The 2026 inductees of the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame, featuring notable figures such as former NBA player Jamaal Magloire, ex-Carleton Ravens men’s head coach Dave Smart, and Olympic flag-bearer Miranda Ayim, were scheduled for induction on Thursday evening.
Magloire, who had a 12-year career in the NBA, made history as the first Canadian to play for the Toronto Raptors in 2011. He achieved all-star status in 2004 while with the New Orleans Hornets. Additionally, Magloire has contributed as an assistant coach for the Raptors during their victorious 2018-19 season and currently holds the position of vice-president for the Scarborough Shooting Stars in the Canadian Elite Basketball League.
Smart’s tenure as head coach at Carleton University saw the men’s basketball program reach unprecedented success, clinching 13 U Sports championships under his leadership.
Ayim, a prominent figure in Canada’s senior women’s national team, had the honor of being a co-flag-bearer alongside rugby sevens player Nathan Hirayama at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
The class of 2026, unveiled on July 2, encompasses a diverse group of individuals. Alongside Magloire, Smart, and Ayim, the list includes players Michael Meeks, Anna Stammberger, Dan Meagher, and Teresa Kleindienst, as well as coaches Peter (Doc) Ryan, official Janice Deakin, and builder Dr. Andrew Pipe. The 10 distinguished members are set to be immortalized at a ceremony in St. Stephen, New Brunswick.