Sharman Gets New Hall Pass

Bill Sharman had been there before, but that didn’t make it any less special.

Sharman, already in the Basketball Hall of Fame as a player, Friday became the third person to also be inducted as a coach.

“I wish I could go back and shake hands with every player who ever played for me,” Sharman said. “The first time I was inducted it was a great thrill. The second time, it’s a great honor.”

Sharman, who coached the Lakers to their first NBA championship in Los Angeles, was inducted along with Clyde Drexler, known as “Clyde the Glide” for his swooping moves; the late Maurice Stokes, the 1956 NBA rookie of the year; Lynette Woodard, an Olympic gold medalist and the first woman to play for the Harlem Globetrotters; Jerry Colangelo, chairman of the Phoenix Suns; and Drazen Dalipagic, an international star.

On the playgrounds of Houston, a young Drexler used to pretend he was Julius Erving, flying over defenders. Friday, “Dr. J,” presented him.

“I’m dreaming tonight,” Drexler said. “My childhood idol is presenting me for induction into the Hall of Fame. It doesn’t get any better than this. I am dreaming. I don’t want to be awakened.”