Phil Jasner, Marvin O'Connor headline 2013 Big 5 Hall of Fame class

Legendary former Daily News basketball writer Phil Jasner and former Saint Joseph's backcourt standout Marvin O'Connor headline the 2013 Big 5 Hall of Fame class.

In addition to his many years covering the 76ers, Jasner also covered the local college basketball scene for a long time. He passed away in 2010, and it's too bad that he will be inducted posthumously. I'm sure the event will be a celebration of his life and career, though, and I'm also sure his son Andy - a talented writer in his own right - will help lead those celebrations.

Here's more information on O'Connor, Jasner and the rest of the Hall of Fame honorees, by way of the Big 5's media relations office:

The Philadelphia Big 5 will induct five new members into its Hall of Fame on Friday, January 25, 2013 at the Palestra. The 2013 class includes Marvin O'Connor (Saint Joseph's), Angela Zampella (Saint Joseph's), Phil Jasner (Media), Jen Ricco (Temple), and Trish Juhline (Villanova).

O'Connor (1999-2002) won the Geasey Award (Big 5 Player of the Year) in 2001 and was a three-time Big 5 First Team selection. He was a three-time All-Atlantic 10 honoree and was the top scorer in the Big 5 (Palumbo Award) in 2001. O'Connor ranks 12th on the Hawks' all-time scoring list with 1,678 career points and averaged double figures in all three of his seasons.

Zampella (1997-2001) was a three-time Big 5 First Team selection in 1999, 2000, and 2001 after earning Second Team honors in 1998. She led the Hawks to three Big 5 titles and two NCAA Tournament appearances in four seasons. Zampella also garnered a number of Atlantic 10 honors including All-Rookie and All-Tournament Team and was a member of the 1999 A-10 Championship squad.

Jasner, an award-winning Philadelphia Daily News sports journalist who lost his courageous battle with cancer in December 2010, was a past president of the Professional Basketball Writers Association and Philadelphia College Basketball Writers Association. The Temple graduate covered the 76ers and extensively covered Big 5 basketball for years. Jasner was a two-time Pennsylvania Sportswriter of the Year and was presented the Curt Gowdy Award for excellence in print journalism in 2004 by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Ricco (1993-1998) was named to the Big 5 First Team in 1998 and the Second Team in 1994. She is the 11th highest scorer in Temple women's history with 1,236 points. She was Temple's leading scorer during the 1993-1994 and 1997-1998 seasons. Ricco is second all-time in steals per game (2.4) and holds the single-season steals per game record (3.6 spg) during the 1997-1998 season. She was named to the Atlantic 10 First Team in 1998 and the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team in 1994.

Juhline (1999-2003) was the Big 5 Player of the Year in 2003 and earned Rookie of the Year Honors after the 1999-2000 season. She currently ranks third all-time at Villanova in scoring with 1,659 points, 11th overall in assists with 385, and owns the record for 3-pointers made with 275. Juhline led the Wildcats to three NCAA Tournament berths, a Big East Championship, and an Elite Eight appearance. She was drafted in the third round of the 2003 WNBA Draft.