Former NBA All-Star Steve Smith, Kansas coach Bill Self and former Reebok CEO Paul Fireman have been named winners of the 2015 Mannie Jackson Award. The Hall of Fame selected winners who exhibit qualities such as striving to improve the community, making a commitment to others, hard work and embracing the core values of the game.
From the Basketball Hall of Fame:
SPRINGFIELD, MA – The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced this evening on NBA TV that former Reebok CEO Paul Fireman, University of Kansas Head Coach Bill Self and 14-year NBA veteran Steve Smith have been named winners of the 2015 Mannie Jackson – Basketball’s Human Spirit Award. The winners will be recognized on Thursday, September 10th at the Reunion Dinner on the Hall of Fame’s Center Court during Enshrinement Weekend.
“It is an honor for us to recognize these three outstanding men for their humanitarian efforts,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “The Mannie Jackson – Basketball’s Human Spirit Award is a prestigious honor awarded only to those with this highest level of dedication to making the world a better place – each of these recipients is tremendously worthy.”
Winners of the Mannie Jackson – Basketball’s Human Spirit Award exhibit qualities such as striving to improve the community, making a commitment to others, hard work and embracing the core values of the game. Beyond the game, award winners must reflect the values of Mannie Jackson’s life-long mission to overcome obstacles and challenge the status quo, while taking responsibility for his or her actions and seeking the highest standard of excellence.
Fireman, Self and Smith were chosen from a large candidate pool that represents every level of basketball and is reviewed annually by a distinguished Selection Committee appointed by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and Mr. Jackson.
