TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) — No player has worn Larry Bird's No. 33 since he left Indiana State 25 years ago. It was officially retired Saturday.
Bird starred for Indiana State from 1976-79, leading the Sycamores to a 33-1 record and runner-up finish in the 1979 NCAA tournament. Then-Indiana State President Richard Landini declared shortly afterward that no one would wear Bird's number at the school again — a declaration that was made official with Saturday's ceremony before the Sycamores' game against Northern Iowa.
Bird was named national college player of the year for the 1978-79 season and went on to a Hall of Fame NBA career with the Boston Celtics. He coached the Indiana Pacers for three seasons and now is the team president.
Bird ranks first in scoring at Indiana State and fifth on the all-time NCAA Division I list with 2,850 points. He also holds the Indiana State rebounding record with 1,247.
"We had a special team. We played together, played to win and everyone knew their roles ... Everyone knew I was going to take all the shots," Bird joked.
The Sycamores lost to Magic Johnson and Michigan State in the 1979 championship, a loss that has haunted Bird ever since.
"I've always been heartbroken that I couldn't bring the championship back to Terre Haute," he told the 7,000 fans in attendance.
Former Indiana State coach and player Duane Klueh's No. 54 was also retired Saturday. He won a school-record 182 games as coach of the Sycamores from 1955-67.
Both jerseys were framed and hung on the wall at the Hulman Center.