Indianapolis’ own George McGinnis was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Friday night at a ceremony held in Springfield, Massachusetts.
McGinnis has spent the majority of his life in Indiana. He went to George Washington High School — leading them to an undefeated record en route to a state title — and then attended Indiana University.
After one season in Bloomington, he entered the ABA and played for the Pacers, his hometown team, from 1971-75. He was instrumental in two ABA titles (1972, 1973), including being named ABA Playoffs MVP the latter year … and then again in 1975.
McGinnis, now 67, moved over to the NBA and played three seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, which drafted him 22nd overall in 1973. The Pacers would later acquire McGinnis back, and played two more seasons with the franchise.
The row of banners is now complete in the rafters of Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mel Daniels, Roger Brown, Reggie Miller, and now McGinnis each have their number retired — and are Hall of Famers. Coach Bobby ‘Slick’ Leonard, too.
He was presented on Friday by Artis Gilmore (‘11), Reggie Miller (‘12), Bobby Leonard (‘14), Spencer Haywood (‘15).
Watch his enshrinement speech below:
His enshrinement into Springfield also led him to join Twitter: @HOFMcGinnis30. He then tweeted for the day before the official ceremony, on September 7.
https://twitter.com/HOFMcGinnis30/status/907790627529744385
Other stories on McGinnis entering the hall:
- Fate, Tragedy Helped Make McGinnis an Indiana Icon (Pacers.com)
- Pacers family gets together for another reunion (NBA.com)
- McGinnis Takes Rightful Spot (IUHoosiers.com)
- 10 Things to Know about George (Pacers.com)