New Zealand basketball legend Pero Cameron (MNZM) became a world legend today when he was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame at a ceremony at FIBA Head Quarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
Cameron is the first New Zealander to be inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame, but when asked what he thought of that achievement, he was quick to suggest he is the first of a number of New Zealanders that he believes will join the exclusive Hall, as he took in the atmosphere around him, surrounded by basketball royalty.
“I’m sure there will be a lot more Kiwis to be inducted. There is a couple on the horizon, hopefully Steven Adams one day – who may play in some FIBA events for New Zealand – Phil Jones, Kirk Penny, I think there are a lot that could make it through.”
Other legends to be inducted included FIBA Hall of Fame today included the Dream Team (USA); players Mickey Berkowitz (Israel), Toni Kukoc (Croatia), Razija Mujanovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Shaquille O’Neal (USA), Valdis Valters (Latvia); and Coach Dusan Ivkovic (Serbia).
Cameron was flown to Switzerland along with his wife Jennelle to accept the award. He was also supported by family with his aunties Witi and Meri, his brother Raymond, cousin Robert, and his amazing Mum Mata, who is so well known to the basketball community.
Upon accepted the award, the ceremony was awestruck as Cameron’s family stood at acknowledged Pero with an impassioned haka.
After the formalities, Cameron said he was so thankful to have some of his family there and to be included in a group of players who he considered to be some of the greats.
“I think that’s very special, my Mum was loving that.
“I’m a little overwhelmed. You saw Mr [David] Robinson just pass us, big Yao [Ming] over there, and Tony Kukoc who is one of my favourite players.
“I’m feeling excited and so is my family – we are a basketball family and they are loving seeing all these players here.”
Cameron was quick to bring the conversation back to the present during the post-ceremony interview. Being an Assistant Coach of the current Tall Blacks team, Cameron said the squad is excited about the future of the team, especially as they are about to play in their first World Cup qualifying game on 23 November in Wellington against Korea.
“We really want to play at a high level on the world stage – the Olympics and the World Cup – and with the new format we get to play a lot more countries, and I think it’s great.”
FIBA President Horacio Muratore, who was there to present the awards, acknowledged all recipients.
“It is with tremendous pride that we induct these great basketball personalities into FIBA’s Hall of Fame as the Class of 2017. They have positively impacted our sport and assisted its growth in the four corners of the world for many years. 2017 is an important year as it marks FIBA’s 85th anniversary and the 10th anniversary of the FIBA Hall of Fame. It also means it has been 25 years since the Dream Team amazed us all at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. We normally would not induct a team into the FIBA Hall of Fame but we are making an exception for the Dream Team because of its outstanding contribution to the development of international basketball. Congratulations to all of the inductees that make up the 2017 Class of the FIBA Hall of Fame for receiving this well-deserved honour.”
