For Immediate Release

SALT LAKE CITY – May 15, 2001– Fans 4 Dantley, an organization of former Adrian Dantley Basketball Camp attendees and other supporters, today unveiled a 3 ˝ foot by 3 ˝ foot petition form with more than 1,500 signatures collected from an online petition in support of inducting Adrian Dantley into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

The form, which is in the shape of a giant basketball, will set the world record for the largest petition form according to Fans 4 Dantley’s correspondence with Guinness World Records.

"We are elated that Dantley has been named to the 2001 Hall of Fame Ballot and want to encourage the Honors Committee to vote affirmatively for his induction in a big way," said Fans 4 Dantley president Chris Thomas. "A.D. was a quiet force who was not only one of the greatest players of all-time, but also a mentor to many children in the communities where he has lived and played. As recipients of Dantley's kindness, we are sending this giant basketball to show our support for inducting A.D."

The petition form was created with the help and generosity of local designer Matt Manfull, and production assistance from Digital Color. It will be sent to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame later this week. Fans who would like to get their name added to the ball can sign a petition at www.Fans4Dantley.org.

On March 28, 2001, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced that Dantley along with six other players, seven coaches and three contributors were named as finalists for enshrinement as part of the 2001 class. To be elected, each finalist must receive at least 18 of 24 votes from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Honors Committee. The new electees will be announced during the week of May 22-26 and enshrined on Oct. 5, 2001.

Dantley is the only eligible player among the top 24 scorers in NBA history who has not been inducted in the Basketball Hall of Fame. He scored 23,177 points which ranks him 16th on the NBA all-time scoring list -- ahead of such greats as Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Dr. J and Elgin Baylor. Dantley was a six-time All-Star and was voted to the starting team five of those six years. During his 15-year career, he won two NBA scoring championships (1981, 1984), averaged 30 points per game (ppg) or better four times, was named NBA Comeback Player of the Year (1984), was named to the All-NBA Team twice, and was Rookie of the Year in 1977.

In addition, Dantley was a two time collegiate First Team All-American at Notre Dame, and led the USA to the Gold Medal in the 1976 Olympic Games scoring a game-high 32 points in the championship game against Yugoslavia. His contributions to the community include buying season tickets for underprivileged youth, work for a number of children's causes and his efforts in staging annual summer basketball camps.

About Fans 4 Dantley
Fans 4 Dantley was established in March of 2000 with the mission of promoting Adrian Dantley's great contributions to the game of basketball as well as his charitable contributions to several communities where he has touched many lives. The organization was formed to express appreciation and to build momentum for Dantley to receive the honors he deserves, including induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Fans 4 Dantley was founded by Chris Thomas and is led by a board comprised of former Adrian Dantley Basketball Camp attendees and Dantley fans and boosters. For more information about Fans 4 Dantley, please visit our Web site, www.fans4dantley.org.