John Calipari, Dikembe Mutombo, Tim Hardaway and Kevin Johnson are among 12 finalists for the 2015 Basketball Hall of Fame class.

Bo Ryan, Lisa Leslie, Dick Bavetta, Jo Jo White, Spencer Haywood, Bill Fitch, Robert Hughes and Leta Andrews are also finalists.

Calipari's teams have reached the Final Four five times.

"I'm at a loss for words," Calipari said. "I want to thank the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame committee for even considering me. The process is by no means over -- I'm just a finalist at this point -- but to even be mentioned as a finalist among these worthy candidates is an unbelievable honor. I am absolutely humbled by this.

"I want to thank the people at UMass, Memphis and Kentucky for giving Ellen and I an opportunity to coach at three great institutions. I want to thank all the assistants and staff who have worked for us over the years, as well as the people in the community who have added value to our lives. Most importantly, I want to thank all of the players who have let us coach them and all of the parents who entrusted us with their son. Thank you."