At Manama’s Bahrain National Theater, NBA icons reunited for an exclusive basketball event. 7’6″ Yao Ming—absent from major events since 2016—made a surprise appearance in Manama. With the FIBA Hall of Fame Class of 2025 enshrinement on May 17, the stage was set for history.

FIBA’s biggest Congress took place in Bahrain on May 16 and 17, 2025. Nearly 350 guests were in attendance, including 167 National Federation delegates. It’s one of the biggest events this year. “It’s very rewarding to be able to reflect on the success of our sport alongside so many representatives of the FIBA Family – especially as we continue to witness basketball’s popularity, growth, and impact worldwide. But most importantly, being able to look forward with real excitement at how we can continue this global trend, which is why we are very pleased to be delivering new services to the National Federations,” FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis shared. 

Among the big names, Ming was also in attendance. Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki joined the event too. The German legend shared a few snaps of himself posing alongside the 7-foot-6 former player and other attendees. He left the Shanghai Sharks as a two‑time CBA blocks leader before making his NBA debut. The 8× NBA All-Star’s jersey No. 11 is retired by the Houston Rockets.

Soon after his draft, he notched up a thrilling performance at the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Indianapolis. Averaging 21.0 points per game, his 2.2 blocks per game tied him with Pau Gasol. They shared the best average in the tournament. 

As we all wait with bated breath for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 in Qatar, this year, the FIBA Hall of Fame has an intriguing selection of seven players and one coach. Both Nowitzki and Yao Ming were inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2023. Now, the legendary player is getting inducted into the 2025 class.

Which NBA legend is getting inducted into the 2025 FIBA Hall of Fame? 

Spanish great Pau Gasol headlines the FIBA Hall of Fame Class of 2025. His stellar career is set to be enshrined on May 17 at the Bahrain National Theater alongside the Mid‑Term Congress. His efforts to lift Spain globally in the basketball world will be honored as he gets inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2025. For the Spanish star, the journey began with him winning his first major title at the 1999 FIBA U19 World Cup in Portugal, as well as the 1998 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship.

Being a crucial player for Team Spain, the basketball legend continued to see more success as he elevated his home team. In 2006, he made history by leading the team to win the FIBA World Championship. Averaging 21.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, and recording a tournament-best 19 blocks, he was also named the MVP that year.

Leading the tournament in scoring with 18.7 points per game, he went on to add a big win in the EuroBasket tournament in 2009. He won again in 2011. Averaging 25.6 points per game, he was incredible in EuroBasket 2015 in France.

Back in 2017, Gasol became the FIBA EuroBasket’s all-time leading scorer with 1,183 total points. Fittingly, the Spanish legend is bestowed the FIBA Hall of Fame honor this year. This induction joins Gasol alongside fellow legends Alphonse Bilé, Andrew Bogut, Leonor Borrell, Ticha Penicheiro, Ratko Radovanović, and Dawn Staley, as well as Coach Mike Krzyzewski, rounding out an eight‑member Class of 2025.