September 8, 2016
ORLANDO – On Friday, September 9, former Orlando Magic center Shaquille O’Neal will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins released the following statement in recognition of O’Neal’s accomplishment:
“On behalf of the DeVos Family and entire Orlando Magic organization, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Shaquille O’Neal on his well-deserved induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. With his larger-than-life personality, overpowering play, and generous community endeavors, Shaq made an indelible mark while in Magic pinstripes. Without a doubt, his great contributions to our organization and city will never, ever be forgotten.”
In addition to O’Neal, the Class of 2016 inductees includes ABA superstar Zelmo Beaty, 27-year NBA referee Darell Garretson, 11-time NBA All-Star Allen Iverson, two-time NABC Coach of the Year Tom Izzo, the first African-American coach in a professional league John McLendon, early African-American pioneer Cumberland Posey, Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf, four-time WNBA Champion Sheryl Swoopes and global ambassador of the game Yao Ming.