By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Seven outstanding players and a highly respected coach were officially inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026.
The Enshrinement Ceremony took place at Berlin’s Kraftwerk venue, held alongside the draw for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026, in an event that honored the lasting legacy of the sport.
This year’s inductees included Sue Bird (USA), Céline Dumerc (France), Clarisse Machanguana (Mozambique), Dirk Nowitzki (Germany), Ludwik Miętta-Mikołajewicz (Poland), Ismenia Pauchard (Chile), Hidayet Türkoğlu (Türkiye), and Wang Zhizhi (China).
Speaking during the ceremony, Sue Bird reflected on the global significance of the recognition, noting that while she has experienced many meaningful moments in her career, this one stands out because it goes beyond teams, leagues, or cities, and celebrates basketball worldwide.
Dirk Nowitzki, in his speech, emphasized the transformative power of sport, explaining that it not only brought him success but also helped shape his character and allowed him to discover life and the world.
FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis highlighted Berlin’s strong connection to basketball, pointing out that the city was the center of attention for the sport during the event and will be again when it hosts the upcoming Women’s World Cup.
In closing, Zagklis underlined the purpose of the FIBA Hall of Fame: to honor those who have made a lasting impact on the game. With 208 members from 46 countries, it represents the core values of basketball and FIBA—respect, fairness, leadership, and excellence.
To learn more about each inductee, click on the links below:
- Sue BIRD (USA)
- Céline DUMERC (FRA)
- Clarisse MACHANGUANA (MOZ)
- Ludwik MIĘTTA-MIKOŁAJEWICZ (POL)
- Dirk NOWITZKI (GER)
- Ismenia PAUCHARD (CHI)
- Hidayet TÜRKOĞLU (TUR)
- Wang ZHIZHI (CHN)