Mullen, Rodman lead Hall of Fame ballot

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Chris Mullen and Dennis Rodman were among 12 people selected as finalists for 2011 induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Mullen, a finalist for the fourth consecutive year, was a five-time NBA all-star and remains the all-time scoring leader at St. John's. He was a three-time Big East Conference player of the year.

Rodman led the NBA in rebounding for seven consecutive seasons from 1991-98 and was on the league's all-defensive team eight consecutive years. He won five NBA championships -- two with the Detroit Pistons and three with the Chicago Bulls -- and was an all-star twice.

Also on the Hall of Fame ballot this year will be players Maurice Cheeks, Ralph Sampson and Jamaal Wilkes; coaches Herb Magee, Dick Motta and Morice "Tex" Winter; and contributors Al Attles -- who was affiliated with the Golden State Warriors for 50 years -- and Hank Nichols, a longtime referee. The women's screening committee nominated player Teresa Edwards and Coach Tara VanDerveer.

Finalists need to be named on at least 18 of the 124 ballots from the hall's Honors Committee. The Hall of Fame Class of 2011 will be announced April 4. Induction ceremonies are scheduled for Aug. 12 in Springfield, Mass.