Larry Bird, the basketball icon and revered Indiana State University alumnus, experienced a deeply emotional moment as he stood before a statue unveiled in his honor at his alma mater. The NBA Hall of Famer, known for his stoic demeanor on the court, found himself nearly speechless as he addressed the crowd. “I’m overwhelmed by this,” Bird expressed, his voice tinged with emotion. “To be recognized like this, right here where it all started… it’s something I never could have imagined.”
The statue, a life-size representation capturing Bird’s trademark intensity and iconic shooting form, stands as a tribute to his historic run with the Sycamores, where he led the team to the NCAA Championship game in 1979. Reflecting on his time at Indiana State, Bird remarked, “This place shaped me. The people here believed in me when nobody else did. I owe so much of who I am today to Indiana State.”
Bird took a moment to acknowledge his former teammates, coaches, and the fans who supported him during his college years.
“I wasn’t alone out there. My teammates, my coaches—they pushed me to be better every day. This statue is as much for them as it is for me,” he insisted, gesturing to the sculpture. He then paused, adding with a smile, “But I’ll admit, it’s not bad to see myself looking this good in bronze.”
His heartfelt words resonated with the crowd, many of whom remember Bird’s rise to stardom during his college years, which put Indiana State on the national map. Bird’s humility was palpable as he shared,
“Back then, all I wanted was to play the game I loved and make a difference for my team. I never thought it would lead to this—a statue. It’s incredible.”
The ceremony was a celebration not just of Bird’s individual achievements but also of the legacy he left behind at Indiana State. Bird, clearly moved by the honor, concluded, “I’m just a kid from French Lick who got a chance to play here. I’m proud of what we accomplished, but I’m even prouder of the way this university has supported me all these years.”
As he stood before the statue, Larry Bird’s genuine gratitude and connection to his roots shone through, cementing his status as a beloved figure in Indiana sports history.
