Ontario Basketball Announces 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees
Honouring four exceptional leaders whose impact has shaped basketball in Ontario, across Canada, and around the world.
Ontario Basketball is proud to announce the 2026 induction class for the Ontario Basketball Hall of Fame. This year’s class recognizes four outstanding individuals whose achievements and contributions have left a lasting mark on the game: Mark Jones, Chantal Vallée, Bob Maydo, and Dave Smart.
The Ontario Basketball Hall of Fame celebrates the athletes, coaches, builders, leaders, and ambassadors whose dedication has helped grow and elevate basketball throughout the province. The 2026 induction class represents excellence across coaching, broadcasting, and leadership, with each inductee contributing to the game in their own meaningful way.
“The Hall of Fame gives us an opportunity to recognize the individuals whose contributions have helped shape basketball in Ontario,” said Claude Nembhard, Chief Executive Officer of Ontario Basketball. “This year’s class represents an incredible range of impact, from championship coaching and broadcasting to mentorship and community leadership. We are proud to celebrate Mark, Dave, Chantal, and Bob and the lasting legacy each has created within our basketball community.”
The 2026 Induction Class
Mark Jones – A Toronto native and longtime basketball broadcaster, Mark Jones has built an accomplished career covering the NBA, WNBA, NCAA basketball, and international competition. Jones has brought the game to audiences across North America through his distinctive voice, insight, and passion for basketball, while helping showcase the growth of Canadian basketball on some of the sport’s biggest stages.
Chantal Vallée – During more than 20 years as a head coach, Chantal Vallée has built a championship legacy with the University of Windsor Lancers women’s basketball program. Under her leadership, the Lancers captured more than 22 championship titles, including four OUA championships and an unprecedented five consecutive U SPORTS national championships from 2011 to 2015. Vallée has also worked in professional basketball and with Canada Basketball, while her career as a basketball analyst has extended her influence beyond the sidelines and helped grow the game across Canada.
Bob Maydo – A dedicated coach, educator, and longtime contributor to basketball in Ontario, Bob Maydo devoted 46 years to teaching and coaching in Toronto high schools, including Bathurst Heights, Emery Collegiate Institute, Westview, and Newtonbrook. Through his leadership, passion, and commitment to the game, he developed programs, built teams, and created opportunities for generations of athletes and community members. Beyond his accomplishments on the court, Bob’s greatest legacy lives in the people he inspired and believed in, reflecting the lasting impact that dedicated builders and coaches can have on both the game and the communities they serve.
Dave Smart – Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished basketball coaches in Canadian university history, Dave Smart built a dynasty during his tenure with Carleton University. His leadership, preparation, and commitment to excellence helped establish one of the most successful programs in Canadian sport, producing championship teams and developing generations of student-athletes and coaches. Smart has won 13 U SPORTS National Championships and 11 OUA Conference Championships. His influence on the game continues to be felt throughout Ontario and across the Canadian basketball landscape.
The 2026 Ontario Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place during the Ontario Basketball Golf Tournament on the evening of Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
For more information about the Ontario Basketball Golf Tournament and Hall of Fame inductees visit www.basketball.on.ca and follow the celebration on Instagram @obabball ***
About OBA: Ontario Basketball (OBA) is the governing body for basketball in the province of Ontario. A member of Canada Basketball, OBA is the largest provincial basketball organization in the country. OBA is a non-profit entity and receives financial support from the Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. The organization was incorporated in 1977, but its history dates to over 80 years ago.