Taylor nominated for Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame recently announced the list of eligible candidates for the Class of 2026, featuring 1999 WNBL champion Penny Taylor

Australian Opal Penny Taylor and seven-time NBL MVP Andrew Gaze, who both also shortlisted last year, are among 24 international nominees for next year's class.

Joining those two on the list are players Jean-Jacques Conceicao, Mirza Delibasic, Jorge Garbajosa, Marc Gasol, Panagiotis Giannakis, Giuseppe Giergia, J.R. Holden, Dusan Ivkovic, Andrei Kirilenko, Marcos Leite, Juan Carlos Navarro, Andres Nocioni, Fabricio Oberto, Jose Ortiz, Amaury Pasos, Modesto Palauskas, Togo Soares and Amaya Valdemore and coaches David Blatt, Vladimir Kondrashin, Ettore Messina and Ranko Zeravica.

“The candidates for the Class of 2026 have each left an indelible impact on the game of basketball,” said President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, John L. Doleva.

“Through defining performances, influential leadership, and achievements that helped elevate the sport on the national and international stage, this year’s ballot recognises those whose legacy continues to shape how the game is played, coached, and celebrated.”

Taylor played 137 WNBL games, across seven seasons with the AIS and Dandenong.

During her time in Australia, Taylor won the 1999 WNBL title with the Rangers and was voted into the WNBL All-Star Five on three occasions (2001, 2002 and 2015)

The Finalist and Class Announcement times will be announced by Monday, February 9.