'Wilt the Stilt' Scores Two Stamps

The icon whose dominance literally changed the rules of basketball returns to center court Friday to receive a stamping ovation when he becomes the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) first player to be immortalized on a U.S. postage stamp.

NBA players Julius Erving and Wali Jones will be among those dedicating the Wilt Chamberlain Forever stamps Dec. 5 at halftime when the Philadelphia 76ers host the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

Starting at the 7 p.m. tip-off and throughout the game, current and past NBA players will participate in a “Twitter Huddle” --- an online chat using the hashtag #WiltStamp that will include a trivia quiz.

A special dedication ceremony will take place at the Mass Mutual Center during the University of Mass. vs. Florida Gulf Coast Game Dec. 7 in Springfield, MA. Another ceremony will take place at 2 p.m., Dec. 10 at Philadelphia’s Overbrook High School. Many of Chamberlain’s former teammates are planning to attend.

Joining Erving and Jones at the dedication ceremony will be Chamberlain’s sisters Barbara Lewis and Selina Gross; 76ers Ambassador of Basketball World B. Free; Philadelphia Sports Hall of Famer and sports radio personality Sonny Hill; and, 76ers Director of Statistical Information Harvey Pollack, who holds the distinction as the only individual working for the NBA since its inaugural 1946-47 season. Pollack also kept score during Chamberlain’s 1962 record-breaking 100 point game. He also made the sign Chamberlain held in the famous post-game photo.

The halftime ceremony will feature a special tribute video and stamp unveiling using the team’s state-of-the-art court projection system. Throughout the night, the Sixers will celebrate the life and legacy of the legendary Chamberlain with videos during breaks in play.