Shaq, Iverson among finalists for 2016 Basketball Hall of Fame class

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Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson were among the 14 names announced as finalists for the 2016 Basketball Hall of Fame class on Friday afternoon.

The finalists for basketball’s highest distinction include:

Shaquille O’Neal
Allen Iverson
Kevin Johnson
Sheryl Swoopes
Eddie Sutton (coach)
Bo Ryan (coach)
Tom Izzo (coach)
John McLendon (coach)
Muffett McGraw (coach)
Robert Hughes (coach)
Darrell Garretson (official)
Leta Andrews (coach)
Charles “Lefty” Driesell (coach)
1954-58 Wayland Baptist University

O’Neal spent 19 seasons in the league from 1992-2011, most notably with the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, and Miami Heat. He won four NBA championships, three Finals MVPs, made 15 All-Star teams, eight All-NBA First Teams, and is a member of the NBA’s 50th Anniversary team.

Iverson was selected first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1996, leading the franchise to six postseason appearances and a trip to the NBA Finals in 2001. Revered as perhaps the most dominant little man in NBA history, Iverson won four scoring titles during his illustrious career, averaging 26.7 in 914 games.

“I’m a product of Michael Jordan, Isiah Thomas, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley … all the guys that paved the way for us,” Iverson said at the announcement Friday in Toronto.

Notable names who weren’t named finalists as players from the North American committee include Tim Hardaway, Chris Webber, and Mark Aguirre.

The final enshrinees will be announced on April 4 during the NCAA’s Final Four in Houston.

Drake & Kevin Hart Coaches For NBA All-Star Celebrity Game

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The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today that Grammy® Award-winning artist and Toronto Raptors Global Ambassador Drake and four-time NBA All-Star Celebrity Game MVP and actor Kevin Hart will face off as head coaches of the Canada and USA teams, respectively, at NBA All-Star Celebrity Game 2016 on Friday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m. ET. The game will air live from Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto on ESPN in the U.S. and on Sportsnet ONE and TSN in Canada.

Drake will be joined on the sidelines by two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash and Toronto Blue Jays All-Star right fielder José Bautista. Canada’s team will feature Stephan James (“Race”); Arcade Fire’s Win Butler; Drew and Jonathan Scott (W Network’s “Property Brothers”); professional tennis player Milos Raonic; actor and singer Kris Wu; seven-time NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady; NBA TV analyst Rick Fox; and Natalie Achonwa of the Indiana Fever and Canada Women’s National Team.

Hart’s USA team will include Jason Sudeikis (“Race”); Michael B. Jordan (“Creed”); Anthony Anderson (ABC’s “blackish”); Bryshere “Yazz” Gray (FOX’s “Empire”); Nick Cannon (“America’s Got Talent”); five-time NBA All-Star and ESPN analyst Chauncey Billups; NBA legend Muggsy Bogues; Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry; and WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne of the Chicago Sky.

For the 12th consecutive year, ESPN will televise the game beginning at 7 p.m. ET. Fans can also view the game on WatchESPN, available on your computer, smart phone, tablet, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Apple TV and Roku. The game rosters are subject to change without notice. Visit NBA.com/allstar2016 for more information.

Sportsnet and TSN television networks will simulcast NBA All-Star 2016 broadcasts in Canada, in association with Turner Sports’ exclusive coverage on TNT in the United States and ESPN’s coverage of the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game. This marks the first time the two Canadian networks will simulcast NBA All-Star events domestically.

Source: NBA.Com

Lebron James GQ Mag March 2014 Cover + Lebron Hosts GQ All-Star Party For 2014 NBA All-Star Saturday Night

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GQ Magazine had a special surprise last night, towards the end of the 2014 NBA All-Star Saturday night event. GQ went to social media to introduce their March 2014 cover star…. Mr. Lebron James. In honor of Lebron’s latest GQ cover, and the 2014 NBA All-Star weekend, the publication held a ‘GQ All-Star’ fete in New Orleans hosted by none other than Lebron. Check out Lebron’s swanky new GQ cover and stylish athletes who attended the GQ All-Star celebration.

Lebron James GQ Magazine March 2014 cover. Must-have issue for us sports-fashion fans.

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GQ cover star/ GQ All-Star party host Lebron James dressed-to-impress donned in a custom Waraire Boswell tuxedo which featured an unique paisley print jacket with contrast black lapels.