By Alec Millender

Sports Capital Journalism Program

SAN ANTONIO — The Alamodome buzzed with energy as basketball legends gathered for the 2025 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame press conference, a cornerstone event during Final Four weekend. This year’s class honored a wide array of influential figures whose legacies span generations, positions and borders.

The inductees of this year’s class are Dwight Howard, Carmelo Anthony, Billy Donovan, Danny Crawford, Micky Arison and the 2008 U.S Olympic Men’s Basketball Team. Each honoree brought a unique contribution to the game, the stories woven into the fabric of basketball history.

The moment was not limited to San Antonio. Across the country in Tampa, during the Women’s Final Four, legends Sue Bird, Maya Moore, and Sylvia Fowles were also announced as members of the Class of 2025. Each left an indelible mark on the women’s game.

Bird, a four-time WNBA champion with the Seattle Storm, is the league’s all-time leader in assists. A five-time Olympic gold medalist, two-time NCAA champion and 13-time All-Star, Bird’s impact is felt both on and off the court.

Moore, known for her dominance with the Minnesota Lynx, is a four-time WNBA champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist, two-time NCAA champion and the 2014 WNBA MVP. She paused her career to advocate for criminal justice reform, proving her greatness transcends sport.

Fowles, one of the most dominant centers in WNBA history, won two championships, earned four Olympic gold medals, and ranks second all-time in rebounds. A four-time Defensive Player of the Year, Fowles redefined toughness and tenacity.

Back in San Antonio, Howard described the moment as surreal. “It’s basketball heaven,” he said. “I gave 110 percent every time I stepped on the court. When I got the call, it was the best feeling in the world.”

Anthony, a 10-time NBA All-Star and 2003 NCAA champion at Syracuse as a freshman, reflected with humility. “You just play basketball, and then one day you look up and realize what you’ve accomplished,” he said. “I never really had time to sit back and reflect — until now.”

He added, “This is it. It doesn’t get better than this. It’s the greatest accomplishment I’ll ever achieve.”

Donovan, who led the Florida Gators to back-to-back championships in 2006 and 2007, was honored hours before the Gators met Auburn in a national semifinal. “It’s kind of ironic how it all worked out,” he said, smiling.

Donovan, coach of the Chicago Bulls who once led the Oklahoma City Thunder, remembered players, coaches and administrators who all contributed to the success of his teams. “It’s overwhelming and humbling,” he said. “You think about everyone who helped you along the way — family, coaches, teammates. You don’t get into the game for this moment, you do it because you love it.”

Arison, longtime owner of the Miami Heat, emphasized team over individual. “To me, this is a recognition of the Miami Heat organization,” he said. “The players, coaches, staff, this is for them. We built something the city could be proud of.”

Crawford, one of the NBA’s most respected referees, officiated over 2,000 regular season games and 30 NBA Finals, including 23 straight appearances. “This is humbling,” he said. “Referees are supposed to be seen not heard.” He shared a poignant story comparing his quiet retirement to that of Paul Pierce, who retired after the same year and game. He remembered walking off the court to silence while Pierce was showered with cheers. “I did my job, and I went home,” Crawford said. “That was my world—and I was OK with that.”

The 2008 U.S. Olympic Basketball Team—often credited with restoring America’s dominance on the global stage—was also enshrined. Sean Ford, the Men’s National Team Director at USA Basketball, accepted the honor on behalf of the team. “That team was our North Star,” Ford said. “Every U.S. gold medal team since 2008 has included at least one member from that squad.”

Carmelo Anthony, also part of the 2008 “Redeem Team,” spoke about the honor of being recognized as both a team member and an individual. “To say that a part of my journey will also enter with me separately as an individual player, I’m honored,” he said.

Howard acknowledged the challenges of adapting to a changing NBA landscape but expressed pride in every phase of his journey. “I went from being a star to a role player, to the guy bringing energy off the bench,” he said. “All of it led me here. I’m grateful.”

This Hall of Fame class represents excellence across the full spectrum of the sport, from championship players and transformative coaches to influential executives and respected referees. Their stories speak to hard work, perseverance, and an undying love for the game.

In a room filled with greatness, humility remained the through line. As Donovan put it best: “I think when you get into the game of basketball, … I never thought about being inducted into the Hall of Fame. You did it because you loved it.”