Ann Myers

Ann Myers Drysdale is one of the most accomplished figures in the history of basketball, and her remarkable career was recognized with her induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993. Here’s a detailed look at her career and Hall of Fame accolades:

Career Highlights:
1. Collegiate Career:
Ann Myers played for UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) from 1974 to 1978 under legendary coach John Wooden. During her time at UCLA, she became one of the most decorated women’s basketball players in the country.
She was a four-time All-American at UCLA and led the team to a 1978 AIAW (Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women) National Championship.
Her impressive performances in college made her one of the earliest female basketball superstars to emerge in the United States.
2. Professional Basketball Career:
Women’s Professional Basketball League (WBL): Ann Myers was a pioneer in women’s professional basketball. She played for the Indiana Pacers and later the New Jersey Gems in the Women’s Professional Basketball League (WBL), which was one of the first women’s pro basketball leagues in the U.S. This was a major step for women’s basketball, and Myers helped break barriers for future players.

NBA Tryout: Ann Myers made history when she became the first woman to sign a contract with an NBA team. In 1979, she signed a tryout contract with the Indiana Pacers, becoming the first woman ever to receive such an opportunity. Although she did not make the final roster, her signing was groundbreaking and showed the possibility for women in professional basketball.

3. International Basketball:
Myers was a key member of the U.S. Women’s National Basketball Team, competing in multiple international tournaments, including the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, where she won a silver medal as part of the U.S. women’s basketball team.
4. Coaching and Broadcasting:
After her playing career, Ann Myers transitioned into coaching and broadcasting. She was the first woman to serve as a color commentator for NBA games, breaking another significant barrier.
Myers also coached at the professional and collegiate levels, serving as a coach for both the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA and assisting in various basketball coaching roles over the years.
5. Hall of Fame Induction (1993):
Ann Myers Drysdale was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993 for her exceptional contributions as a player, her pioneering role for women in basketball, and her influence in the growth of the sport. She is regarded as one of the greatest women’s basketball players of all time.
6. Post-Induction:
Ann Myers has continued to be a key figure in basketball, particularly in advocating for women’s sports. She served as a vice president of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury, breaking more barriers as a woman in executive roles within a major sports organization.
Legacy:
Ann Myers Drysdale’s induction into the Hall of Fame in 1993 acknowledged her historic career and impact on basketball, especially for women’s sports. She remains an iconic figure in the sport, known not only for her skill and success but also for her groundbreaking role in opening doors for women in professional basketball. Her achievements have inspired generations of women basketball players, coaches, and executives.