The magical night of the Class of 2026 from the Hall of Fame

The Class of 2026 from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame starred in a night full of emotion and memories. Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne were two of the main players of a ceremony focused on women's basketball, although historic figures of the NBA like Amar'e Stoudemire, Doc Rivers, and Mike D'Antoni were also recognized.

Parker and Delle Donne used their speeches to express their love for a sport that has given them almost everything. Both ended up being part of a generation of legends that received their recognition in a ceremony held on Saturday night.

The Class of 2026 also included the 1996 U.S. women's basketball Olympic team, Chamique Holdsclaw, veteran NBA referee Joey Crawford, and Gonzaga coach Mark Few.

Candace Parker and a love story that began 27 years ago

Candace Parker had one of the most emotional moments of the ceremony. The former player brought a ball to the podium to accompany her Hall of Fame induction speech.

Parker decided to address the ball directly as she reviewed some of the great moments of her career.

"It felt strange to go up on stage not knowing why I'm here today," said Parker, addressing the ball. "We did many things together: a dunk against UConn on their home court, a spectacular dribble over the right shoulder, our own exclusive sneakers, the first woman on the cover of NBA 2K... We are on this stage as future Hall of Fame members from the first vote."

Parker's journey perfectly explains her presence in Springfield. She won three WNBA titles, two MVP awards, two college championships with Tennessee, and two Olympic gold medals.

Her speech ended with Parker visibly moved and tearful.

"We were destined to be a love story that began 27 years ago."

Elena Delle Donne remembers her sister in her speech

Elena Delle Donne also turned her speech into a declaration of love for basketball. The former player's career was marked by numerous ups and downs, but she always found a different perspective thanks to her older sister, Lizzie, who is blind and deaf.

Delle Donne spoke of everything her sister could never experience despite the strength she showed throughout her life.

"She never played in front of thousands of people, never received a standing ovation, never was interviewed after a big win. Yet, I have never known anyone stronger."

The former player won the WNBA MVP in 2015 and 2019. In 2019, she led the Washington Mystics to the franchise's only championship.

Furthermore, Delle Donne became the first player in WNBA history to finish a season with over 50% field goal percentage, 40% on three-pointers, and 90% on free throws.

During her speech, she also had a light moment greeting actor Larry David, who was in the audience. Delle Donne hoped her intervention had been "very, very, very good," using one of David's most well-known expressions.

Holdsclaw remembers Pat Summitt

Chamique Holdsclaw also played a prominent role during the ceremony. The former player was a key part of Tennessee during one of the university's most successful eras.

Holdsclaw helped the Lady Vols win three consecutive titles between 1996 and 1998, becoming the first team to achieve this under the guidance of Pat Summitt.

The player did not forget her legendary college coach during her speech.

"I wish my demanding and wonderful college coach, Pat Summitt, could be here as a presenter."

Summitt passed away in 2016 after a long battle with Alzheimer's.

Holdsclaw also helped Tennessee achieve a perfect 1997-98 season, with a record of 39-0. That campaign allowed the Lady Vols to set an NCAA record for wins in a season.

She then had an 11-year career in the WNBA.

The 1996 Olympic team, also honored

The 1996 U.S. women's Olympic team also received its rightful recognition. Holdsclaw recalled during her speech that she had posters of those players in her room when she was in high school.

That team was crucial in starting the U.S. Olympic dominance that lasted for three decades and included eight consecutive gold medals.

Key members of the Class of 2026

Doc Rivers remembers his brother

Doc Rivers, currently one of the most recognized figures in American basketball, was also included in the Class of 2026.

Rivers amassed 1,194 regular-season victories as an NBA coach, the sixth-highest total in the league's history.

He became particularly emotional during his speech when talking about his brother Grady, who had a significant influence on his career and inspired him to become a better player.

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Mark Few and Gonzaga's incredible story

Mark Few has been leading Gonzaga since 1999 and has managed to qualify the program for the NCAA men's tournament every year since taking over.

The coach has also won numerous West Coast Conference championships and has taken Gonzaga to the NCAA tournament final twice.

Few recalled his origins when explaining how special it was for him to enter the Hall of Fame.

"What an incredible and surreal moment for me! The town where I grew up had 1,500 inhabitants and only one traffic light. To be where I am today is absolutely astounding."

Joey Crawford, a life dedicated to officiating

Joey Crawford was another recognized figure in Springfield. The veteran referee officiated more than 2,500 regular-season NBA games, plus nearly 400 playoff matches.

He also refereed 50 NBA Finals games during a career that spanned 39 years.

Crawford recalled that he started dreaming of officiating in the NBA when he was a teenager and worked his whole life to achieve it.

Mike D'Antoni and Amar'e Stoudemire complete the NBA representation

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La mágica noche de la clase de 2026 del Salón de la Fama