When Eddie Sutton emerged as a finalist for the 2016 Naismith Hall of Fame class in mid-February, the legendary Oklahoma State coach wouldn’t comment.
Sutton didn’t believe he’d get in; didn’t like his chances any more in his fifth time as a finalist as any other. So he declined to talk about his candidacy, or, apparently, to get excited about the possibilities.
And Monday, when this year’s inductees were revealed in advance of the national championship game, Sutton wasn’t included, confirming his doubt.
Shaquille O’Neal, Allen Iverson, Tom Izzo, Yao Ming, Sheryl Swoopes and Jerry Reinsdorf were elected from among 14 finalists that included Sutton.