The Atlas Obscura Podcast Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame (Classic)
Oct 10, 2025
Explore the unique bond between Indiana and basketball, where the sport is celebrated like a religion. Discover how it took root through early tournaments and iconic figures. Journey through the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, established in 1962, which showcases Hoosier pride. Visitors can engage with interactive exhibits, from shooting games to historical memorabilia. Experience the poignant atmosphere of the museum as it honors the community's rich basketball heritage.
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Indiana As Basketball's Cultural Home
- Indiana claims a distinct basketball identity separate from Springfield's birthplace of the sport.
- The state positions itself as where basketball "grew up," with deep cultural roots and statewide passion.
A Bench Player's Passion
- Matt Martin describes growing up loving basketball despite being a bench player and energizer.
- His small-town Indiana upbringing shaped his lifelong connection to the game and museum work.
How Basketball Spread In Indiana
- Indiana's basketball prominence grew quickly after the sport was introduced by a visiting minister.
- Reverend Nicholas McKay brought basketball to Indiana in 1892, and the game spread statewide within a year.