Indiana State Sycamores men's basketball

Indiana State Sycamores men's basketball
Name	Indiana State Sycamores men's basketball
University	Indiana State University
Conference	Missouri Valley Conference
Arena	Hulman Center
Capacity	10,200
City	Terre Haute, Indiana
Head coach	Josh Schertz
Tenure	2021–present
Nickname	Sycamores
Colors	Royal blue and white
Ncaatourneys	1979, 2000, 2001, 2011
Ncaatfinalfour	1979
Ncaatfinalfouryear	1979
Ncaateliteeight	1979
Ncaateliteeightyear	1979
Ncaatsixteen	1979
Ncaatsixteenyear	1979
Conference tournament	2001, 2011
Conference regular	1978, 1979, 2000

Indiana State Sycamores men's basketball represents Indiana State University in NCAA Division I competition. The program competes in the Missouri Valley Conference and plays its home games at the Hulman Center in Terre Haute, Indiana. While the team has a long history dating to the early 20th century, it achieved national prominence during the 1978–79 season led by Larry Bird, culminating in an appearance in the NCAA championship game. The Sycamores have made four total appearances in the NCAA tournament.

History

The program's early years were spent as an independent and in conferences like the Indiana Intercollegiate Conference. The modern era began with entry into the Missouri Valley Conference in 1976. The program's zenith was the 1978–79 season under coach Bill Hodges, featuring future Hall of Famer Larry Bird. That team reached the national final, losing to Magic Johnson and the Michigan State Spartans. Subsequent decades saw periods of competitiveness, including conference tournament championships in 2001 and 2011 under coaches Royce Waltman and Greg Lansing, respectively. The program has also participated in the National Invitation Tournament and the College Basketball Invitational.

Home arenas

The Sycamores have played in several facilities throughout their history. Early games were held in the North Hall gymnasium. From 1962 to 1973, the team played at the ISU Arena. Since 1973, the primary home venue has been the Hulman Center, a multi-purpose arena with a capacity of 10,200. The Hulman Center has hosted numerous NCAA Tournament games and is known for its distinctive blue court. Occasional games, particularly during renovations, have been played at Terre Haute South Vigo High School.

Head coaches

The program has been led by numerous coaches. Early notable figures include John Wooden, who coached the team for two seasons before his legendary tenure at UCLA. Duane Klueh and Bob King helped build the program in the 1960s and 70s. Bill Hodges guided the team to the 1979 final. Tates Locke, Ron Greene, and Sherman Dillard led the team in the 1980s and 90s. Royce Waltman restored success with two NCAA bids in the early 2000s. Greg Lansing coached for 11 seasons, winning a Missouri Valley Conference tournament title. The current head coach, hired in 2021, is Josh Schertz.

Postseason results

The Sycamores have made four appearances in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, with an overall record of 5–4. Their most successful run was in 1979, advancing to the championship game with victories over Virginia Tech, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and DePaul. They also received bids in 2000, 2001, and 2011. The team has made several appearances in the National Invitation Tournament, reaching the semifinals in 1978, and has also played in the College Basketball Invitational.

Players

Numerous notable players have competed for the Sycamores. The most famous is Larry Bird, the Naismith College Player of the Year in 1979 and a three-time NBA MVP with the Boston Celtics. Other prominent alumni include Carl Nicks, a member of the 1979 team who played in the NBA; Johnny Bright, a College Football Hall of Fame inductee who also starred on the hardwood; and Bird's teammate Bob Heaton. More recent standouts include Jake Odum, the 2014 Lou Henson Award winner, and Brenton Scott. Several players have been selected in the NBA draft, with Bird being the highest pick at sixth overall in the 1978 NBA draft.

Rivalries

The program's primary and most historic rivalry is with the Evansville Purple Aces, with the teams competing for the Hoosier Cup. The series dates back to 1926 and intensified when both were members of the Missouri Valley Conference. Another significant conference rivalry exists with the Southern Illinois Salukis. Non-conference rivalries include in-state foes such as the Butler Bulldogs and the Ball State Cardinals, though these series have been played less frequently in recent decades.

Category:Indiana State Sycamores men's basketball Category:Missouri Valley Conference men's basketball