Basketball is more than just a sport in Indiana. It's a way of life, a passion that burns bright in the hearts of Hoosiers everywhere. From the state's storied history to its current crop of talented players, Indiana has always been at the center of the basketball universe.
The phrase "In 49 other states, it's just basketball. But this is Indiana" is ubiquitous in the state, and for good reason. The inventor of basketball, James Naismith, declared Indiana "the center of the sport" in 1925 after witnessing a state high school tournament. A century later, that observation has never been more true.
The love for basketball in Indiana dates back to the early 1900s, when the single-class high school system pitted every school in the state against one another in a massive basketball tournament that whipped fans into a frenzy. The 1954 Milan High School Indians' victory in the state tournament served as the inspiration for the 1986 film "Hoosiers."
Since then, Indiana has produced well over 100 professional players, including Hall of Famer Larry Bird. Now, the state is home to another underdog story in the Pacers, who are on the cusp of their first NBA championship, and the ascending Fever, who employ the biggest star in the WNBA, Caitlin Clark.
The simultaneous success of the men's and women's professional teams gives Indiana a real chance to become the first state to have an NBA and a WNBA champion in the same year since 2002. The teams have also shown support for each other, with players from both sides often attending each other's games this spring.
Basketball is more than just a game in Indiana; it's a way of life. The energy, tenacity, and love of the game that Thomas Bryant felt when he took his official visit here are what make Indiana special. As actor Drew Powell said, "Basketball is king" in the state, and it's easy to see why.
