Metro Detroit, MI – The American Basketball Hall of Fame (ABHOF) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Len Krichko as President of Basketball Operations. Known globally for his accomplishments as an athlete, businessman, and advisor, Krichko brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for basketball to this prestigious role.
Krichko has been collaborating with ABHOF founder LaMont “ShowBoat” Robinson over the past year. Robinson, a former Harlem Clowns and Globetrotters player, expressed his confidence in Krichko’s leadership, stating, “Adding Len to the team as President of Basketball Operations will bring more credibility to this one-of-a-kind hall of fame.”
Krichko’s basketball journey began in Hermitage, PA, a renowned hub for the sport. He played competitively for Hickory school teams and the F.H. Buhl Club team in Western Pennsylvania. As a three-sport student-athlete, Krichko excelled in high school, college, and post-collegiate competition, particularly in middle and long-distance running.
During his high school years at Hickory High School (1972-75), Krichko competed in three PIAA Class & State Championships and was a member of a nationally ranked relay team. He was a two-time District 10 Champion and a four-time Mercer County Champion, earning seven varsity letters, setting six school records, and being voted Top Male Athlete in his senior year.
Krichko’s collegiate career (1976-1980) saw him contribute to seven National Collegiate Championships in Track and Cross Country. He became a four-time NJCAA National Champion, National Record Holder, and First Team All-American, setting 12 school records at the Community College of Allegheny County, Clemson University, and Slippery Rock University. From 1978-1985, he competed nationally for the Allegheny Nike and Puma USA Teams, participating in four National Championships and achieving numerous accolades, including CAN-AM 10k Champion and International Peace Race 10k Runner-up.
Krichko also served as a coach for cross country and track at the University of South Carolina, Southern Connecticut State University, Choate Rosemary Hall, and Cheshire Academy from 1980-1985.
In addition to his athletic achievements, Krichko dedicated 35 years to helping thousands of youth and families through his work with Boys & Girls Clubs in Boston, Cleveland, Detroit, and New Haven. His lifelong involvement with the Boys & Girls Clubs began as a member of the F.H. Buhl Club of Sharon, Pennsylvania, earning numerous national, regional, state, and local awards.
Krichko has been involved with major sporting events, including the NFL’s Super Bowl XL, MLB’s World Series and All-Star Games, the NBA’s Care Program, and the National High School Football Hall of Fame. He holds a master’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University, a bachelor’s degree from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, and an associate degree from the Community College of Allegheny County.
In recognition of his contributions, Krichko was inducted into the Mercer County Hall of Fame Athletic Association’s Class of 2007 and the Masters & Mentors Class of 2017 for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. At the ABHOF Annual Induction Ceremony in June 2024, he was presented with “The Earl Cureton Community Helping Hands Award.”
Krichko has passed his athletic and passion for sports to his youngest daughter Lucy Krichko who is on the high school circuit and is becoming one the top high school golfers in the state of Michigan and is looking forward to play on the collegiate level in 2025.
Robinson added, “When Len told me he was going to have Larry Bird be part of the 2024 Class and it happened, I knew he was the man to help us lead this project to the top.”
The American Basketball Hall of Fame looks forward to the impactful leadership Len Krichko will bring to the organization as it continues to honor the legends and history of basketball.
