PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The Philadelphia Hall of Fame will add another Villanova legend to its fraternity Thursday night. Bill Melchionni, Villanova Class of '66, goes into the Hall of Fame at the Events Center of the Rivers Casino. The event begins with cocktails at 6 p.m. The induction ceremony gets underway at 7:30 p.m. 
 
The 2019 class includes 15 greats who will be honored with induction. Melchionni is a product of Bishop Eustace High School who went on to become a 1966 All-American playing for head coach Jack Kraft. The guard scored 27.6 points per game for the Wildcats as a senior. In three seasons he averaged 19.2 points per game and was named Most Valuable Player of the 1965 National Invitation Tournament despite despite being felled by the flu in the Final against St. John's.
 
Melchionni went on to a distinguished professional career, earning an NBA championship with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1967 and later two American Basketball Association titles with the New York Nets (1974 and 1976), where he was a three-time All-Star. As a Sixer he played alongside Wilt Chamberlain and Chet Walker. As a Net, his teammates included Rick Barry and Julius Erving. His No. 25 jersey is retired by both the Nets and Villanova.
 
The complete 2019 Hall of Fame class includes:

Al Cantello-Track & Field

Bill Melchionni-Basketball

Charlene Morett-Field Hockey

Clara Schroth-Lomady-Gymnastics

Donovan McNabb-Football

Eric Desjardins-Hockey

Fran Dunphy-Basketball

Home Run Baker-Baseball

Jayson Stark-Baseball (Legacy of Excellence)

Matt Saad Mohmamed-Boxing

Mike Scioscia-Baseball

Paul Owens-Baseball (Legacy of Excellence)

Rasheed Wallace-Basketball

Suzy Kolber-Football (Legacy of Excellence)

Troy Vincent-Football
 
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