RUSTON, La. -- Leon Barmore found his election to the Basketball Hall of Fame hard to believe.

"It's the impossible dream come true for me,'' said Barmore, the longtime Louisiana Tech women's coach. "It's the ultimate of our profession.''

Barmore's credentials speak to the impact he had on the development of women's basketball. He will be the sixth women's coach inducted during ceremonies to be held Sept. 4-7 in Springfield, Mass.

Barmore is a native of Ruston, grew up in Ruston, attended Ruston High School and played at Louisiana Tech. Except for a three-year stint coaching at Bastrop, he's never left Lincoln Parish.

"I want to thank my family, Ruston, La., Tech University and the Lady Techsters for making it possible,'' he said. "They put me in this position.''

Tech athletics director Jim Oakes called Barmore's journey unique and inspiring: "Local boy does good, plays and coaches at his alma mater and wins championships,'' he said. "It won't happen again.''

Asked about how his election would impact on his hometown, Barmore said: "I'm not sure they grasp the magnitude of this.''

Oakes agreed.

"It's a huge day for Louisiana Tech. It's as good as it gets as far as honors,'' he said. "Leon will be our first -- and one day Karl Malone will follow. It's a special honor for Leon, but also for Louisiana Tech.''

The impact is not lost on the 58-year old Barmore, who just experienced his first year of retirement.

"I grew up watching the Celtics -- Bob Cousy and Sam Jones -- and to be in the same Hall is an awesome experience,'' Barmore said.

Barmore will enter the hall with a player he coached against during his time as Ruston's basketball coach.

Robert Parish, a native of Shreveport, played at Woodlawn and starred at Centenary before setting NBA records for most seasons played (21) and most career defensive rebounds (10,117), winning three NBA titles with Boston and being named one of the NBA's top 50 players of all-time. In 1972, his senior year at Woodlawn, his team beat Barmore's Ruston squad twice.

Barmore and Parish become the fourth and fifth members in the Hall from the region. Willis Reed of Bernice, Bill Russell of Monroe and Elvin Hayes of Rayville were previously elected.

The other native of Louisiana in the Hall is LSU great Bob Pettit.

"To go in with this particular group is special,'' said Barmore. "As an individual, you can't top it. It's as high as you can get. This is the greatest honor I could receive in my profession.''