Phoenix Suns forward Grant Hill on Wednesday was named one of the recipients of the Hall of Fame’s Human Spirit Award.
The award also is known as “The Mannie Jackson” and is named after the former corporate executive and current owner of the Harlem Globetrotters, a member of the Hall of Fame himself. The award was first given in 2007.
Hill was honored from the pro game. The winner for the amateur ranks was Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun and the winner for the grassroots ranks was Dr. Richard Lapchick.
Hill is the only three-time winner of the NBA’s Sportsmanship Award. He recently received a key to the city of his hometown of Reston, Virginia, with the proceeds from that reception going to the Medical Care for Children Partnership, which provides medical services for needy children.
“We are proud to honor three of the most deserving selections since the award was established,” said Jackson. “Having known all three personally, I admire their sustained work and contributions to both the game of basketball and their communities.”
Previous winners from the NBA ranks are Chauncey Billups (2011), Samuel Dalembert (2010), Bob Lanier (2009), Alonzo Mourning (2009), David Robinson (2008) and inaugural winner Dikembe Mutombo (2007).