Inductions to Swell Ranks of New England Basketball Hall of Fame

More than 140 teams and individuals have been named to the New England Basketball Hall of Fame, which will hold its second induction ceremony on Sept. 19 at the University of Rhode Island’s Ryan Center.

Notable selections include: Present and former National Basketball Association stars Travis Best (Springfield Commerce High), Caron Butler (Maine Central Institute), Mike Gminski (Masuk High School), Joe Hassett (La Salle Academy), the late Reggie Lewis (Northeastern University), Marvin Barnes (Providence College), Tony Lavelli (Somerville High School), Togo Palazzi (Holy Cross) and Lenny Wilkens (Providence College). WNBA stars Jen Rizzotti and Sue Bird, both from the University of Connecticut. Coaches Hugh Greer (Connecticut), George Blaney (Holy Cross), Buster Sheary (Holy Cross), Rick Pitino (Providence College), Paula Sullivan (Stonehill) and Cathy Inglese (Boston College/Vermont).

The all-day induction celebration will begin with a celebrity golf tournament at 9 a.m. at Beaver River Country Club in Richmond. Induction activities will begin with a cocktail reception at the Institute for International Sport at URI before moving to the Ryan Center for the dinner reception, silent auction and induction ceremony.

RHODE ISLAND INDUCTEES

Individuals

Abdul Abdullah, CCRI; Jimmy Adams, Central High coach; Marvin Barnes, PC; Christina Batastini, Classical High; Chris Clark, media; Joe Conley, St. Xavier/Cranston East coach; Tom Garrick, West Warwick High; Joe Hassett, La Salle; Stan Modelwevski, URI; Shannon Perry, La Salle; Rick Pitino, PC coach; Bill Reynolds, media; Rick Santos, CCRI; Lenny Wilkens, PC.

Teams

Ponaganset High, 1996 girls state champions; Rogers High, 1925 state and New England boys champions.

Special to the Journal The Providence Journal. Providence, RI.: Jul 18, 2003