In 1948, when there were no All-State sports teams for high schools and no Hall of Fame, how were basketball players honored in Delaware?
Earl Burns and a committee of seven people decided that it was time to honor these athletes, who excelled for various teams in the Diamond State.
“Everybody decided it was time to have a basketball legend hall of fame," Burns said. "The committee is made up of their peers. These are guys who played themselves, who know who is deserving.”
With that, the Delaware Legends Hall of Fame inducted 25 members at its inaugural ceremony held Jan. 15 at Catherine Rooneys Irish Pub in Trolley Square.
Burns, spokesman of the committee, was among those honored at the event. He was a stand out player for the Wilmington High School Red Devils, Goldey-Beacom College and a few semi-pro teams.
Paul Jones, of Stanton, an H. Fletcher Brown Vocational Technical High School graduate who also played on semi-pro league teams, was inducted as well.
“I never expected it,” he said. “I had no idea. When we graduated, they didn’t have All-State teams. It’s a great honor. There are so many great athletes in Delaware. I am one of those fortunate to be one of the first ones."
Another inductee, Don White, of Claymont, said seeing all of his old teammates and opponents brought back many memories. He played basketball at Claymont High School and American University.
“I’m happy. It’s been a long time,” he said. “It’s fun to see them all again. I haven’t seen some of them in 50 years. It’s really nice and exciting.”
Buddy Kee, of Greenville, who played at Wilmington High School and the University of Delaware, said he didn’t know there was going to be a Hall of Fame ceremony. But the Red Devil was inducted as well.
“I saw something in the paper about it. I never had any idea,” he said. “I think it’s great. Everybody’s happy about it. In our day, if you didn’t play with them, you played against them. We all knew each other. We were all friends.
”This brings back plenty of memories. It was great fun. It’s really a great thing."
Jones said it is a great thing to acknowledge these outstanding players.
“I’m honored. It’s a good thing,” he said.
Burns said the committee is going to make it a bi-annual event.
“More people will be honored again,” he said. “We’re planning to have one every six months. The next one will probably be in September. In September. We like doing this – honoring people every six months."
