Hundreds of people gathered around a bronze likeness of George Mikan on Sunday to remember the Hall of Famer who revolutionized basketball with his size and determination.

The life-size statue, which stands permanently in the expansive lobby of Target Center, home of the Minnesota Timberwolves, shows Mikan delivering a left-handed hook shot. He wears the familiar thick glasses ? which one coach told him would keep him from greatness ? and his ever-present smile.

"Let us always remember that wonderful trademark George Mikan smile that lit up a room, inspired us, and gave us hope," said Congressman Jim Ramstad, who holds the congressional seat that Mikan once tried to win, but lost.

Mikan, who died June 1 in Arizona at age 80, after a struggle with diabetes and kidney disease, helped the Minneapolis Lakers win five league championships in the 1940s and 50s. His dominance led to rules changes, including a widening of the free-throw lane and the creation of the 24-second shot clock to prevent the slowdown tactics that were used against him and the Lakers.