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Ricky Hunley & Mike Bibby to be inducted into Arizona Sports Hall of Fame



The Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, operated by the Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission, announced its 2024/2025 Inductee Class on Thursday and Arizona Wildcat greats Ricky Hunley and Mike Bibby are among those honored.

The 2024/2025 Crest Insurance Group Arizona Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on April 10 at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix.

Hunley, Arizona’s first consensus All-American, is a College Football Hall of Famer who is one of the most decorated players in Arizona football history. He went on to coaching and is presently the Executive Director, Player Relations and External Development with the Arizona program.

Bibby, who hailed from Phoenix Shadow Mountain High School, led Arizona to its first national championship in 1996-97 and played 14 years in the NBA. He now serves as a pregame and postgame analyst for Sacramento Kings broadcasts and intends to return to coaching.

The others inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame:

Melissa Belote Ripley:
An Olympic swimming legend, Melissa Belote Ripley captured three gold medals at the 1972 Munich Olympics at just 15 years old. Her stellar career continued at Arizona State.

Michael Bidwill:
A sports executive and owner of the Arizona Cardinals, Bidwill has not only been instrumental in the franchise’s growth and success but has also strengthened the community through impactful philanthropic initiatives.

Julie Ertz
One of the most accomplished soccer players of her generation, Ertz is a two-time Women’s World Cup champion and a key figure in U.S. Women’s National Team history. Hails from Mesa.

Joe Garagiola Jr.
A foundational figure in Arizona baseball, Garagiola served as the General Manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks during their 2001 World Series Championship run.

Paul Konerko
A six-time MLB All-Star and World Series Champion, Konerko is celebrated for his storied career with the Chicago White Sox, leading the team to their 2005 championship. A graduate of Chaparral High School in Scottsdale.

Matt Shott (Posthumously)
A figure in Arizona’s hockey community, Shott dedicated his life to growing the sport and creating opportunities for young players. As the Senior Director of Amateur Hockey Development for the Arizona Coyotes, Shott spearheaded initiatives to make hockey more accessible across the state. His leadership with the Arizona Kachinas, the premier girls’ hockey program in Arizona, empowered young female athletes and fostered inclusivity in the sport.


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