History & Tradition-page 5

Indiana State University Athletics

ISU Athletics History & Tradition-Dream Season


1978-79 - A Dream Season

Led by former Boston Celtic star and three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Larry Bird, Indiana State completed a “dream season” in 1978-79, finishing the year with a 33-1 record and a trip to the championship game of the NCAA tournament. The public was shown an early glimpse of what was ahead when, on November 20, the touring Soviet National team came to Hulman Center where ISU stunned the Soviets, 83-79, to become one of only four college teams to beat them that season. ISU sailed through the regular season to finish 29-0, 16-0 in the Missouri Valley Conference, and earned the top ranking in the country. The perfect slate seemed in jeopardy on Feb. 1 when the 18-0 Sycamores trailed at New Mexico State, 83-81, with three seconds remaining and the Aggies at the free throw line. The shot was missed, however, and rebounded by Brad Miley and passed to Bob Heaton. Heaton launched a 50-foot desperation shot which banked through the net to send the game into overtime and earn still another ISU victory. It would not be Heaton’s last heroic shot. The top seed in the NCAA Midwest Regional was awarded to ISU, and the Sycamores promptly disposed of Virginia Tech and Oklahoma before facing Arkansas with a berth in the Final Four on the line. With the game tied at 81, the right-handed Heaton was the hero again with a last second left-handed shot in the lane to send the Sycamores to Salt Lake City and a meeting with DePaul. ISU defeated the Blue Demons, 76-74, to set up the most-watched college basketball game in history -- Indiana State versus Michigan State for the national championship. The Spartans, led by Ervin “Magic” Johnson and Greg Kelser, won 75-64 to end the greatest season in Sycamore basketball. Coached by Bill Hodges, who took over for an ailing Bob King on October 11 and was named NCAA Coach of the Year, the high-scoring Sycamores were led by Bird, the NCAA Player of the Year, and his 28.6 scoring average. He was followed by Carl Nicks’ 19.3 average. The starting lineup also included Miley, Alex Gilbert and Steve Reed. Heaton and Leroy Staley were key reserves. The remainder of the roster consisted of Tom Crowder, Eric Curry, Rod McNelly, Rich Nemcek, Bob Ritter and Scott Turner. A special 10-year reunion was held for the “Dream Team” on August 12, 1989. The event was held in Hulman Center with a dinner and highlight film commemorating the finest season in ISU athletic history. The entire team was later inducted into the ISU Athletics Hall of Fame in August, 1999.
A Dream Season...