Reaction on Larry Brown's Induction into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame

June 5, 2002

Ed Snider

Comcast-Spectacor Chairman Ed Snider

"I am thrilled that Larry is receiving this wonderful honor. To me, there is no man more deserving in all of basketball to be inducted into the Hall of Fame."

Iverson

76ers guard Allen Iverson

"With all that Coach Brown has given to the game, there could not have been anyone chosen that would be more deserving of this honor. I feel fortunate to have been able to play for him and see first hand the knowledge and dedication he has brought to the game of basketball. Congratulations coach."

McKie

76ers guard Aaron McKie

"I think it is great. I think he's well deserving of that accolade. He has meant so much to me throughout my professional career, not just as a coach, but as a friend. I feel special just being a part of it. Just being one of the players that played under his tutelage and being able to learn so much from him. It's a blessing for him, and I just hope he enjoys it. But Coach Brown is not of those guys who is big on those type of awards, but I am quite sure that this is something that validates his coaching career."

On playing for two Hall of Fame coaches (Larry Brown and John Chaney)
"I have had the opportunity to play for two Hall of Fame coaches, not too many people have that opportunity to even say they played for one Hall of Fame coach. It's definitely something that I feel special about, being able to learn from two great men on and off the court. I have learned so much from those guys, and I am continuing to learn. They will be friends and will be in my life throughout the rest of my life and my career."

Snow

76ers guard Eric Snow

"It’s a terrific honor for Coach Brown. I am happy for him and his family. It shows that hard work and persistent effort on and off the court are definitely being appreciated by his peers. I am fortunate and happy to be playing for a Hall of Fame coach right now. I always felt that he was one, but this solidifies it."

Dean Smith

Consultant to the UNC Athletic Department Dean Smith

"I am delighted that Larry Brown will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. He was born to coach. Even when he was a player here, he would coach in camps in the summers and try to put in different offenses and defenses. Of course, I think he was a great player and point guard. I brought him back from the AAU to be one of my assistants here. Back to his alma mater for two years and then the ABA started, and he had a chance to play pro basketball. Larry, Doug Moe and I have always enjoyed talking basketball and there has never been a guy who loves the game more. He has proven his ability at many levels, in college with an NCAA Championship and three Final Fours in about seven years of college coaching. Then every place he has been in the NBA, his teams seem to go to the playoffs, and he gets the most out of each team. I couldn't be happier for the coaching profession to have Larry as a member of the basketball Hall of Fame and also for us here in North Carolina, we will be excited."