Also making the class of 2009 was longtime Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan and women’s college coach Vivian Stringer, who has 825 career victories and has led three different schools to the Final Four.

Jordan, regarded by many as the best-ever player, was a six-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls.

Robinson was a 10-time NBA All-Star and double champion with the San Antonio Spurs, while Stockton became the NBA’s all-time assists leader during his career with the Utah Jazz.

Jordan, Robinson, Sloan, and Stockton were all elected in their first year of eligibility, while Stringer had been named a finalist in prior years.

Finalists needed at least 18 of 24 votes from the Honours Committee for election into the Springfield, Mass. hall.

The class of 2009 will be inducted from September 10-12.