Glendale, AZ (April 8, 2024) – The basketball world erupted in jubilation as the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame unveiled its esteemed Class of 2024, comprising 13 luminaries whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Against the electrifying backdrop of the 2024 NCAA Men’s Final Four in Glendale, Arizona, the momentous announcement captivated fans and enthusiasts alike.
Standing proudly among the illustrious inductees are two revered Louisianians who have etched their names into the annals of basketball history.
Seimone Augustus, a towering figure in the realm of women’s basketball, earns her rightful place in the Hall of Fame as a Player. Augustus, hailing from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, ascended to basketball stardom with unparalleled grace and skill. Selected as the first overall pick in the 2006 WNBA Draft, she embarked on a sensational 15-year career, primarily with the Minnesota Lynx. A four-time WNBA champion and eight-time All-Star, Augustus exemplified excellence on the court, boasting an impressive career average of 15.4 points per game.
Her illustrious tenure with the Lynx was punctuated by accolades, including the 2006 Rookie of the Year and the 2011 Finals MVP. Prior to her professional exploits, Augustus showcased her brilliance at Louisiana State University (LSU), leading the Tigers to three consecutive Final Four appearances. Her dominance on the collegiate stage culminated in multiple prestigious awards, including the Naismith College Player of the Year and Wooden Awards in consecutive years (2005-2006). Augustus further solidified her legacy as a three-time Olympic gold medalist with the U.S. national team, leaving an indelible imprint on the global stage.
Charles Smith, a revered figure in Louisiana basketball circles, receives the distinguished honor as a high school Coach. With an unparalleled coaching pedigree spanning nearly four decades, Smith’s impact reverberates far and wide. As the head coach of Peabody Magnet High School, Smith amassed an unparalleled record, emerging as Louisiana’s all-time winningest high school head coach with an extraordinary mark of 1,189 victories. Under his astute guidance, the Warhorses soared to unprecedented heights, clinching nine state championships and earning a coveted national top-five ranking. Smith’s coaching prowess was exemplified by his leadership during two flawless seasons, culminating in perfect 41-0 records in 2004 and 2010.
Recognized as ESPN’s National Coach of the Year in 2010, Smith’s accolades extend beyond the court, as evidenced by his induction into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2019 and the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2021. His enduring legacy is further underscored by his role as head coach at the McDonald’s All-American game in 2020, cementing his status as a revered mentor and guiding light in the realm of high school basketball.
The inclusion of Seimone Augustus and Charles Smith in the esteemed Class of 2024 serves as a testament to their unwavering dedication, unparalleled achievements, and lasting impact on the sport of basketball. As their names are enshrined in the hallowed halls of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, their legacy will continue to inspire generations of athletes and enthusiasts worldwide.
