PHIL KNIGHT BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME SPEECH

Phil Knight, co-founder and current Chairman of Nike, Inc, summed it all up in this phrase:

"As Bernard Malamud pointed out 'Without heroes we don't know how far we can go", and we saw that as part of our job.

And what a fun job it was - to expand heroes in the public consciousness. A task done right not only sell shoes, but expands the game."

Last September 7, Phil Knight was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall Of Fame for his efforts and contribution to the game of basketball through Nike, Inc. - the now multi-billion dollar athletic company he co-founded with the late Bill Bowerman.

He was elected by The Contributor Direct Election Committee.

As stated on the Hall's official website, under Phil Knight's guidance, Nike became the first sports brand to work with elite athletes to garner their insights to create the most innovative products. In basketball, Knight worked to create one of the company's most iconic partnerships with Michael Jordan. He has had a long history of working with other basketball greats like Charles Barkley, Moses Malone, Scottie Pippen, David Robinson, Dirk Nowitzki to Coach K and C. Vivian Stringer. Knight also signed Sheryl Swoopes as the first woman to have her own signature basketball shoe. His company now supports NBA stars like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant. Knight's support of basketball internationally has also helped to elevate the game globally, including its current sponsorship of USA Basketball. He's also focused his efforts on supporting college athletics -- including basketball -- by providing resources to grow and maximize the collegiate game and the student-athlete experience through programs such as Duke, Georgetown, Syracuse and his alma mater Oregon.

We believe this recognition is a proper gesture by the Hall. Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman's efforts elevated the game of basketball to unprecedented heights and popularity. It has given athletes the opportunity to better their game, as well as provide a platform for athletic culture to blossom and prosper in society.

Watch Phil Knight's Career Perspective and Induction Speech below.

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