Peter Vecsey Inducted in 2001

Peter  Vecsey,  was born in 1943 in Queens New York where he became very interested in basketball. As a youth, he attended Archbishop Molloy High School, in Queens, New York, and graduated in 1961. Vecsey had covered the NBA for the New York Post. He was formerly an analyst for TBS and NBC and became an analyst for NBA TV. His writing style has been described as vicious, combative, and witty.

In the 1960s, he served in the United States Army Special Forces. Vecsey's column in the New York Post frequently detailed behind-the-scenes trade maneuvers as well as spotlighting many rumors in the NBA. Vecsey is also known for his open criticism of players. Familiar players he has criticized include Charles Barkley, Danny Fortson, Danny Ainge, Byron Scott, the New Jersey Nets, Larry Brown, Alonzo Mourning, the Los Angeles Clippers, the New York Knicks, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Vin Baker, Shawn Kemp, and former Nets star Jayson Williams. He gave number one draft pick Joe Barry Carroll the nickname "Joe Barely Cares" and dubbed former 1980s Knicks player Larry Demic "EpiDemic" after he failed to live up to expectations. Vecsey is the younger brother of The New York Times sports columnist George Vecsey.

With his passionate writing style, he received the Basketball Hall of Fame's, Curt Gowdy Media Award in 2009. Vecsey was also deeply involved in the grassroots of New York City basketball, especially at Rucker Park where he coached a team.