Longley to be inducted into Bulls' Ring of Honour

The Chicago Bulls will recognise the impact Sydney Kings co-owner Luc Longley made on their organisation, by unveiling him as one of the club's first entrants to the club's Ring of Honour.

Longley and his 1995-96 Chicago Bulls team, which went 72-10 during the regular season before defeating Seattle 4-2 in the NBA Finals, are one of the numerous entities (and the only team) that were announced this week as the inaugural class of inductees to the Bulls' Ring of Honour.

A special ceremony on January 12 will see Longley travel back to Chicago to be honoured alongside teammates Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen (who visited the Hoops Capital in October), Dennis Rodman and Toni Kukoc (as well as championship-winning coach Phil Jackson) - all of whom are also being inducted as individuals on the evening.

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"I'm stoked the Bulls organisation is recognising our 1996 team in this way," Longley said.

"While that 1996 team regularly gets discussed among the greatest NBA sides of all time and has been highlighted a fair bit lately, this gives us all a chance to reflect just how special of a group we had and what fun we had doing it.

"I'm glad, after hearing rumblings that this might be going on for a couple of months, that the event is actually happening, as it'll also act as a reunion for us - we haven't properly gotten back together as a group since the 1998 championship.

"I can't wait to re-live all those great stories and times we had together - it'll be really nice to see everyone back in Chi-Town."

Also joining three-time NBA champion Longley in the maiden class are Jerry Sloan, Bob Love,  Chet Walker, Artis Gilmore, Johnny 'Red' Kerr, Dick Klein, Jerry Krause and Tex Winter.

“The Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor will be a first-of-its-kind celebration honouring many of the legends who have helped shape our organization over the past 57 years,” Bulls team president and chief executive officer Michael Reinsdorf said in a statement.

“They have deep connections to our fans and community and represent a spirit of competition, hard work and toughness.

“This January, we look forward to cementing their legacy in Bulls history and inspiring the future of the organisation.”

Beyond a half-time presentation on January 12, the Bulls will also hold a private gala at the United Center on January 11 honouring the inductees. 

The team plans to induct new classes every two years.