Steve Nash and Wally Buono among inductees to BC Sports Hall of Fame

Steve Nash and Wally Buono highlight the 2016 class for the BC Sports Hall of Fame.

Nash, who grew up in Victoria, is a two-time NBA MVP and unquestionably the best basketball player Canada has ever produced. He announced his retirement earlier this year and is currently the general manager of the Canadian men’s national team.

Wally Buono has more wins than any other coach in CFL history, and announced last week that he was returning to coach the BC Lions next season.

In total, eleven people and one team were given good news from the selection committee today.

In the athlete category, Dave Barr (golf), Dave Cutler (football), Geri Donnelly (soccer), Steve Nash (basketball), and Carl Valentine (soccer), were selected.

In the coach-builder category, Wally Buono (football), Diane Clement (athletics), and Allison McNeill (basketball) have been selected.

Harry Manson (soccer) was selected in the pioneer category, while Wendy Long was selected in the media category.

Former Vancouver Canucks and Vancouver Grizzlies owner, Arthur Griffiths, has been selected to receive the W.A.C. Bennett Award.

The 1994-95 Memorial Cup champion Kamloops Blazers, coached by Don Hay, were selected in the team category. Notable players on that team include Jarome Iginla, Shane Doan, Darcy Tucker, Nolan Baumgartner, Brad Lukowich, Tyson Nash, and Jason Strudwick.

The 2016 Inductees, the Hall’s 50th Induction Class, will be formally inducted to the BC Sports Hall of Fame at the Banquet of Champions at the Vancouver Convention Centre on June 9, 2016.