Indiana State basketball: A Legacy of Success and Tradition

Indiana State University has a rich history in basketball, dating back to the early 20th century. The Sycamores, as the men's basketball team is known, have been a consistent force in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) and have made several notable appearances in the NCAA Tournament.

A Storied Past

The Sycamores first gained national prominence in the 1950s under the legendary coach John Wooden, who went on to become one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history at UCLA. Under Wooden, the Sycamores won two MVC titles and made two NCAA Tournament appearances.

In the 1970s, the Sycamores enjoyed another period of success under coach Bob King. King led the team to two more MVC titles and three NCAA Tournament berths, including a Sweet 16 appearance in 1979.

Recent Success

In recent years, the Sycamores have continued to be a competitive force in the MVC. Under coach Greg Lansing, the team won the MVC Tournament in 2015 and earned an NCAA Tournament bid. In 2018, the Sycamores won the MVC regular season title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament once again.

Individual Accomplishments

In addition to team success, the Sycamores have produced several outstanding individual players. Larry Bird, considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, played for Indiana State from 1974 to 1978. Bird led the Sycamores to two NCAA Tournament appearances and was named MVC Player of the Year twice.

Other notable Sycamores include Carl Nicks, Jay Tunnell, and Jake LaRavia, who have all gone on to successful NBA careers.

A Passionate Fan Base

Indiana State basketball enjoys a passionate and loyal fan base, known as the "Sycamore Nation." The Sycamores' home games at the Hulman Center are often sellouts, and the team's success has generated excitement and pride throughout the state of Indiana.

The Future

With a strong tradition, talented players, and a dedicated fan base, the future looks promising for Indiana State basketball. The Sycamores are poised to continue their success in the years to come and bring even more glory to the university and the city of Terre Haute.