An alumnus of West Texas State University (now-West Texas A&M University) is being inducted into the National Basketball Association Hall of Fame.
Maurice Cheeks, an assistant coach for the Oklahoma City Thunder and a retired NBA star, will be inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame, the league announced over the weekend. Cheeks first entered the NBA in 1978 after being drafted out of WTAMU by the Philadelphia 76ers. Cheeks was a dominant player in the NBA throughout his tenure and currently sits fifth in the rankings for all-time steals, ranking only behind John Stockton, Jason Kidd, Michael Jordan and Gary Payton.
Following the announcement, Philadelphia 76ers chief executive officer Scott O’Neil praised Cheeks and called him a "respected and beloved" member of the 76ers organization.
“Maurice Cheeks is one of the greatest players to ever compete in the NBA and he’s a respected and beloved icon in the Philadelphia 76ers family," O'Neil said. "During his playing career, he was a humble, hardworking, legend of a point guard. It is inspiring to see him join him such a celebrated and distinguished group in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. We couldn’t be more excited for Mo and we look forward to celebrating his legacy as a 76er for years and years to come."
In addition to Cheeks, several other NBA stars, coaches and owners have been announced for the 2018 Hall of Fame class. Among those being inducted include: Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, Grant Hill, Ray Allen, Tina Thompson, Lefty Driesell, Charlie Scott, Rick Welts, Rod Thorn, Dino Radja, Katie Smith and Ora Mae Washington.
For more information, please visit www.nba.com.
