Russell, Smith Headline FIBA Hall Of Fame Inductions

MADRID, Spain -- Boston Celtics great Bill Russell and former North Carolina coach Dean Smith were among 20 former players, coaches and technicians inducted into FIBA's Hall of Fame on Wednesday.

Russell, winner of 11 NBA championships and an Olympic gold medal, led a list of 12 players from 10 different countries, while Smith headlined the four coaches.

"I have to thank all of my teammates going back to high school for being here today," said Russell, who averaged 22.5 rebounds in his 13 NBA seasons. "The game of basketball helps teach you how to take care of your teammates. I learned some important life lessons. It's a beautiful game."

Smith led North Carolina to two titles and guided the United States to gold at the 1976 Montreal Games.

"I know the three of us from the United States feel very lucky to be in this situation," Smith said.

Phoenix Mercury general manager Ann Meyers Drysdale was one of three women inducted. She was a four-time All-American at UCLA and a silver medalist with the U.S. Olympic team in 1976.

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source : sports.espn.go.com