Events of the Final Four Saturday kicked off with the announcement of the 2024 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame honorees in Glendale, Ariz.

The 13 individuals being honored include former NBA luminaries such as Chauncey Billups (now leading the Portland Trail Blazers from the sidelines), high-flying talent Vince Carter, defensive expert Michael Cooper from the Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns legend Walter Davis.

Carter, an eight-time All-Star who amassed 25,728 points over 22 seasons, described the day as profoundly moving.

“It’s mind-blowing for me,” said Carter, the 1999 Rookie of the Year with the Toronto Raptors. “I enjoyed playing the game of basketball every day. I’m just overjoyed.”

Billups, known as “Mr. Big Shot” for his clutch performances on the court, had a stellar career, being a five-time All-Star and the 2004 NBA Finals MVP when he led the Detroit Pistons to championship glory.

“It really is crazy,” said Billups, who played 17 NBA seasons. “I’ve spent a lot of the past few days being speechless knowing I was going into what I call ‘Basketball Heaven.'”

Cooper, renowned for his exceptional defensive skills during his 12 NBA seasons, contributed significantly to the Los Angeles Lakers’ five championship triumphs.

Davis, a six-time All-Star across his 15-season NBA career, remains the leading scorer in Phoenix Suns history, having garnered 15,666 points and being recognized as the 1978 Rookie of the Year.

Also receiving induction was former New York Knicks standout, Dick Barnett.

Bo Ryan, former head coach of Wisconsin, and Charles Smith, legendary high school coach from Louisiana, will be enshrined in the coaching category. Ryan boasts 747 overall wins as a college coach, while Smith secured nine high school championships in Louisiana.

Adding to the illustrious group is Seimone Augustus, a four-time WNBA champion and eight-time All-Star.

The late Harley Redin, who coached the Wayland Baptist women’s team for 18 seasons, will also receive Hall of Fame recognition.

Michelle Timms, former WNBA star, was selected by the Hall of Fame’s International Committee. Furthermore, Doug Collins, renowned for his roles as a coach, player, and broadcaster, as well as Indiana Pacers owner Herb Simon and player/executive Jerry West, were named as contributors.

West’s induction is noteworthy as he becomes the initial Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame member to enter the ranks as both a player and a contributor.

The ceremonies for the inductions are scheduled for August 16 and 17 in Springfield, Mass., and Uncasville, Conn.