Basketball Icons Attended Jerry Colangelo Golf Classic
The 14th annual event in Scottsdale honored Jerry Colangelo's contributions to basketball and Arizona.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Basketball
NBA legends and basketball figures gathered at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel for the 14th annual Jerry Colangelo Golf Classic. The two-day event in Scottsdale honored the longtime sports executive and his career legacy.
Why it matters
The tournament serves as a celebration of the lasting impact Jerry Colangelo has had on both the professional basketball landscape and the state of Arizona. It brings together high-profile figures from across the sport to recognize his tenure and influence.
The event marked the 14th annual iteration of the golf tournament. Jerry Colangelo, who managed USA Basketball from 2005 through 2021, is currently 86 years old.
The players
Jerry Colangelo
He is an 86-year-old sports executive who served as the managing director of USA Basketball from 2005 through 2021.
Charles Barkley
He is a former professional basketball player and current prominent television sports analyst.
Diana Taurasi
She is a celebrated professional basketball player known for her extensive career in the WNBA.
Julius Erving
He is an iconic former professional basketball player widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the sport's history.
Mike D'Antoni
He is a veteran basketball coach and former player who has served as a head coach for multiple NBA franchises.
The details
The gathering kicked off with a welcome reception and silent auction on Thursday evening. On Friday morning, attendees participated in a round of golf at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel to commemorate Colangelo.
Timeline
The reception and auction were held on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
A round of golf took place on Friday, September 18, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The gathering highlights the enduring influence of the leadership era associated with the managing director tenure of USA Basketball. This event reinforces Colangelo's status as a central figure in the sport's institutional history.
The presence of numerous Hall of Fame players and coaches underscores the significant networking power Colangelo maintains within the professional basketball sphere. This gathering serves as an off-season nexus for major league personnel and industry decision-makers.
The takeaway
The continued success of this event highlights the deep respect that generations of players hold for long-term sports management. Such gatherings demonstrate how influential executives maintain community and industry bonds well beyond their active tenures.
Further reading
For more on the latest developments in the sport, see our Basketball coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
