Indiana is a place where basketball isn’t just a sport-it’s a passion that runs through the veins of its people. Known as the epicenter of “Hoosier Hysteria,” this Midwest region of the United States has elevated basketball to an almost mythical cultural level.
From high school tournaments that filled gyms like the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in the early 20th century, to legends like Larry Bird and the success of college teams like the Indiana Hoosiers, basketball here is a way of life.
The game, introduced by James Naismith, found an ideal home in Indiana, where small and large communities alike rally around the court, making it a symbol of identity and local pride. This deep-rooted culture is why movies like Hoosiers (1986), starring Gene Hackman, resonate so deeply-it reflects the struggle and community spirit so central to the state.
‘Hoosiers,’ a film where the supposed ‘underdog’ doesn’t exist
Hoosiers is a classic sports film that continues to strike a chord with basketball fans, especially now that the Indiana Pacers are making history in the 2025 NBA Finals. The story follows a small-town high school basketball team in Indiana that, against all odds, reaches and wins the state championship in 1954, inspired by the real-life miracle of Milan High School.
The film captures the essence of the underdog. Hackman plays Norman Dale, a coach with a troubled past who leads a humble group of players to glory. In 2001, the U.S. Library of Congress selected Hoosiers for preservation in the National Film Registry, recognizing it as “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” for its impact on sports culture and its authentic portrayal of life in the Midwest.
Pacers’ unlikely Finals run mirrors classic film
With the Pacers facing off against the Oklahoma City Thunder as clear underdogs in the Finals, the narrative of Hoosiers feels more relevant than ever. At MARCA, we had the chance to briefly chat with a few Pacers players about the movie, and their responses were a mixed bag.
Thomas Bryant, the team’s center, was enthusiastic and saw clear parallels with their season. “Yeah, definitely. We’ve been underdogs this whole series. It’s inspiring to see how, despite that, we prevail and come out on top,” he said, adding that he appreciated the film’s take on basketball history and how the game was played back then.
Obi Toppin expresses his hope of winning the NBA Finals: “It happens.”
Not everyone, however, feels as connected to the movie. Forward Aaron Nesmith admitted he was somewhat familiar with Hoosiers, but emphasized that the team is focused on forging its own path. “We’re trying to make our own history, not compare ourselves,” he said. Obi Toppin, the power forward, was less definitive: “Man, I probably saw it a long time ago,” he said with a grin, though he optimistically added, “It happens,” referring to his hopes of winning the title.
Guard T.J. McConnell remembered watching it, but the details were fuzzy. “I don’t remember much, and we’re not trying to compare ourselves to anyone-we just want to get the job done,” he said pragmatically.
It seems that while Hoosiers may not be top of mind for every player, its spirit of perseverance certainly echoes through the Pacers’ playoff run. Like the boys from Milan in 1954, this team is proving that underdogs can bite-and maybe, with a little cinematic inspiration, they’ll raise the trophy this year.
Read the full article here
