Why is the state of Indiana historically known for basketball?

They alwasy say Indiana is a basketball state. And the Pacers "motto" is "In 49 states its just basketball, but this is Indiana!"



It seems like its in the middle of nowhere and not known for much.Why is the state of Indiana historically known for basketball?
It all started when little Milan High school beat Muncie Central in 1954. That was the start of Hoosier Hysteria. Its that dream of hitting the game winning shot in the final seconds of the championship game that drove me to play basketball here in Indiana. The hope of that win, has drove a lot of kids over the years to have that passion. When you can have over 44,000 people to watch a High School Basketball game in the RCA Dome, you have a passion for the game in the state.
There were one of the last if not THE last state to have a single basketball champion, no divisions or classifications, ONE state champion. Course, it didn't hurt to have Knight coach the states namesake either.Why is the state of Indiana historically known for basketball?
Probably because of the Indiana Hoosiers. I know it's college ball, but that's the only thing I can think of.
Maybe reggie miller :XWhy is the state of Indiana historically known for basketball?
Thats where Larry Bird came from?
everyone plays bball there and have some historically who played or coached there b4 the movie HOOSIERS also helped