Jeannette alum ‘Showboat’ Robinson again nominated for pro hoops hall of fame
It’s becoming a holiday tradition, Lamont “Showboat” Robinson landing on the pro basketball hall of fame ballot.
The question is, is this the year?
Robinson, a Jeannette graduate and well-known personality on the comedy basketball circuit, is a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame nominee for the fourth straight year.
Among the other repeat nominees are Chauncey Billups, Marcus Camby, Michael Cooper, Tim Hardaway, Mark Jackson, Penn Hills’ George Karl, Pittsburgh’s Suzie McConnell-Serio, McKeesport’s Swin Cash and West Virginia coach Bob Huggins.
First-time nominees include Manu Ginobili, Tom Chambers, Lindsey Whalen and referee Joey Crawford.
Robinson, who played at Kankakee Community College (Ill.) for one year before transferring to Central State, did barnstorming tours across the globe for 28 years with the Harlem Globetrotters, his self-made Harlem Road Kings and Harlem Clowns.
Finalists will be announced during NBA All-Stars Weekend Feb. 18 in Cleveland. The Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony will be Sept. 9-10, 2022, in Springfield, Mass.
Speaking of halls of fame, Robinson wears many hats in that regard. He founded the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame in addition to the American Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019
Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.
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