(HoopHall)
On Dec. 21, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame will announce its list of candidates for the class of 2018. The Hall has also announced modifications to its enshrinement process.
Players, referees and coaches will now be eligible after three full seasons of retirement:
“After recommendations from our Election Process Committee consisting of highly respected Hall of Famers and board members, we have elected to accept the nominations of our many worthy candidates in a timelier fashion upon the conclusion of their careers,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. “By allowing players, coaches and referees to become eligible after three seasons of retirement, the Hall of Fame will be able to celebrate the best in the game at an opportune time with the fans who have supported them throughout their careers on the hardwood.”
Previously, the rule was that players, referees and coaches had to wait four years after the conclusion of their careers. Until December 2015, it was five years.
Furthermore, coaches must have at least 25 years of coaching experience and be at least 60 years old to be eligible. This change was made so that the Hall will be able to evaluate a “more complete body of work.” This change will not go into effect until 2020, while the first modification will begin in 2018.
