Temple graduate, Drexel Hill, Pa., native Dick “Hoops” Weiss to Receive Stan Hochman Award at 122nd PSWA Banquet
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Philadelphia Sports Writers Association (PSWA) is proud to announce that longtime sports journalist Dick Weiss will receive the Stan Hochman Award at the organization’s 122nd Annual Awards Banquet. The banquet will be held on Monday, January 11, 2027, at The Palestra on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania.
The Stan Hochman Award is presented to an individual who has made significant and lasting contributions to sports journalism and embodies the passion, dedication and commitment to the profession exemplified by the legendary Philadelphia sportswriter Stan Hochman.
Weiss, a 1969 Temple University graduate, has covered college football and college and professional basketball for the Philadelphia Daily News and the New York Daily News for 40 years. Weiss has been the president of the U.S. Basketball Writers Association, and the College Football Writers of America. He has also co-written several books with legendary college coaches Rick Pitino, John Calipari, Dick Vitale and authored a tribute book on Mike Krzyzewski.
Weiss’ true love for the game of basketball began during his days growing up in Drexel Hill, Pa., and attending storied Big Five doubleheaders in the Palestra. After his first year in the business, working at the Trenton Times and Baltimore Sun, he landed in South Jersey at the Courier-Post before he started a span of 18 years covering Big 5 college hoops at the Palestra for the Philadelphia Daily News.
He takes pride in the fact that for a period of seven to eight years while he covered college basketball in Philadelphia during its heyday, he never missed a game in the arena he is credited with coining as the “The Palestra: Cathedral of Basketball.” He is featured in articles and shows on the Big Ten Network, Coach George Raveling, Blue Star Media and American and Big East Conferences.
“Dick Weiss represents everything the Stan Hochman Award stands for,” said Mike Shute, PSWA President. “His commitment to excellence in sports journalism, his passion for storytelling and the respect he has earned throughout his career make ‘Hoops’ a most deserving recipient, especially at The Palestra, a place where he’s covered countless games and also spent tons of time watching games while growing up.”
The 2027 PSWA Awards Banquet will hold special significance as part of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of The Palestra, one of the most historic venues in college basketball.
The evening will bring together members of the sports community to honor outstanding athletes, coaches, administrators and members of the media while celebrating the rich history of sports in the Philadelphia region.
Additional honorees and details regarding the 122nd Annual PSWA Awards Banquet will be announced in the coming weeks.
For information about the banquet and tickets, please visit www.phillysportswriters.com.
About the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association:
The Philadelphia Sports Writers Association is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected organizations dedicated to recognizing excellence in sports and sports journalism. Through its annual awards banquet and other initiatives, the PSWA honors the athletes, coaches, administrators and media members who have made significant contributions to the world of sports. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the PSWA sponsors a variety of events in an effort to raise funds to provide scholarships for deserving college students and donates to a variety of other charities both in the Philadelphia region and nationally.