Eight former Sacramento State men’s basketball players were inducted into the Hornet Hall of Fame on Nov. 4 at the second annual Hall of Fame Tip-Off Banquet.

Inductees from every decade, beginning in 1950, were honored: Chuck Mobley, Don Fausset, Lynn Livie, Greg Reed, Nate Robinson, Alex Williams, Damond Edwards and Jameel Pugh.

Approximately 200 people attended the banquet, roughly a 30-person increase from last year’s inaugural event.

Pugh, who is the youngest member of the 2009 induction class, said he was a bit surprised because the honor came only four years after his Sac State career ended.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to know that the Alumni Association and those who make the decisions to recognize what I brought to this university as well as the type of career I had,” said the 27-year-old Pugh.

“It all comes together as a wonderful feeling to be recognized so soon.”

Pugh (2003-05), transferred from the University of Massachusetts. He is best known for his performance in the 2005 College Slam Dunk Championship, where he finished in second place.

Edwards (1992-97) also said he was surprised when he was informed of his inclusion into the Hall of Fame.

“It actually is a very humbling experience,” Edwards said.

“You always think you’re good enough to get your jersey retired or get inducted to the Hall of Fame. But when it actually happens, obviously, it’s a much bigger deal than you thought it would be.”

Edwards played for the Harlem Globtrotters in 1997-98.

Alex Williams (1986-88) set the Division II record for 3-pointers made in a season in his senior season. He said his greatest moment was being able to play at Arco Arena as a Hornet.

“I think we won that tournament,” Williams said. “There were like two or three Division I teams in the tournament. We were Division II and we beat Texas A&M ? That was a very big moment for us.”

Williams said during his induction speech that he has not been back to Sac State in nearly 20 years and said he was planning to reconnect with Sac State and Hornet basketball in the future.

Reed said he was excited and honored when he heard about his induction.

“I was hoping that one day I’d have a shot to get in here,” Reed said. “To be one of the first individuals installed, that was a real thrill for me. I’m just really humbled by this whole thing.”

Reed is the only player in Hornet history to be drafted into the NBA. The San Francisco Warriors chose him in the ninth round of the 1969 draft.

Reed played with Livie (1964-66), who died in 2006. He is the Hornets’ all-time leading scorer with a 27.8 point per game career average.

Livie’s widow, Linda, accepted the award on his behalf. Her speech was short, soft-spoken and emotional.

Mobley (1955-59) died in 2005 and averaged 18.3 points per game – third-best in school history.

Reed (1966-69) thanked current Hornet head coach Brian Katz for this honor.

“This would have never happened without him,” Reed said.

Katz instituted the Hall of Fame last year, which was also his first season as Hornet head coach.

Pugh said the off-the-court accomplishments he and his teammates participated in were as memorable as his on-court accomplishments.

“I think the work that we did every year visiting Shriners Hospital ? just spending time with people who have been through a great tragedy and for us to show up as a team and help them get through their experience was definitely one of those heart-felt moments that I’ll always remember as a Hornet,” Pugh said.

The banquet was not only to induct former Hornet greats; it was also to introduce the 2009-10 team. Each player and coach was introduced to the crowd, which included former players, faculty, staff, alumni and supports of Hornet basketball.

It was clear from the reaction of the crowd that the culture of Hornet basketball has changed with Katz at the helm.

“I think the program is definitely taking steps towards improving,” Pugh said. “I like Coach Katz, mainly because he has his PPS (Pupil Personnel Services), which means he’s a college counselor as well. So I know the guys will be taken care of academically.”

Maury Costa, president of the Hornet Men’s Basketball Alumni & Friends Chapter, said the ceremony went well.

“We’re real pleased,” Costa said. “It was a great turnout. I think we had eight quality inductees and not only that, I think they were very entertaining for the crowd. It was good electricity and enthusiasm in the room, and I think this is really going to give us a lot of momentum going forward.”

Dustin Nosler can be reached at [email protected]