Hoosier Hysteria

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Lore & Background

Since the late 20th century, numerous basketball stars have generated excitement and fan generation in Indiana. One of these players, Larry Bird, became one of the most marketed and popular Indiana athletes in history due to his play for the Indiana State Sycamores from 1976 to 1979, and for his head coaching tenure for the Indiana Pacers from 1997 to 2000. Players such as Reggie Miller and Jalen Rose became popular during Bird's tenure as head coach of the Pacers. In the 21st century, athletes such as Caitlin Clark, Paul George and Tyrese Haliburton have generated similar excitement to a lesser degree. The Caitlin Clark effect has particularly generated excitement around the Indiana Fever of the WNBA.

In Their Own Story

The Indiana tournament is still the most attended in the nation, with final four games for the two larger divisions regularly selling out Gainbridge Fieldhouse (formerly Conseco Fieldhouse and Bankers Life Fieldhouse).

Reader's Guide

The Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) are one focus of Hoosier hysteria. Larry Bird served as head coach of the Pacers from 1997 to 2000. Players such as Reggie Miller and Jalen Rose became popular during Bird's tenure as head coach. In the 21st century, athletes such as Paul George and Tyrese Haliburton have generated similar excitement to a lesser degree.

Did You Know?

• In 1925, James Naismith visited an Indiana basketball state finals game along with 15,000 screaming fans.
• Naismith wrote that while basketball was invented in Massachusetts, 'basketball really had its origin in Indiana, which remains the center of the sport.'
• Larry Bird was head coach of the Indiana Pacers from 1997 to 2000.
• The Caitlin Clark effect has particularly generated excitement around the Indiana Fever of the WNBA.
• The Indiana tournament final four games for the two larger divisions regularly sell out Gainbridge Fieldhouse.