RUSTON - It's been quite a year for former Louisiana Tech head coach Leon Barmore ... an emotional roller coaster to be exact.

Barmore, who retired in August of 2002 as the winningest coach percentage-wise in the history of Division I collegiate basketball, spent his first year away from the game he not only loved but helped mold into the sport it has become today.

The Ruston, La., native made no bones about it. Basketball had been his life for the past four decades and not being directly involved in it and with the Louisiana Tech Lady Techster program, which he built into one of the few dynasties of the women's collegiate game, was tough. Agonizing at times.

However, two bright spots during Barmore's first year of no coaching were the announcements of his induction into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, which occurred in May, as well as forthcoming induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, which happens tonight.

Two huge honors for one of the legendary coaches, not only of women's basketball, but the entire game itself.

"My selection for both of these honors came at a great time for me because I miss the game dearly," Barmore said in an interview with the Shreveport Times. "It softened the blow of not having a team of my own."

Barmore, along with his twin granddaughters Sophie and Ellie, were the hit of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame induction in Knoxville during Mother's Day Weekend earlier this year. It was an honor that many felt was long overdue, especially for one of the leading pioneers in the women's game.

The 58-year-old Barmore was grateful for his inclusion in the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, calling it his greatest honor.

However, tonight when Barmore joins Robert Parish, James Worthy, Meadowlark Lemon, Chick Hearn, Earl Lloyd and Dino Meneghin as the 2003 Induction Class, he will receive a new "greatest honor."

"I thought the women's Hall of Fame was as high as I could go, but getting this honor ... there's none higher," Barmore said.

During Barmore's 20 years at the head coach at Louisiana Tech, the former Bulldog letter winner led the Lady Techsters to 20 straight NCAA Tournaments, nine Final Fours, five national championship game appearances and the 1988 National Title. His 576-87 record will almost assuredly never be matched nor will his story ... local boy leads alma mater to national titles.

Tonight's ceremonies in Springfield, Mass., start at 6:30 p.m. and can be seen on NBA TV. A one-hour special will also be shown on ESPN Sunday at 5 p.m.