Indiana’s love affair with basketball is more than a pastime; it is a cultural cornerstone that has shaped communities, economies, and identities across the state. As part of the nation’s 250th anniversary, a group of reporters from five Indiana newspapers has joined forces to tell the story of that obsession, weaving together archival research, personal narratives, and contemporary analysis.
A State United by the Hoop
The series, scheduled to run from July 7 through July 17, will traverse the state’s basketball heritage — from the early days of modest gymnasiums to the modern NBA‑sized arenas that regularly fill to capacity for the state finals. Each installment aims to answer a simple yet profound question: why did basketball become the dominant sport in Indiana?
Beyond the familiar narratives of legendary players, the project digs into lesser‑known chapters such as the athletic legacy of French Lick, a town that produced more than just Larry Bird. By spotlighting these hidden stories, the series hopes to enrich the public’s understanding of how basketball intertwines with local history, education, and community pride.
The investigative team includes Kyle Smedley, Scott Davidson, Ethan Hanson, Cade Hampton, Jim Gordillo, Kyle Sokeland, and Markos Tsegaye, each bringing years of local reporting experience to the endeavor. Their work will be published across the partnering newspapers, offering readers a mosaic of perspectives that reflect the diversity of Indiana’s basketball culture.
USA Today Company, the parent organization of the participating dailies, provides logistical support and a national platform for the project, underscoring its commitment to regional storytelling within a broader American context. The collaboration exemplifies how local journalism can contribute to a national conversation about sport, identity, and heritage.