The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2020 candidates, and Swin Cash and Tamika Catchings headline the list of first-time nominees.
Fittingly, they are the only players in WNBA history to compile 5,000 points, 2,000 rebounds and 1,000 assists for a career, according to the league.
Cash, who you can read more about here, is currently the vice president of basketball operations and team development for the New Orleans Pelicans, played 15 seasons in the WNBA and as of this summer, ranked 17th in scoring (5,119 career points) and assists (1,133), 12th in rebounding (2,521) and 25th in blocks (258). She also won three WNBA titles and two Olympic gold medals. Before becoming the No. 2 pick in the 2002 draft, she was an All-American, two-time NCAA champion and helped lead UConn to an undefeated season in 2002.
Just wow.. Humbled by the nomination and having basketball nostalgia looking at this picture! Nothing but great memories from my era. Salute to you all... sis @Catchin24 you already know 🖤 #blessed https://t.co/d3TGOxy4CI
— Swin Cash (@SwinCash) December 19, 2019
The stats and records attached to Catchings’ name is almost endless, so check them out yourself. But for highlights: She also played 15 WNBA seasons, she’s a WNBA champion, league and finals MVP, five-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, rookie of the year, all-time steals leader and four-time Olympic gold medalist. Before she was drafted No. 2 overall in 2001, she led Tennessee to a NCAA championship during her freshman season. Catchings now serves as VP of basketball operations and general manager for the Indiana Fever, and recently hired hall of fame eligible Marianne Stanley as Fever head coach.
The hall of fame finalists will be announced in mid-February during NBA All-Star Weekend. The actual class will be unveiled during the men’s NCAA final four in Atlanta and the enshrinement ceremony will take place on Aug. 29, 2020 in Massachusetts.
Also once again as players are Kim Mulkey (nominated as both a player and coach), Jennifer Azzi and Becky Hammon. New Fever coach Marianne Stanley is also eligible.
A look at the women’s committee nominations:
"Leta Andrews (COA)Jennifer Azzi (PLA)Swin Cash (PLA)*Tamika Catchings (PLA)*Becky Hammon (PLA)Susie McConnell (PLA)Debbie Miller-Palmore (PLA)*Kim Mulkey (COA)Kim Mulkey (PLA)Marianne Stanley (COA)Barbara Stevens (COA)Valerie Still (PLA)Marian Washington (COA)"
Take a full look at the eligible candidates.
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