There is one pioneering skill much larger, much more innovative, that holds more weight than almost any innovation in the evolution of basketball. Something that ranks in close proximity to the actual peach basket and creation of the game itself.  There is no other skill outside of dribbling a ball that has made a larger impact on every single facet of the game of basketball. The greatest moments in the game’s history have been at the hand of this skill. This skill is the modern day one handed jump shot that was developed and pioneered by Kenny Sailors.

Introducing his never before seen 'leaping one-hander' to the masses on a national level, Kenny quickly grew to be a fan favorite while leading his Wyoming Cowboys to the Collegiate National Championship in Madison Square Garden in 1943. But after playing on several losing teams in an unstable, emerging league now known as the NBA, Kenny disappeared into the Alaskan wilderness only to be forgotten by the sport he helped pioneer. Kenny Sailors was an NCAA Tourney MVP, NBA pioneer, true cowboy and homesteader in the Alaskan frontier, pioneer for female athletes, loving husband, father and community leader. He was a man with deep faith who brought to the game its greatest innovation, while always staying true to the things that matter most.

Our recommendation, based on overwhelming evidence, is that the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame move to induct Kenny Sailors into its Hall of Fame as the individual who created, developed and popularized the jump shot that we see in basketball today. The Naismith Hall of Fame has a responsibility that comes with its name. James Naismith was a man who not only invented the game of basketball, he was a man of true character and integrity, who put emphasis on team play. The Naismith Hall of Fame has a great responsibility to be true to the game of basketball for future generations. 

By recognizing and inducting Kenny Sailors into its Hall, the Naismith will be acting upon its own words, “On any given day, visitors lace ’em up to play under the basketball heavens, reliving the glory days of yesteryear or practicing for the big games yet to come.” “It has evolved from its humble origins to become Hoops Heaven...the earthly home of the game’s immortals.” Kenny Sailors sprang from basketball’s Glory Days and will continue to influence the big games yet to come, he defines the humble origins and his shot has been used by the game’s immortals.

“We are historians of the game and this [Kenny’s innovation] falls into the bucket of information that all of us need in totality of the basketball hall of fame. So I have no doubt that Kenny is going to have a place in Springfield.” - Nancy Lieberman, Hall of Fame Player

“If you’d do your research, you'd realize that [Kenny] belongs in the Hall of Fame. His name, his accolades, his whole legacy should be in the Hall of Fame. We’re gonna keep fighting til we get him in there.“ - Kevin Durant

“I’m inspired by Kenny Sailor’s story because I’ve been playing basketball since I was five, and ever since I picked up the ball, shooting a jump shot was just second nature to me. To know the person that Kenny was and what he stood for, that is something that is very inspirational. I hope to have as much of an impact as Kenny did.” - Stephen Curry

“Kenny Sailors Ex-Wyoming star invented the jump shot. Should be in the Hall of Fame!” - Dick Vitale, Hall of Fame Broadcaster

“What Kenny Sailors gave the game of basketball no one else was smart enough to develop. The Naismith Hall of Fame has failed to acknowledge the man who in my lifetime has done more to raise the sport to the popularity that he did. He didn’t give the United States a game, the son of a gun gave the world a game.” - Bob Knight, Hall of Fame Coach