Basketball Hall of Fame 2007: IN or OUT?

Hall of Fame Nominees - In or Out?, an opinion. Complete list of 2007 nominees at the official Hall of Fame website

The 1966 Texas Western (UTEP) team: IN!. Their accomplishment was significant above and beyond the basketball court. (Don't blame them for Tim Hateaway's comments).

Dick Vitale: IN!. He may be loud, obnoxious, self-promoting and inappropriate at times, but he is also the face of college basketball on and off campus. I was a bit surprised that he didn't make it the previous two times (2004, 2006) he was on the ballot. I suspect the reason is that a segment of "basketball purists" such as Billy Packer are not particularly thrilled with "the Dickie V show" taking the focus away from the game.

Phil Jackson: IN!. He is the Zen-Master, he got the Rings, he got the super-stars. I wonder how he would do without two superstars though... But regardless winning with two superstars is not easy. It's like asking Madonna to sing backup vocals to Whitney, or Mariah to sing backup to Celine Dion.

Roy Williams: IN!. He was considered by the "screening committees" before, but this is the first time he is a finalist on the ballot. His national championship in 2005 may have not been what got him nominated, but rather his 2005-2006 performance after the massive exodus of the 2005 champions to the NBA. As we are seeing this year, two other Hall of Famers, Coach K and Jim Calhoun are struggling mightily in a similar situation, yet Roy was cooking with gas. Roy was the fastest to 500 wins and has the highest winning percentage of active coaches with 10+ years, along with 10+ years as Dean Smith's prized pupil. At the rate the Zags are losing he may pass Mark Few in the under-10-years category as well.

Eddie Sutton: OUT!. I personally do not consider the personal issues (alcohol) a reason to exclude him. However, even if the basketball-related scandals are taken out of the equation, he is still on the bubble as a Hall of Famer in my opinion. He should definately be in the upcoming "College Basketball" hall of fame, but his record along with the basketball scandals are not enough in my opinion for the "Basketball Hall of Fame". He may get in if the "John Chaney co-efficient" is given significant weight (taking kids everyone else gave up on, giving people 2nd/3rd chances and succeeding with most of them, etc, etc).

Adrian Dantley, Chris Mullin: BUBBLE!. I don't have a strong opinion either way. Dantley is probably a step ahead of Mullin.

Bobby Hurley Senior: IN!. If you are not sure, read the book, The Miracle of Saint Anthony. (this is a basketball book, not to be confused with books on religion with similar names). Also available as a $5.49 bargain hardcover (Bargain hardcover books are brand new - but with marks/stamps that they are overstocked books, not to be sold at full price).

I only have an opinion on those who I am very familiar with. For the rest, I do not know, thus no In or Out.