This is considered the Pantheon of basketball greatness. Anyone who loves the game dreams of having a place in the hall together with other basketball legends. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, located in the birthplace of basketball, Springfield, Massachusetts, recognizes and honors players, coaches, executives, referees, and other people who have contributed to making basketball one of the greatest sports in the world.

The hall was named after James Naismith, the inventor of basketball. It was established in 1959 by Lee Williams. The first facility opened at Springfield College in Springfield. Aside from preserving and promoting basketball, the hall also serves as the ultimate source of the sport’s history. As of 2010, the hall has inducted 295 people and eight teams. Inside the hall’s building are game gallery, theaters, interactive exhibits, and the ring of honor for the inductees.