George Hill models the Hickory Huskers uniform to be worn by the Pacers this season.
The Indiana Pacers and a few of their friends were gathered for a season-starting golf outing Thursday at Brickyard Crossing Golf Course.
Larry Bird was there. Frank Vogel, George Hill and Slick Leonard were there.
But the news — “The major excitement,” according to Pacers announcer Chris Denari — was about an iconic jersey.
The fictional Hickory Huskers jersey — from the movie “Hoosiers,” which was loosely based on Milan High School’s 1954 state champions — will be worn by the Pacers in 10 games this season, six of those at home.
Each game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, when the team wears the jerseys, will honor individuals, teams and communities that have impacted Indiana basketball history.
Nov. 6: City of Crawfordsville, the birthplace of Indiana basketball and home to the first IHSAA state championship team.
Dec. 23: Jack Butcher, Loogootee, the winningest coach in Indiana high school basketball history.
Jan. 26: George Daniel Crowe, Franklin, Indiana’s first IndyStar Mr. Basketball in 1939 and brother of legendary Indianapolis Crispus Attucks coach Ray Crowe.
Feb. 24: Crispus Attucks High School, state champions of 1955, 1956 and 1959.
March 15: Milan High School 1954 state champions, the team that inspired the movie “Hoosiers.”
April 10: The eight champions of the 2016 IHSAA girls and boys state championships.
The Pacers will also wear the Hickory uniforms for road games at Los Angeles, Nov. 29; Chicago, Dec. 30; Boston, Jan. 13; and New York, April 3.
Pacers to wear ‘Hoosiers’-themed Hickory Pacers jerseys
Follow Dana Benbow on Twitter: @DanaBenbow.
FREE FEVER TICKETS
Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel and players Paul George and C.J. Miles have purchased 1,500 tickets to Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals. Fans can collect up to four free tickets for the game at 1 p.m. Sunday beginning at 11 a.m. Friday at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse box office. Additional tickets are available at the box office, all Ticketmaster outlets and FeverBasketball.com beginning at $12. There will also be a pep rally Friday for the Fever on Georgia Street from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., including cookies, cheer cards and a prize wheel.
