SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – Basketball’s brightest were in Springfield for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony on Sunday.
Along with those 13 enshrines, their biggest fans came along to support them, including Billy Crystal and Spike Lee.
You may be a fan, but Billy and Spike are certified by the Basketball Hall of Fame. The actor and the filmmaker are two of four superfans honored by the hall for their above-the-rim enthusiasm for their beloved teams.
“It’s just a recognition to our devotion to not only the game but the sport, for both of us, more so for Spike who’s done commercials honoring the game and I spread the word as much as I can on camera.”
This honor is a hallmark to say the least.
“You know, it’s something I’ve shared first with my kids at the sports arena when they were little, and their kids and I take them and like my dad did with me teach me the nuances of the game,” Crystal shared.
The games taught them more than plays and strategies, it’s given them life lessons.
“We all have to be together to appreciate who we are in our country and what the country needs, and what we all deserve, people of all kinds, and you learn that by team sports,” Crystal said.
“Democracy, right,” Lee added.
We couldn’t let them go without some fun rivalry though, as Spike’s with the Knicks and Billy’s riding with the Clippers.
So, we asked, east versus west, who’s taking it home this year?
“This is the year. We got the pieces. The team’s hungry, we’ve got a team,” Spike predicted.
“I couldn’t disagree with Spike more,” Billy replied. “We got Zubac, James Harden. We’re gonna be better than people expect.”
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