The accolade is the most prestigious recognition granted by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, other than being inducted.

Nugent founded the NWBA in 1949 and is said to have "empowered generations of people with disabilities" through his work and influence.

He passed away in 2015 at the age of 92.

"His legacy went well beyond the field of play through his unwavering advocacy for people with disabilities in all facets of their lives," the NWBA said. 

"He lived his life by the motto 'the presence of a problem is the absence of an idea'. 

"NWBA members, alumni and fans are eternally grateful for his insatiable appetite for solving an array of significant issues that faced people with disabilities in mid 20th century.

"Nugent's early life experiences instilled a deep understanding of the psychological impact of coping with disabilities at a time when people were relegated to an isolated existence through prescribed inactivity. 

"Whether it be during his childhood observing limited family members with health issues, or post World War II interacting with fellow veterans who sustained debilitating injuries, Nugent realised more activity, not less, is what people needed."

An official presentation of the award will take place at the Hall of Fame in Springfield in Massachusetts in August.

"We would like to thank the Naismith Hall of Fame's Board of Trustees, Jerry Colangelo, chairman of the Naismith Hall of Fame, and John Doleva, CEO of the Naismith Hall of Fame, for their recognition of a true pioneer and a hero to so many," said NWBA President Tim Fox. 

"His impact on society cannot be overstated. 

"It is only fitting that he will be celebrated in The Hoop Hall as one of the most impactful contributors to basketball, a John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award recipient."