Trio of Greats: Staley, Penicheiro, and Borrell Enshrined in FIBA Hall of Fame
The FIBA Hall of Fame welcomed a distinguished class of 2025, with the enshrinement ceremony in Bahrain celebrating the careers of eight exceptional individuals who have left an indelible mark on the global game. Among these celebrated figures were three iconic women who have reached the pinnacle of basketball: Dawn Staley, Ticha Penicheiro, and Leonor Borrell. Their collective induction recognizes not only their individual brilliance but also their profound impact on the growth and popularity of women’s basketball worldwide.
Dawn Staley, a name synonymous with leadership and tenacity, was inducted for her stellar playing career representing the United States. A three-time Olympic gold medalist (1996, 2000, 2004) and a two-time FIBA World Cup champion (1998, 2002), Staley was a dominant force as a point guard, known for her exceptional court vision, ball-handling skills, and unwavering competitiveness. Her international accolades, coupled with her later success as a coach, solidify her status as a true legend of the sport. Speaking at the ceremony, Staley expressed gratitude for her teammates, coaches, and family, emphasizing the “global sisterhood” she built through basketball. This induction adds to her already impressive Hall of Fame honors, including the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
Joining Staley in this prestigious class was Ticha Penicheiro, a Portuguese maestro of the point guard position. Renowned for her dazzling no-look passes and inventive ball-handling, Penicheiro captivated audiences throughout her illustrious career. A serial champion at the club level, she secured titles in seven different countries and also claimed a WNBA Championship with the Sacramento Monarchs in 2005. Her international career was equally impressive, highlighted by a EuroLeague Women’s title and a EuroCup Women’s trophy. Penicheiro’s creativity and flair on the court set her apart as one of the most electrifying playmakers in women’s basketball history. Her induction into the FIBA Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to her exceptional talent and global impact.
Completing this trio of greatness was Leonor Borrell, a Cuban center who dominated the international scene for over two decades. Borrell represented Cuba at two Olympic Games (1980, 1992) and four FIBA World Cups, where she was the tournament’s top scorer in 1986. A Pan American Games gold medalist in 1979, she also collected multiple FIBA Centrobasket and FIBA AmeriCup titles. Borrell’s size, skill, and leadership made her a cornerstone of the Cuban national team during their golden era. Her enshrinement in the FIBA Hall of Fame recognizes her remarkable achievements and her significant contributions to Cuban basketball on the world stage.
The induction of Dawn Staley, Ticha Penicheiro, and Leonor Borrell alongside other legends like Pau Gasol and Coach Mike Krzyzewski underscores the global reach and rich history of basketball. These three women, through their exceptional talent, dedication, and impact on the game, have earned their rightful place among the sport’s elite, inspiring future generations of players and fans worldwide. Their enshrinement serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of these true greats of the game.
