The Pacers honored Crispus Attucks High School for their 1955, 1956, and 1959 state championships Wednesday night at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. It was all part of the Hickory-themed nights, where an individual or team that has made a big impact on basketball in Indiana is recognized at halftime.
Crispus Attucks, a public school in downtown Indianapolis, was the first all-black school to win a state championship in Indiana. Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson highlighted the first two title teams.
Pacers coach Frank Vogel met The Big O last May in the 500 Festival Parade. Vogel and Paul George both rode along in the parade. The 1955 Crispus Attucks team served as the Grand Marshals.
“A legend,” Vogel said of Robertson. “It’s an honor to be in his company.”
They were the fourth group to be honored and two more Hickory nights remain.
Tuesday, Mar. 15 vs. Boston — Milan High School 1954 State Champions, the team who inspired the movie Hoosiers.
Sunday, Apr. 10 vs Brooklyn — The eight champions of the 2016 IHSAA Girls and Boys State Championship teams.
After the game, the group visited with the Pacers in the locker room. The following pictures were snapped before the media was allowed in.
After tonight's win, the #Pacers welcomed the Crispus Attucks championship teams into the locker room. pic.twitter.com/XrnXE0LOzP
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) February 25, 2016
After the photo op, the #Pacers spent time meeting with the Crispus Attucks HS teams: pic.twitter.com/5PPpjaLtT8
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) February 25, 2016
By the way, a documentary on Crispus Attucks is in the works for an August release. Ted Green, who produced “Naptown to a Super City” and “Bobby Slick Leonard: Heart of a Hoosier,” is behind this one as well.