"The Dream" Named to Basketball Hall of Fame

At a news conference in San Antonio on Monday, the 2008 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class was announced and included former Houston Rockets center Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon.

Olajuwon, a 12-time NBA all-star, led Houston to back to back NBA championships (1994 and 1995) and was the only player to ever win the league MVP, Finals MVP, and defensive player of the year award in the same season. He is the NBA's all-time leader in blocked shots and is one of only four players in league history to record a quadruple double. Olajuwon also won a gold medal as a member of the 1996 U.S. men's basketball team.

Joining Olajuwon in the 2008 class were some familiar foes in center Patrick Ewing and head coach Pat Riley. In 1984, Ewing and Georgetown beat Olajuwon and Houston in the NCAA Championship game. In 1994, the trio met in the NBA Finals when the Rockets won their first NBA title by defeating the New York Knicks.

Also inducted to the basketball hall of fame were: forward Adrian Dantley, Detroit Pistons owner Bill Davidson, broadcaster Dick Vitale and coach Cathy Rush.

The Class of 2008 will be enshrined during festivities in Springfield, MA September 4-6.