Norfolk State Unveils 2025 Hall of Fame Class with Basketball Legends

Norfolk State University has announced the induction of eight individuals into its 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame class, with significant representation from the basketball program. The announcement highlights the impactful contributions of both current and former athletes and coaches, including current men’s basketball coach Robert Jones and former players Ralph Tally and Pendarvis Williams, as well as former women’s basketball coach Larry Vickers.

The induction ceremony is scheduled for February 13, 2025, taking place the evening before the NSU basketball teams face Delaware State. Details regarding tickets and the venue will be released in due course.

Basketball Contributions Shine

Since joining NSU in 2013, Robert Jones has compiled an impressive record of 236-159, including 135-45 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). His tenure includes accolades as a three-time MEAC Coach of the Year, leading the Spartans to five regular-season titles and three tournament championships.

The Hall of Fame inductees feature notable players like Ralph Tally, who played for NSU from 1983 to 1987. Tally stands as the program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,575 points and was honored as a three-time CIAA Player of the Year. He also earned the title of 1987 Division II National Player of the Year and was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers later that year.

Another inductee, Pendarvis Williams, who played from 2010 to 2014, scored 1,646 points during his time at NSU and ranks second in career three-point baskets with 217. Williams was named the 2013 MEAC Player of the Year and the BoxToRow HBCU National Player of the Year. After his collegiate career, he played in the NBA G League and overseas.

Honoring Diverse Athletic Excellence

The Hall of Fame class also includes Larry Vickers, who served as the women’s basketball head coach, achieving a record of 177-99. During his last three seasons, he led the team to a remarkable 83-18 record, capped by three consecutive MEAC Tournament titles, before moving on to Auburn. Vickers was named the 2023 HBCU National Coach of the Year.

In addition to basketball figures, the class recognizes contributions from other sports. Willard Bailey, who coached football at NSU from 1984 to 1992, will also be inducted. As athletic director from 1984 to 1989, Bailey guided the Spartans to a record of 52-40-1 and was inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2021.

Track and field standouts include Martha Bissah and Kenneth Giles. Bissah is a three-time NSU Female Athlete of the Year, having captured 19 MEAC titles and making history as the only female to win three consecutive cross country championships from 2017 to 2019. She also achieved impressive finishes at the NCAA championships in the 800 meters.

Giles, entering his 25th year as cross country coach and 21st as track and field head coach, has led the Spartans to 23 All-America awards and a legacy of success that includes 17 MEAC cross country titles and several championship sweeps.

Lastly, Danielle Jones, a standout softball player, made her mark with a rookie season in 1996 as an All-CIAA honoree, hitting .440 with 28 RBIs and stealing 23 bases without being caught. Her remarkable sophomore year in 1997 saw her achieve a .453 batting average with 75 runs and 35 steals, earning first-team All-CIAA and all-state honors.

The upcoming Hall of Fame induction ceremony will celebrate these remarkable individuals and their athletic legacies, underscoring the rich history of Norfolk State University’s athletic programs.