Congrats to Basketball HOFers

We now make the natural transition from discussing zebrafish embryos to basketball Hall of Famers.

I wanted to take time out to recognize this year's batch of deserving HOFers, especially long-time Nate-favorite Hakeem Olajuwon. Hakeem and I go way back, as I have distinct memories of vociferously defending the Houston Rockets center with regards to his controversial decision of changing his first name from "Akeem" to "Hakeem." Hey, Hakeem: nice suit! And kudos to NBA Commish David Stern for sporting the epitome of the 80s mustache, rivaled only by that of my father, Rick Hellman.

Other notable inductees this time around include the ringless Hakeem adversary Patrick Ewing, head coach Pat Riley, and college basketball funnyman Dick Vitale.

Next year's eligible players for the Basketball Hall of Fame is highlighted by Michael Jordan. Perhaps they should start construction of the new wing in Springfield now, since he is guaranteed to be a unanimous first-time selection.