Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association honors local basketball legends and leaders

By Darrell L. Williams

On Sunday, September 27, 2026, the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association held its annual Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon in Wisconsin Dells, bringing together coaches, players, basketball leaders, families and supporters to celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to the game.

While congratulations are extended to all of this year’s honorees, several individuals with strong ties to Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin deserve special recognition.

Among this year’s Hall of Fame inductees was Jerry Smith, a Milwaukee native and Wauwatosa East High School basketball legend. Smith’s basketball journey took him from the courts of Milwaukee to the professional ranks, where he played in the NBA with the New Jersey Nets. His induction into the WBCA Hall of Fame recognizes an outstanding basketball career and adds another chapter to his lasting legacy in Wisconsin basketball.

Also inducted was Caron Butler, a Racine native whose remarkable basketball career took him from Wisconsin to the highest level of professional basketball. Butler enjoyed a 15-year NBA career and became one of the most accomplished basketball players to emerge from southeastern Wisconsin. His induction into the WBCA Hall of Fame represents another well-deserved recognition of his achievements and contributions to the sport.

The WBCA Hall of Fame induction class also included Gerald ‘Jerry’ Kinney, a Beloit native and former New York Yankees baseball player. Kinney’s induction recognizes his accomplishments as a Wisconsin athlete and his lasting connection to the state’s proud sports tradition. His journey from Beloit to professional baseball represents the dedication, perseverance and excellence celebrated by the WBCA Hall of Fame. Drs. Richard McGregory and Carlton Jenkins accepted the award on his behalf.
The celebration also included recognition for Derick Jenkins, Dominican High School girls basketball coach, who was honored as one of the 2026 WBCA Assistant Coaches of the Year. Jenkins’ recognition highlights the important role assistant coaches play in developing student-athletes, strengthening basketball programs and helping young people succeed both on and off the court.

Also present for this special occasion were Dr. Harry Oden and Jim Jones, both of whom serve on the WBCA Hall of Fame Committee. Their years of service, commitment and tireless efforts have helped preserve and celebrate Wisconsin’s rich basketball history. They deserve tremendous thanks for their continued work on this prestigious committee and for ensuring that deserving coaches, players and contributors receive the recognition they have earned.
The afternoon was more than an induction ceremony. It was a celebration of excellence, service, perseverance and the proud sports tradition that continues throughout Wisconsin.

Congratulations to Jerry Smith, Caron Butler, Jerry Kinney and Derick Jenkins on these outstanding honors, and special appreciation to Dr. Harry Oden and Jim Jones for their dedicated service.

Their accomplishments remind us that Wisconsin has a rich athletic history—and that Milwaukee, Racine, Beloit and southeastern Wisconsin continue to play an important role in that legacy.

Congratulations to all of the 2026 Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association honorees!