- Julius "Dr. J" Erving to Serve as Host of the Weekend -
PHOENIX, ARIZ. (September 5, 2024) – The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced it will hold the 12th annual Jerry Colangelo Golf Classic on September 12 (reception) and 13 (golf tournament) at the new clubhouse at the iconic Arizona Biltmore Golf Club for the first time.
An exciting addition is coming to the Golf Classic this year, as Hall of Famer Julius Erving (Class of 1993) will serve as host of the weekend, which honors Jerry Colangelo and his commitment to the growth of the game.
This year’s field will once again bring out some of the biggest names in basketball, including Class of 2024 Hall of Famers Vince Carter, Michael Cooper, and Doug Collins. Additional Hall of Famers scheduled to participate include Isiah Thomas, Ralph Sampson, Jay Wright, Ann Meyers Drysdale, Lindsay Whalen, Mitch Richmond, Gary Payton, Sheryl Swoopes, and more. Celebrities such as Shawn Marion, PJ Carlesimo, and Cedric Ceballos are also expected to participate. The complete list of Hall of Famers and celebrities scheduled to participate will be released the week of the event and is subject to change.
The Golf Classic will feature more than 40 Basketball Hall of Famers and basketball celebrities, with one represented in each foursome. On Thursday, guests will be treated to a special Welcome Reception and Dinner and a Silent Auction at The Arizona Biltmore Golf Club with premium basketball memorabilia and experiences.
“We could not be more excited to be hosting the 12th annual Jerry Colangelo Golf Classic at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club for the first time. Their newly renovated Estate Course, paired with their infamous Links Course, will give our participants a premium experience and luxury accommodations,” said John L. Doleva, President & CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “By hosting the Jerry Colangelo Basketball Hall of Fame Golf Classic, we can generate funds to support our yearly efforts to educate, entertain, and preserve the rich history of basketball.”
The site of the Golf Classic, The Arizona Biltmore Golf Club, has been one of the Valley’s iconic gold properties for almost 100 years. Recently recognized as one of the 10 destination resorts in the country by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice list, the club represents the peak of Arizona resort and country club style with newly renovated courses and facilities.
Premium Sponsors for the weekend are Grand Canyon University and Phoenix Suns. Hall of Fame Sponsors are Warner Angle, Yamaava/San Manuel Casino, and Pyramid Global Hospitality.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For more information, please visit hoophall.com or call 1-877-4HOOPLA.
About Jerry Colangelo
Jerry Colangelo is the Chairman of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Board, as well as the Chairman of USA Basketball’s Board of Directors and architect of the 2008 USA “Redeem Team” Gold Medal winning effort. One of the most innovative and influential owners in NBA history, Jerry Colangelo has spent most of his life involved with the game of basketball. A graduate of the University of Illinois, where he earned All-Conference honors as a player, Colangelo began his NBA career in 1966 with the Chicago Bulls' front office. In 1968, he became the youngest general manager in professional sports with the expansion Phoenix Suns. In only his second season with the new club, Colangelo turned the Suns into a legitimate playoff threat. In 1976, Colangelo received his first Sporting News NBA Executive of the Year award for taking the Suns to the NBA Finals. A respected member of the NBA Board of Governors, Colangelo played an integral role in the formation of the WNBA in 1997. He has also served on the NBA's Long Range Planning Committee, the Expansion Committee, and the Competition and Rules Committee. Continuing his transformation of downtown Phoenix, Mr. Colangelo was also instrumental in bringing major league baseball to Phoenix in 1998 and served as Chairman and CEO of the 2001 World Champion Arizona Diamondbacks. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a Contributor in 2004. Mr. Colangelo was also critically involved in bringing NHL Hockey to Phoenix. Center Court at the Basketball Hall of Fame was dedicated as the Jerry Colangelo Court of Dreams.
About the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was born, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving and celebrating the game of basketball at every level – men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches and contributors, both domestically and internationally. The Hall of Fame museum is home to more than 450 inductees and over 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Nearly 200,000 people visit the Hall of Fame museum each year to learn about the game, experience the interactive exhibits and test their skills on the Jerry Colangelo "Court of Dreams." Best known for its annual marquee Enshrinement Ceremony honoring the game’s elite, the Hall of Fame also operates over 70 high school and collegiate competitions annually throughout the country and abroad. For more information on the Basketball Hall of Fame organization, its museum and events, visit hoophall.com, follow @hoophall or call 1-877-4HOOPLA.