April 10, 2008

SPRINGFIELD, MA - April 7, 2008 - The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced today that Sonny Hill, Alonzo Mourning, and David Robinson have been named finalists for The Mannie Jackson - Basketball's Human Spirit Award presented by CSX, created to honor individuals who have incorporated basketball into their efforts to contribute to the greater good of society.

The Mannie Jackson - Basketball's Human Spirit Award recipient is given annually to an individual who has found the game of basketball a contributing aspect to their personal growth and accomplishment, a place to develop an understanding of others, and an avenue that helped shape that individual's growth into a recognized visionary leader in the greater community in which they serve. The inaugural winner of The Mannie Jackson was Dikembe Mutombo of the Houston Rockets.

Additional criteria for Award candidates include embracing the core values of the game: hard-work, striving to improve and a commitment to others. Beyond the game, candidates must reflect the values of Mannie Jackson's life-long mission to overcome obstacles; challenge the status quo, take responsibility for his or her actions while seeking the highest standard of excellence. Award candidates will be a recognized leader and catalyst for change in their community and an individual who leads by example, demonstrates a philosophy of respectfulness, teamwork, commitment, and human compassion in all aspects of their lives.

Finalists were chosen from a pool of nominations by a Finalists Selection Committee appointed by the Hall of Fame and Mr. Jackson. The 2008 Award winner will be chosen by a blue ribbon committee comprised of national and international business and community leaders, Hall of Famers and others with significant experience and success in improving communities worldwide.

ABOUT THE FINALISTS:

William Randolph "Sonny" Hill graduated from Northeast High School of Philadelphia in 1955 and was the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from Temple University in 1998. Since 1996, Hill has served as Executive Advisor to the CEO of Wachovia Complex, Peter Luukko, and also to the President of the Philadelphia 76ers. He is the co-founder of the Charles Baker Memorial Summer League, established in 1960. His involvement in basketball is multifaceted as a player, coach, and owner of various teams. Jack Ramsay gave Hill his first job as a Color Analyst for the 76ers in 1969. In the early '70s, Hill moved to CBS Television and provided commentary for the station for four years. Hill has received numerous awards for his efforts and commitment to the youth and the community. He was named Who's Who in Black America and Northeaster of the Year in 1988. Hill was also named as one of the 100 Most Influential Minorities in Sports by Sports Illustrated Magazine in 2004. At 67 years old, Hill is still active in visiting and mentoring NBA players and spending time on the streets of Philadelphia with young, inspired basketball players.

Alonzo Mourning is a current NBA star of the Miami Heat who was #2 overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 1992. Although his basketball skills and sportsmanship demeanor are above the norm, his charitable efforts are even more noticeable. At his start of the 2000-2001 season, he was diagnosed with Focal Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a degenerative kidney illness. Mourning personally led a campaign to raise a minimum of $2 million in funds for research, education, and testing to fight FSGS. He returned to the court the same year to play in the final 13 games of the season. Off the court, Mourning has dedicated himself to creating positive and lasting changes in the lives of children. He has become an outspoken community advocate for youth foster care programs that give aid to abused, abandoned and neglected children. Mourning has received many awards based on his community involvement and for his passion to help children. In 2006, he was the fourth Heat member to receive the NBA Community Assist Award. In 2003, he received the National Urban League's Outstanding Community Service Award, and the Silver Medallion Community Service Award by the National Conference for Community and Justice. In 2002, Mourning also received the NBA's J. Walter Kennedy Sportsmanship Award, given to coaches or players for exemplary community efforts.

David Robinson is a former NBA star who retired from the game of basketball in 2003 after 14 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs. "The Admiral," as he was nicknamed, was one of only five players to score more than 70 points in a single game. In 1991, Robinson visited with fifth graders at Gates Elementary School in San Antonio and challenged them to finish school and go to college. He offered a $2,000 scholarship to those who did and awarded an extra $8,000 to each of those students who completed his challenge. David, and his wife, Valerie, founded the Carver Academy in San Antonio in September 2001. To date, the Robinsons have donated over $9 million to the school, the largest contribution ever made by a professional athlete. In March 2003, the NBA renamed its award for outstanding charitable efforts in honor of Robinson because of his exceptional contributions to charity. The winners of the NBA's Community Assist Award receive the David Robinson Plaque. The award is given out monthly by the league to recognize players for their charitable efforts.