The National Basketball League has named players Scott Fisher and Andrew Vlahov and referee Eddie Crouch as the 2007 inductees to the NBL Hall of Fame.

Their induction will take place on Saturday 30 June at the Gold Coast’s Royal Pines Resort, bringing the total number of people afforded the NBL’s highest individual honour to 24.

Perth Wildcat legend Scott Fisher played in 417 NBL games and won three NBL Championships throughout his career. He led the NBL in three-point percentage and free-throw percentage in 1989 and currently ranks fifth all-time in rebounding with 4,111 rebounds and seventh in scoring with 9,225 points. Fisher also played for the North Melbourne Giants during his long career.

Fisher said he’s honoured to be inducted with former Wildcats teammate Vlahov.

“It’s a great honour to be inducted along with my friend and teammate Andrew Vlahov and to stand amongst the players already in the Hall of Fame,” Fisher said.

“I’ve put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into the NBL, and I haven’t regretted a single second of it. The NBL will always be a part of me in some way.”

Fellow Wildcat legend Andrew Vlahov played in 349 games for Perth over the course of 12 seasons with career averages of 16.2 points, 8.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists. He won NBL titles in 1991, 1995 and 2000 and was voted as the NBL’s Rookie of the Year in 1991.

Vlahov said being recognised for his playing career was very rewarding.

“I’ve played against many of the former inductees and it’s a great honour to be inducted into the Hall of Fame with them.”

“It’s a rewarding experience to be recognised by my peers and the organisation.”

Eddie Crouch, who becomes the first-ever Referee to be inducted into the Hall, was named NBL Referee of the Year an unmatched 13 times throughout his 25 year career. He was the first NBL referee to appear in over 800 NBL games. He received a Prime Ministerial Commendation for services to sport in 2003 and he has been involved with the NBL every season since its inception back in 1979.

The humble Crouch said he was truly honoured to be recognised alongside Fisher and Vlahov.

“Having refereed for players like the ones I’m being inducted with, it’s definitely an honour,” Crouch said.

“After lots of long years of hard work, it’s nice to be recognised.”

Ten Player finalists for the 2007 class of the Hall of Fame were chosen by a ballot of the 24-member NBL Hall of Fame Committee from a list of eligible players. In order to be eligible, players must have made an outstanding contribution to the NBL, been retired for a minimum of four seasons, and have played 100 NBL games or more. Referees must have made an outstanding contribution to the league and have been retired for at least four seasons.

All eligible past players are placed on a ballot, with each member of the selection Committee asked to nominate a list of ten finalists. At this time, nominations are also called for the Contributors category.

The ten most nominated players are then placed on the second ballot, as well as nominated Contributors, and eligible Coaches and Referees, and forwarded to the Selection Committee.

In order to gain induction, an individual must receive 75 percent of votes in the second ballot from the Selection Committee. A maximum of four players and a minimum of two players can be inducted each year, with a maximum of two non-players each year.

2007 Hall of Fame Inductees

Scott Fisher - North Melbourne & Perth (Player)
Played 417 career games with averages of 22.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists … won NBL Championships in 1989 (North Melbourne), 1995 (Perth) and 2000 (Perth) ... also competed in Grand Finals in 1988 and 1993 ... member of NBL 20th Season Team and 25th Season Team ... NBL MVP in 1989 and 1992... NBL MVP runner-up in 1988, 1990 and 1991... NBL Grand Final MVP in 1989... All-NBL First Team 1989-92... All-NBL Second Team in 1987, 1988 and 1993... NBL All-Star Game in 1989, 1991-94... led NBL in three-point percentage and free-throw percentage in 1989 … ranks fifth all-time in the NBL in rebounding (4,111) and seventh in scoring (9,225).

Andrew Vlahov – Perth (Player)
Appeared in 349 games for the Perth Wildcats over the course of 12 seasons … averaged 16.2 points, 8.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists during his career … won NBL titles in 1991, 1995 and 2000 … also played in the 1993 Grand Finals series … member of the NBL 20th Season Team … named NBL Grand Final MVP in 1995 … member of the All-NBL First Team in 1992 and 19995 … All NBL Second Team in 1996 and 2000 … All-NBL Third Team in 1993 and 1994 … named as the NBL’s Rookie of the Year in 1991 … played in the NBL All-Star Game from 1992 – 1997 inclusive … finished second in voting for the NBL Best Defensive Player award in 1996.

Eddie Crouch (Referee)
13-time NBL Referee of the Year (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1987 (joint), 1988 (joint), 1989 (joint), 1990 (joint), 1991 (joint), 1992 (joint), 1993 (joint) and 1994 (joint))… selected as the greatest official in NBL history for the 25th Anniversary celebrations… distinguished NBL career spanned 24 years (1979 to 2003)... was the first NBL referee to have appeared in over 800 NBL games and was the NBL record holder for games officiated with 802 matches before Bill Mildenhall surpassed his tally… in 2003 he received a Prime Ministerial Commendation for services to sport.

NBL Hall of Famers
Barry Barnes - Coach - 1998
Cal Bruton - Player - 1998
Herb McEachin - Player - 1998
John Raschke - Contributor - 1998
Bill Palmer - Contributor - 1998
Wayne Carroll - Player - 1999
Al Green - Player - 1999
Damian Keogh - Player - 2000
Phil Smyth - Player - 2000
Mal Speed - Contributor - 2000
Bob Turner - Coach - 2000
Larry Sengstock - Player - 2001
Ian Davies - Player - 2001
Danny Morseu - Player - 2002
Darryl Pearce - Player - 2002
Steve Carfino - Player - 2004
Michael Johnson - Player – 2004
Ray Borner – Player 2006
Mark Davis – Player 2006
Leroy Loggins – Player 2006
Brian Kerle - Coach 2006
Scott Fisher – Player 2007
Andrew Vlahov – Player 2007
Eddie Crouch – Referee 2007