1978. Meyers Drysdale was the first draft pick of the Women’s Professional Basketball League, the nation’s first women’s pro league and a forerunner to the WNBA and earned co-MVP in 1979-80. She later became the first woman to sign an NBA contract, trying out for the Indiana Pacers in 1980.” - ASEC

Jumpin’ Joe Caldwell: “Caldwell, nicknamed “Jumpin’ Joe,” set the career scoring record at ASU with 1,515 points (18.2 per game) and is the school’s No. 2 all-time rebounder with 929 (11.2 per game). Caldwell led the Sun Devils to the NCAA tournament in his three varsity seasons – 1962-64. Caldwell was team captain all three years and MVP in 1963 and 1964, and the school retired his No. 32 in 2010. He won a gold medal with the 1964 U.S. men’s basketball team in Tokyo. Caldwell spent six seasons in the NBA and five in the ABA, earning All-Star honors twice in each league.” - ASEC

Every year, the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame honors athletes, coaches, administrators, and others who have made significant contributions to Arizona sports.  The 2020 class was selected by a vote of trustees and the public.  An honorary ceremony will take place on April 23, 2021, during the Crest Insurance Group Arizona Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

A qualifying candidate can: (1) be from Arizona, or (2) must have lived in Arizona and is recognized as an Arizonan.  Additionally, they must have left a tangible mark on the Arizona athletics community, generating two or more significant contributions to sport.

For more information on the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, or to purchase tickets to the induction ceremony, please visit www.azsportshof.com.

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Media Contact:

NBRPA Member Alert • 312-913-9400 • memberalert@legendsofbasketball.com

About the National Basketball Retired Players Association:

The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotters. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Legends Care is the charitable initiative of the NBRPA that positively impacts youth and communities through basketball. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Vice Chairman Jerome Williams, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Thurl Bailey, Caron Butler, Dave Cowens, Shawn Marion, David Naves and Sheryl Swoopes. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.

About the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame: The Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission owns the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, which was founded in 1957 by the Phoenix Press Box Association. The Hall of Fame honors athletes, coaches, administrators and others who have made significant contributions to Arizona sports. To be eligible for the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, an individual must meet one of three criteria: a native of Arizona; immediately recognized as an Arizonan; have made at least two significant contributions to the athletics community in Arizona. For more information on the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, or to purchase tickets to the induction ceremony, please visit www.azsportshof.com.

About the Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission: The Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission (ASEC) is a non-profit organization created in 1988. The Commission collaborates with hundreds of partners to help fulfill the mission of bringing national and international sporting events to the state; assisting in the promotion of existing events and Arizona sports teams; providing volunteer recruitment and organization for large-scale sporting events; and developing youth sports programs. In 2009, it assumed oversight of the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2012, the Grand Canyon State Games. ASEC was the founding organization and owner of the 2015 NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl. For more information about the Commission call 480.517.9700 or visit www.azsportsent.com.

New Expanded Multimedia Platform to Showcase the Stories, Successes, Lessons and Personalities of NBA and WNBA Legends

Chicago, ILL. (August 25, 2020) – The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) today announced the expansion and launch of Legends Media & Entertainment (LME), a multifaceted storytelling platform that will produce, distribute and quantify the wide reaching stories of many of the NBA and WNBA’s biggest stars. The content will span the history of both leagues and feature more recent alums of the game ranging from Sheryl Swoopes and Grant Hill to the sport’s greatest legends and business successes on and off the court, delivered through all forms of media, from print and spoken word to long and short form video.

The NBRPA represents over 1,000 former NBA and WNBA players, making it the largest agency of its kind in basketball. This has allowed for direct access to players for opportunities domestically and internationally.

“With the creation of LME, we are building a multimedia platform for some of the most compelling men and women connected to basketball’s history and culture under one umbrella, something which has been asked for, and needed for some time,” said NBRPA President and CEO Scott Rochelle. “LME will be a vibrant stop for fans, businesses and others who want to enjoy, learn and explore the amazing stories of our Legends both on and off the court. These stories are some of the best in the global business of sport, and now we can house them under one impactful roof.”

NBA Champion and NBRPA Director Caron Butler adds, “Every NBA and WNBA player has a story to tell and Legends Media & Entertainment offers ALL Legends a platform to tell their stories and let their voices be heard.”

Some of the key unified elements of LME will include:

Legends Magazine which debuted in 2018 and is the official publication for NBA and WNBA Legends. Produced quarterly, Legends Magazine has featured cover stories about NBRPA Director Caron Butler, Jerry Stackhouse, Elton Brand, Jamal Mashburn and “The Knuckleheads” – Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles. Each issue is delivered to all former players, active players, coaches, stakeholders, influencers and league officials worldwide.

Legends Studios also debuted in 2018 with the launch of original live-action and animated short videos and two podcasts, the All-Access Legends Podcast and On Deck with Scott Rochelle. In April 2020, Legends Live, a weekly web series broadcasted to multiple social media platforms featuring live conversations with NBA and WNBA Legends, was added to the Legends Studios portfolio. In addition to 32 standard episodes, Legends Live also covered the 2020 WNBA Draft and ESPN’s The Last Dance with live commentary from Legends. Last week, media personality Tyler Johnson, aka Trill Withers, joined the LME team as host of Legends Live, where he will spend time with many of the game’s most successful and dynamic personalities and business people. Johnson will also be a key contributor to Legends Magazine, the All-Access Legends Podcast and the NBRPA’s social media strategy and content.

To follow along with LME content from the NBRPA, find them on social media at @NBAalumni on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Twitch or on Facebook at NBA Alumni.

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Media Contact:

Joe Favorito • 917-566-8345 • joefavorito2@gmail.com

About the National Basketball Retired Players Association:

The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotters. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Legends Care is the charitable initiative of the NBRPA that positively impacts youth and communities through basketball. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Vice Chairman Jerome Williams, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Thurl Bailey, Caron Butler, Dave Cowens, Shawn Marion, David Naves and Sheryl Swoopes. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.