TORONTO (Feb. 21, 2025) – Canada Basketball is proud to announce that Allison McNeill (Coach), Karl Tilleman (Athlete), Carol Turney-Loos (Athlete) and the 1979 FIBA Women's World Championship Team (Team) will be inducted into the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024.

“The Class of 2024 exemplifies what it means to set the standard for generations of athletes and coaches to come,” said Michael Bartlett, president and CEO of Canada Basketball. “On behalf of our organization, I wish to extend our most sincere appreciation for all that you accomplished as trailblazers in the game of basketball and for the positive impact you’ve had on the game for all Canadians.

The induction ceremony will take place later this year in Toronto, where the Class of 2024 will be honoured for their outstanding achievements and lasting impact on the sport.

“Basketball in Canada has grown tremendously, and that’s in no small part due to the dedication and success of individuals like Allison, Karl, Carol and the incredible 1979 women’s team,” said Paul Jones, Chair of the Canada Basketball Awards & Recognition Committee. “Each of them has played a pivotal role in shaping the history of basketball in our country, and we are thrilled to recognize their contributions.”

Since 1978, the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame has celebrated those who have made significant contributions to the development and growth of basketball in Canada and on the international stage. Inductees are recognized for their impact on the game as athletes, coaches, officials and builders.

CLASS OF 2024

Allison McNeill (Coach)

A trailblazer in Canadian basketball, Allison McNeill transformed the national women’s program, leading it to global prominence. As head coach of Simon Fraser University from 1988 to 2001, she guided her teams to 11 NAIA championship appearances in 13 seasons. Appointed head coach of Canada’s women’s national team in 2002, McNeill elevated the team from 22nd to 8th in the world rankings. Under her leadership, Canada qualified for its first Olympic appearance in 12 years, reaching the quarter-finals at London 2012—matching the nation’s best Olympic finish. McNeill also coached at the University of Oregon and was inducted into both the Basketball BC Sports Hall of Fame and the BC Sports Hall of Fame for her contributions to the game.

Karl Tilleman (Athlete)

A prolific scorer before the three-point era, Karl Tilleman dominated Canadian university basketball with the University of Calgary (1979-84), finishing as the school’s all-time leading scorer with 2,050 points in 79 games. He won consecutive national Player of the Year honours (1982, 1983) and led Canada West in scoring from 1981 to 1983. Internationally, Tilleman represented Canada at the 1984 and 1988 Olympics, won gold at the 1983 World University Games, and was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 1984. In 2007, he was voted the University of Calgary’s greatest athlete of all time and was later inducted into the University of Calgary Athletic Hall of Fame, Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Canada West Hall of Fame.

Carol Turney-Loos (Athlete)

Carol Turney-Loos was a dominant force in Canadian university basketball, excelling at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Saint Mary’s University, and the University of Victoria (UVic). She led UBC to a national title in 1974, earning back-to-back Canada West First Team All-Star honours and UBC Female Athlete of the Year in 1975. At Saint Mary’s, she set two CIAU records, including most points in a game, before finishing her career at UVic. There, she guided the Vikes to two national finals, winning the championship in 1980, where she was named tournament MVP. That same year, she became the inaugural Nan Copp Award winner as Canada’s top women’s player. Turney-Loos was named one of the Top 100 U SPORTS Women’s Basketball Players of the Century, and was inducted into both the UBC and UVic Sports Halls of Fame.

1979 FIBA Women's World Championship Team (Team)

Canada’s Senior Women’s National Team made history with a bronze medal at the 1979 FIBA Women’s World Championship, the nation’s first at the tournament. Led by tournament MVP Sylvia Sweeney, the team defeated powerhouse opponents such as South Korea, Italy and Australia before falling to the U.S. in the final game, finishing third due to point differential. Head coach Don McRae’s squad defied expectations, with Bev Smith also earning all-star honours, helping Canada rise from 11th place in the previous tournament. The 1979 team laid the foundation for future generations, proving Canada could compete on the world stage and inspiring the continued success of the national program.

The 1979 FIBA Women's World Championship Team Roster includes Candi Clarkson, Chris Critelli, Denise Dignard, Sharon Douglas, Luanne Hebb, Deb Huband, Holly Jackson, Alison Lang, Dori McPhail, Bev Smith, Debbie Steele, Sylvia Sweeney, and Head Coach Don McRae.

About the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame

The Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame honours players, coaches, officials and builders who have contributed to the development of basketball in Canada. Inductees are recognized for their excellence at the national and international levels, shaping the history and future of the sport. The Hall of Fame continues to celebrate those whose achievements inspire the next generation of Canadian basketball talent.