Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame

10/21/2026

We were deeply honored to welcome Laura Montross and friends to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame this weekend!

Laura, the wife of late Indiana basketball legend and 2023 Hall of Fame inductee Eric Montross, stopped by to visit and reflect on Eric’s incredible legacy both on and off the court.

Before winning a national championship at UNC and playing in the NBA, Eric was one of the most dominant high school players in Hoosier state history, leading Lawrence North to the 1989 state title.

While his basketball achievements were legendary, Eric was known just as much for his massive heart and dedication to helping others. During the annual Montross Day of Service held on his birthday September 23, Laura and the UNC community continue his tradition of giving back from visiting children's hospitals to supporting local charities and so much more.

Thank you, Laura, for visiting and helping us celebrate a true Indiana hardwood icon whose kindness and character continue to inspire us all.

Pictured (L-R): : Laura Montross from Chapel Hill NC, Dave and Heather Burhenn from Indianapolis, and Adam and Jenn Lucas from Chapel Hill, NC

10/20/2026

NOW AVAILABLE IN THE HOF GIFT SHOP: GUARDED BY 2017 INDUCTEE BILL HAMPTON

Bill was a starting guard on the historic 30–1 1955 Indianapolis Crispus Attucks State Championship team, the trailblazing squad that changed Hoosier sports forever. Bill's memoir offers a powerful look at faith, perseverance, and basketball history.

Get your copy at the HOF gift shop or from our online store below ⬇️

Guarded

10/16/2026

The newest issue of Indiana Basketball History has arrived, and if you love Hoosier hoops, this is one you won't want to miss!

Step back in time with our featured story by Randy Mills, who unearths the fascinating and largely forgotten story of early Indiana high school basketball referee Birch Bayh Sr., father of U.S. Senator Birch Bayh Jr. and grandfather of Indiana Governor Evan Bayh. Long before that family name became a fixture in public service, the senior Bayh was blazing trails on the hardwood as a college star and pioneering official who helped set the gold standard for court discipline, sportsmanship, and grit during the formative era of Hoosier Hysteria.

Whether you're passionate about Indiana basketball history or simply love a great sports story, this issue belongs on your bookshelf.

🛒 Order your copy today: https://hoopshall.com/current-issue-of-the-indiana-basketball-history-magazine/

📬 Want every issue delivered to your mailbox? Subscribe today and never miss another chapter of Indiana basketball history: https://hoopshall.com/current-issue-of-the-indiana-basketball-history-magazine/

10/14/2026

Let the school field trips begin! 🏀

Today, we welcomed the 7th graders from Southern Wells to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame! They had an awesome day, from learning about our state’s unrivaled basketball history to taking the last-second shot and testing their vertical jumping ability. It was a day full of true Hoosier Hysteria! 🎯🙌

🍎 Educators: Did you know the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame offers FREE field trips?

Can't make the trip to New Castle? Ask us about our remote field trips, where we bring the museum experience directly to your classroom!

📌 Learn more at hoopshall.com, call us at 765-529-1891, or email [email protected] to book yours today!

10/09/2026

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10/10 commitment to the art of the free-throw distraction! 👐

Check out this classic shot of New Castle taking on Connersville. Generously donated to the Hall of Fame collection by former Trojan John Martin ( #20), who stays locked in at the charity stripe while Connersville’s #55 pulls out the ultimate hands-in-the-face distraction technique.

John provided the photo, but he couldn't recall the name of the Spartan standing guard. Help us out, Hoosier hoops historians: Can anyone identify #55 for Connersville. Let us know in the comments below! 👇

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10/06/2026

Yesterday at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, we held the official coaches meeting for the 2026 Henry Community Health Hall of Fame Classic!
On December 21st and 22nd, eight of the top girls’ and boys’ high school basketball teams from across Indiana will battle it out on the grand stage of the world’s largest high school fieldhouse — all competing for the title in the most prestigious in-season tournament Indiana high school basketball has to offer.

Girls Tournament:
Pendleton Heights vs. McCutcheon
Franklin Central vs. Northridge
Consolation and Championship to follow.

Boys Tournament:
Oak Hill vs Terre Haute North
Homestead vs. New Albany

Consolation and Championship to follow.

Tickets go on sale November 1st at hoopshall.com 🏀 or you can purchase through participating schools.

10/03/2026

We were honored to welcome retired photographer Robert Burke to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame! 📸

During his incredible career with the Evansville Courier & Press, Robert was behind the lens for some iconic moments in Hoosier hoops history. Among his photos are incredible moments from Larry Bird's legendary journey:

🏀 High School Glory: A young Larry Bird rising up for a jumper in Springs Valley's #33 jersey against Jasper during a regional final at the historic Hatchet House.
🏀 The Sycamore Years: Classic action shots of Bird starring for Indiana State against Evansville.

Years ago, Robert generously donated these original prints to our museum. Today, they take pride of place next to Larry’s game-worn high school jersey in our Larry Bird exhibit. In fact, one of Robert’s Indiana State photos was so iconic that Keith Butz used it as the official reference for Larry’s Hall of Fame inductee sketch! Thank you, Robert, for capturing magic and preserving history!

📍 Stop by the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame to see Robert’s iconic photography and Larry's display in person!

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