Billy Crystal and Spike Lee Named Basketball Hall of Fame Superfans

Thursday, Oct 17, 2024

On Sunday, October 13th, Alumni and Dean's Council Members Billy Crystal '70 (Film & TV)/Hon. '16 and Professor Spike Lee '82 (MFA, Graduate Film)/Hon. '98 were awarded with the highest honor a basketfall fan can receive—a place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s James F. Goldstein SuperFan Gallery.

Spike Lee at the Basketball Hall of Fame Award
Spike Lee at the Basketball Hall of Fame Award

Recognized alongside fellow superfans, Jack Nicholson and Alan Horowitz, these celebrated SuperFans will join a group of basketball enthusiasts who have made a profound impact on the game through their loyalty, passion, and dedication.

"We are excited to welcome Billy Crystal, Alan Horwitz, Spike Lee, and Jack Nicholson into our SuperFan family,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “These individuals have not only been passionate fans but have also significantly contributed to the rich culture of basketball. Their unwavering dedication to the game and their ability to connect with fans make them truly deserving of this recognition."

Billy Crystal at the Basketball Hall of Fame
Billy Crystal at the Basketball Hall of Fame

Crystal (a Clippers fan) and Lee (a Knicks fan) joined a ceremony on Sunday to celebrate the occasion, where Crystal commented: “How strange to be getting a ring before any of the Clippers."

Read more here about the James F. Goldstein SuperFan Gallery and their most recent inductees.