Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard and the 2008 “Redeem Team” were among 17 finalists named Friday for the Naismith Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
The new class will be announced in San Antonio on Saturday, April 5, at the NCAA Men’s Final Four.
A 10-time NBA All-Star, Anthony was one of the most prolific scorers of his generation during his 19-year NBA career (2003-22) that included seven with the Knicks. Selected third overall by the Denver Nuggets in 2003 after leading Syracuse to its first NCAA national championship in basketball as a freshman and earning Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors, Anthony averaged 22.5 points per game in his career and ranks 10th all-time in NBA scoring with 28,289 points. He earned All-NBA honors six times and won three Olympic gold medals (2008, ’12, ’16) as a key member of Team USA. Anthony led the NBA in scoring in 2012-13 (28.7). Anthony was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
A dominant force on both ends of the court, Howard was an eight-time All-Star, three-time Defensive Player of the Year (2009-11), and earned eight All-NBA selections during his 18-year career. Known as “Superman,” he led the NBA in rebounding five times and blocks twice, ranking 10th all-time in NBA history in rebounds (14,627) and 13th in blocks (2,228). Howard led the Orlando Magic to the 2009 NBA Finals and later won a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. The 2008 Olympic gold medalist was the first overall pick by the Orlando Magic in the 2004 NBA Draft out of high school.
The 2008 United States men’s Olympic basketball team -- known as the “Redeem Team” -- restored USA Basketball to global prominence under the leadership of Managing Director Jerry Colangelo, who rebuilt the program by securing multi-year commitments from NBA players. Capturing gold in Beijing with a perfect 8-0 record and average victory margin of 27.9 points, the squad featured co-captains Kobe Bryant, Jason Kidd, and Dwyane Wade, alongside LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, and Chris Bosh under Hall of Fame head coach Mike Krzyzewski. The team, which earned its ‘Redeem Team’ moniker after USA’s bronze medal finish in 2004, defeated Spain 118-107 in the gold medal game.
Gonzaga coach Mark Few and Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan, who led Florida to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2006-7, were also named among the finalists.
Here is the full list of finalists:
North American Committee Finalists (in alphabetical order):
- 2008 US Olympic Men’s Basketball Team
- Carmelo Anthony [Player]
- Danny Crawford [Referee]
- Billy Donovan [Coach]
- Mark Few [Coach]
- Dwight Howard [Player]
- Marques Johnson [Player]
- Jerry Welsh [Coach]
- Buck Williams [Player]
Women’s Committee Finalists:
- Jennifer Azzi [Player]
- Sue Bird [Player]
- Sylvia Fowles [Player]
- Maya Moore [Player]
Women’s Veteran Committee Finalist:
- Molly Bolin [Player]
International Committee Finalist:
- Dušan Ivković [Coach]
Contributors Committee Finalists:
- Micky Arison
- Tal Brody
“Selection as a Finalist for the Class of 2025 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is a remarkable achievement, signifying a career of excellence and lasting influence on the game,” said Jerry Colangelo, Chairman of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “This recognition goes beyond statistics and accolades—it honors those who have defined eras, inspired generations, and elevated basketball through their talent, leadership, and dedication. Whether as players, coaches, teams, or contributors, each Finalist has left an indelible mark on the sport, and we are proud to celebrate their extraordinary impact.”
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Please consider supporting us with a subscription. Adam Zagoria is a freelance reporter who covers Seton Hall and NJ college basketball for NJ Advance Media. You may follow him on Twitter @AdamZagoria and check out his Website at ZAGSBLOG.com.