Staley Inducted to FIBA Hall of Fame

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in an enshrinement ceremony tonight at the Bahrain National Theater in Bahrain. It joins the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (Class of 2013) and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (Class of 201) on the legendary player’s resume.

Staley is a three-time Olympic champion and two-time FIBA World Cup winner in her decade of wearing a USA Basketball jersey. She began her international medal hall with  bronze in the 1994 FIBA World Cup and was named that year’s Goodwill Games MVP after leading the U.S. to gold in that competition, which helped her win USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year for the first time in her career.

In the next two World Cups, Staley turned bronze to gold for the U.S. in 1998 and 2002, leading the team in assists both times. Around those efforts, she collected Olympic goal in 1996, 2000 and 2004. The last of those Olympic games began with Staley serving as the United States flag bearer in the opening ceremony in Athens. She picked up another USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year award following the Games.

Following her playing career, Staley moved to the sidelines where she helped the U.S. to gold in the 2008 and 2016 Olympics as well as the 2014 FIBA World Cup and the 2007 FIBA America Championship as an assistant coach for the senior national team. During that time, she also served as a head coach for several junior teams, leading the 2015 U19 World Cup, 2014 U18 Americas Cup and 2007 Pan Am Games teams to gold medals. She was named 2015 USA Basketball Co-National Coach of the Year

In 2017, Staley moved into the head coach position for the U.S. Senior National Team, becoming the first Black coach to hold that title. She led USA Basketball through turbulent times with the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and extending her tenure until the event could be held in Summer 2021. With Staley at the helm, the group collected its seventh-straight Olympic gold medal and picked up gold in the 2019 and 2021 FIBA AmeriCups and the 2018 FIBA World Cup. She picked up her second USAB National Coach of the Year recognition in 2018.

At Saturday’s ceremony, Alphonse Bilé (Côte d’Ivoire), Andrew Bogut (Australia), Leonor Borrell (Cuba), Pau Gasol (Spain), Ticha Penicheiro (Portugal), Ratko Radovanovic (Serbia) and Coach Mike Krzyzewski (USA) were also inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame.

Dawn Staley’s induction into the FIBA Hall of Fame on May 17, 2025, in Bahrain marks a monumental milestone in her illustrious basketball career. Celebrated as one of the sport’s most influential figures, Staley’s journey from a standout player to a transformative coach exemplifies excellence, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the game.

Born on May 4, 1970, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dawn Staley emerged as a basketball prodigy during her time at the University of Virginia. She made history as the only player in women’s college basketball to record over 2,000 points, 700 assists, and 400 steals—a testament to her all-around prowess and tenacity on the court .

Transitioning to the professional arena, Staley played for the Charlotte Sting and the Houston Comets in the WNBA. Her impact was immediate, earning her multiple All-Star selections and leading her teams to the playoffs. Her leadership and defensive skills were instrumental in elevating the profile of women’s professional basketball.

Staley’s contributions to USA Basketball are unparalleled. She represented her country in three Olympic Games (1996, 2000, and 2004), securing gold medals in each. Her performances were marked by strategic playmaking and defensive mastery, earning her the honor of being the flag bearer for Team USA during the 2004 Athens Olympics .

In addition to her Olympic success, Staley played a pivotal role in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, leading the team to gold medals in 1998 and 2002. Her ability to inspire and elevate her teammates solidified her status as a cornerstone of USA Basketball’s international dominance.

After retiring from professional play, Staley seamlessly transitioned into coaching, bringing her wealth of experience and passion for the game to the sidelines. She took the helm of the University of South Carolina women’s basketball program, where she has since transformed the team into a perennial powerhouse.

Under her leadership, the Gamecocks have secured multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including national championships. Staley’s coaching philosophy emphasizes defense, discipline, and player development, fostering an environment where student-athletes thrive both on and off the court.

Her success at the collegiate level has translated to international acclaim. Staley served as the head coach for USA Basketball, leading the team to gold medals at the 2018 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Her strategic acumen and ability to adapt to the evolving dynamics of international play have been instrumental in maintaining Team USA’s supremacy on the global stage.

Dawn Staley’s induction into the FIBA Hall of Fame is a reflection of her profound impact on the sport of basketball. Her journey has inspired countless individuals, particularly women and minorities, to pursue excellence in athletics and leadership. Beyond her achievements, Staley is celebrated for her advocacy for social justice, mentorship, and commitment to community development.

As a trailblazer, Staley has opened doors for future generations of athletes and coaches, demonstrating that with determination and vision, barriers can be broken, and legacies can be forged. Her induction is not just a personal achievement but a celebration of the progress and inclusivity within the sport of basketball.

Dawn Staley’s induction into the FIBA Hall of Fame is a well-deserved recognition of a career marked by excellence, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the sport of basketball. Her legacy continues to inspire and shape the future of the game, ensuring that her influence will be felt for generations to come.