A Lifelong Bond with the Hall
Basketball Hall of Fame Nomination – Andy Eckman
For more than 35 years, Andy Eckman has been a passionate advocate for the game of basketball, dedicating his life to sharing its joy and values with others. He has represented the sport with dignity and respect, embodying its true spirit as a lifelong ambassador. Andy’s unwavering devotion has inspired countless fans
Early Inspiration
Andy’s love for basketball began in the late 1950s in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he and his father, Larry, bonded over their shared passion for the game. Together, they became regular attendees of Boston Celtics pre-season and regular-season games—a tradition that sparked Andy’s lifelong connection to the sport.
On February 17, 1968, Andy and his father were among the very first visitors to the brand-new Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on its opening day. There, they met and befriended Lee Williams, the Hall’s first Executive Director—an encounter that began a decades-long relationship between Andy and the Hall.
Early Contributions to the Hall of Fame
Larry Eckman’s local business connections allowed the father-and-son duo to help the Hall of Fame grow in its earliest years. They leveraged those relationships to help secure donations and sponsorships for the museum.
In 1970, before beginning college at Northeastern University, Andy accepted a position at Kutsher’s Hotel and Country Club in the Catskills near Monticello, New York. There, Andy met many basketball legends, including Eddie Gottlieb, Haskell Cohen, Bob Davies, Joe Lapchick, Wilt Chamberlain, and the coaching great Red Auerbach. These encounters changed his life and cemented his dedication to the game.
That same year, Andy invited his father and Lee Williams to attend the Maurice Stokes Benefit All-Star Game at Kutsher’s. Andy’s goal was to introduce Lee to influential figures who could support the Hall’s growth—including the Kutsher family themselves. His plan worked beautifully: the Kutshers became proud donors to the Hall of Fame.
Expanding Basketball in Springfield
After college, Andy continued to promote basketball in his hometown. He helped form the Larry O’Brien League, giving local college graduates an opportunity to keep playing competitively in Springfield.
In 1985, with the founding of the USBL (United States Basketball League), Springfield was awarded the Fame franchise. Andy eagerly joined the organization, working alongside team owner Harry Gilligan, General Manager Gerald Oliver, and later Coach Henry Bibby. Andy’s enthusiasm and community outreach helped make the team a local sensation.
That same year, the Springfield Fame hosted the USBL All-Star Game. Andy led the team’s promotional efforts across the community, ensuring the event’s success. The result: a sold-out crowd of 7,000 at the Springfield Civic Center—the largest in USBL history. Springfield not only hosted the event but also won the game and captured the league’s first championship.
A Historic Moment for Women in Basketball
When Henry Bibby became head coach in 1986, he reached out to Andy for assistance with the team. At the time, Andy was developing a concept for an all-female comedy basketball team and had contacted Nancy “Lady Magic” Lieberman as a potential recruit. During their conversation, Nancy revealed a different dream—she wanted to play professional basketball with men.
Andy believed in her immediately. Through his persistence and relationships with the Fame’s owner and Coach Bibby, Andy helped make history: Nancy Lieberman became the first woman ever to play in a men’s professional basketball league.
This groundbreaking event came at a time when women’s professional opportunities were scarce—both the WBL and WABA had already folded. Nancy’s signing drew widespread media attention and became a turning point for women’s basketball. Andy’s role in that moment of history remains one of his proudest achievements. Nancy herself credited Andy’s instrumental support in her autobiography, “Lady Magic.”
Scouting and Leadership Roles
In the early 1990s, Andy began scouting in the CBA (Continental Basketball Association). He worked for the Albany Patroons, helping the two-time champions acquire talented players such as Mario Elie. Later, he collaborated with former NBA great Randy Smith of the Hartford Hellcats, and in 1993 became Director of Player Personnel for the Harrisburg Hammerheads.
Entertainment Basketball and Community Outreach
In 1994, Andy transitioned his focus toward entertainment basketball, becoming manager of the Harlem Wizards, a team that performed across more than 150 U.S. cities. Andy’s mission was to bring basketball’s joy to every corner of America—including rural towns that had never seen a live professional game. His emphasis on community interaction and fun helped cultivate new generations of basketball fans.
After his tenure with the Wizards, Andy joined the Harlem Rockets before founding his own team in 2001: The Court Jesters. Under Andy’s leadership, the Jesters have performed nationwide for over two decades, blending basketball skill with comedy and community engagement.
Several former Jesters have gone on to major coaching success, including Adrian Autry, now head coach of Syracuse University men’s basketball, and Antonio Wyche, assistant coach for Notre Dame men’s basketball.
Legacy of a Basketball Ambassador
Despite his many ventures, Andy never forgot his connection to the Basketball Hall of Fame. Each summer, he donates the Jesters’ time to entertain Hall visitors, continuing his lifelong relationship with the institution that inspired him as a young boy.
Andy has also played a behind-the-scenes role in supporting Hall of Fame nominations for deserving players, including Nancy Lieberman, Jo Jo White, and Dennis Johnson. When Rudy Tomjanovich’s first nomination was denied, Andy personally encouraged him to seek support from the Houston Rockets—an effort that led to Rudy’s successful induction in May 2021.
Ongoing Dedication to the Hall of Fame
Throughout his life, Andy Eckman has embodied the heart and soul of basketball. From his early days as a young fan to his decades of leadership, mentorship, and innovation, Andy’s influence reaches every level of the game. His motto has always been simple yet profound:
“Our victory is your smile.”
“The only happiness you get to keep is the happiness you give to others.”
For over half a century, Andy has given his heart to the sport—as an owner, coach, scout, mentor, ambassador, and trailblazer. His life’s work has enriched communities, inspired players, and advanced opportunities for all who love the game.
It is now both fitting and long overdue that we say thank you and honor Andy Eckman with induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.