Upcoming events
Induction Ceremony
50 Greatest Players Induction Ceremony - November 8th
Begin your historic November 8th celebration with the official unveiling of the Cleveland County Basketball Wall of Fame monument at beautiful Holly Oak Park! From 11:00 to 11:45 AM, the entire community is invited to witness this FREE public ceremony where the 50 Greatest Players of Cleveland County (1965-1999), along with legendary coaches and game officials, will be permanently enshrined in local history. This outdoor morning ceremony features the dramatic unveiling of the impressive Wall of Fame monument, an official ribbon-cutting ceremony with local dignitaries, and the opportunity to see all 50 honorees' names revealed on the permanent display that will stand for generations. The park setting provides the perfect backdrop for families to gather, take photos with the new monument, and share in this momentous occasion as Cleveland County's basketball excellence is literally carved in stone.
This special morning ceremony offers a unique, accessible way for everyone in the community to be part of history—no tickets required, no barriers to entry—just pure celebration of our shared basketball heritage. Bring your children and grandchildren to witness this once-in-a-lifetime unveiling, where they can meet the legends whose names they'll read on this monument for decades to come. The 45-minute ceremony is perfectly timed to allow attendees to participate in this free public celebration before continuing to the evening's Honorary Dinner and Awards Ceremony at Gardner-Webb University. Holly Oak Park, located at 1804 Holly Oak Road in Shelby, offers ample parking and a family-friendly environment where the entire community can unite in recognizing the players, coaches, and officials who put Cleveland County basketball on the map. Don't miss this chance to say "I was there" when the Wall of Fame was officially dedicated—a free gift to our community that will inspire future generations of basketball greatness!
Honorary Dinner
50 Greatest Players Honorary Dinner - November 8th
Experience an unforgettable evening of elegance and celebration at the exclusive Honorary Dinner preceding the 50 Greatest Basketball Players of Cleveland County Awards Ceremony on November 8th. This prestigious dinner event offers an intimate gathering where honorees, sponsors, special guests, and VIP attendees come together to share stories, reconnect with old teammates, and celebrate the remarkable basketball legacy of Cleveland County. Set in an elegant atmosphere befitting the occasion, guests will enjoy a specially curated menu while mingling with the county's basketball elite, including our special guest NBA legend David Thompson. The Honorary Dinner provides a unique opportunity for meaningful conversations and photo opportunities with the 50 Greatest Players in a relaxed, upscale setting before the excitement of the main ceremony begins.
This exclusive dinner serves as the perfect prelude to the historic awards presentation, offering attendees a complete evening of recognition and remembrance. Limited seating ensures an intimate experience where community leaders, corporate sponsors, and basketball legends can forge new connections while honoring the past. The dinner program includes special acknowledgments of major sponsors, remarks from distinguished guests, and a preview of the evening's main ceremony. Whether you're honoring a loved one among the 50 Greatest, representing a sponsoring organization, or simply want to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration, the Honorary Dinner elevates your November 8th experience from memorable to truly extraordinary. Reserve your place at this exceptional gathering where Cleveland County's basketball history comes alive through the stories and camaraderie of those who made it legendary.
Awards Ceremony
50 Greatest Basketball Players Awards Ceremony - November 8th Grand Finale
The moment we've all been waiting for arrives on November 8th as Cleveland County celebrates its basketball royalty at the spectacular 50 Greatest Players Awards Ceremony! This grand finale event transforms Gardner-Webb University's arena into a shrine of basketball excellence, where five decades of athletic achievement will be honored in an unforgettable evening of recognition and celebration. Each of the 50 Greatest Players will take center stage to receive their official commemorative certificate and permanent placement on the Wall of Fame, while the crowd erupts in appreciation for the talent, dedication, and sportsmanship that defined Cleveland County basketball. With NBA legend David Thompson serving as our special guest, custom jerseys worn by the All-County Dream Team, dramatic spotlights illuminating the court's premium sponsor floor decals, and multimedia presentations showcasing career highlights, this ceremony promises to be the most prestigious sporting event in our county's history.
Join thousands of fans, families, former teammates, and community members for this once-in-a-lifetime celebration that officially enshrines our local heroes into basketball immortality. The ceremony features emotional tributes, surprise presentations, and the unveiling of the permanent Wall of Fame monument that will stand as a testament to excellence for generations to come. From the opening introductions to the final standing ovation, every moment has been carefully orchestrated to honor these exceptional athletes who brought glory to Cleveland County courts. Whether you cheered from the stands decades ago or are discovering these legends for the first time, the November 8th Awards Ceremony offers a powerful reminder of how sports unites communities and creates lasting legacies. Secure your tickets now for this historic evening where past meets present, legends are born, and Cleveland County's greatest basketball players receive the ultimate recognition they've earned through years of outstanding achievement.
Wall of Fame Kickoff Event
Wall of Fame Kickoff Event - Meet, Greet & Preview Night
Join us for an exclusive preview of the historic 50 Greatest Basketball Players of Cleveland County celebration at our special Wall of Fame Kickoff event! This informative meet and greet brings together sponsors, honorees, community leaders, and basketball enthusiasts for an exciting first look at what promises to be the most prestigious sports recognition event in our county's history. Connect with organizing committee members from Gardner-Webb University and the Alumni Basketball Association, learn about the selection process that identified our 50 legendary players, preview the permanent Wall of Fame monument design, and discover the various ways you or your business can be part of this momentous occasion. Light refreshments will be served as we share the vision for honoring five decades of basketball excellence.
Mark your calendars now for the main ceremony on November 8th, where these 50 exceptional athletes will be officially inducted into Cleveland County basketball immortality. During our kickoff event, you'll get insider details about the November 8th ceremony schedule, special guest appearances including NBA legend David Thompson, sponsorship opportunities still available, and how to secure your tickets for what's sure to be a sold-out celebration. Whether you're a former player, devoted fan, potential sponsor, or simply someone who appreciates the rich basketball heritage of Cleveland County, this kickoff event is your opportunity to be among the first to experience the excitement building toward our November 8th grand celebration. Don't miss this chance to be part of history in the making!