This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 9/10/2006.
An Indiana native, HOFer Larry Bird had received a basketball scholarship in 1976 to play for Indiana University, under esteemed coach Bobby Knight. The homesick Bird, feeling overwhelmed at the size of the campus, left after only 24 days and returned to his hometown of French Lick before deciding to attend and play at Indiana State. Sitting out his first year there, he proceeded to have a stellar career in which he led the Sycamores to the NCAA Championship game in 1979. He won the Naismith and Wooden Awards that year, awarded to the year's top male college basketball player. In his three years at ISU, he led Indiana State to an 81-13 record, including a 50-1 record at home. He was the NCAA fifth all-time leading scorer with a 30.3 PPG average and holds 30 Indiana State records including most points (2850), steals (240) and rebounds (1247). He was also the Sporting News College Player of the Year in 1979 and an All-American. Bird went on, of course, to a legendary HOF career with the Boston Celtics, winning three NBA Championships. On the left front tail is the "Medalist Sand-Knit" manufacturers tag with wash instructions and attached flag tag "44" indicating jersey size. Across the front of the jersey is the team origin "INDIANA STATE". On the front and on the back is player number "33". All letters and numbers are done in light blue in red tackle twill. There is an autograph on the front of the jersey done in blue marker rating a solid 9. The jersey is accompanied by the original box and shipping label that the consignor used to send the jersey to the Indiana State equipment manager to be reviewed. The jersey shows excellent game-use with large sweat stains visible on the outer rear neck, both outer shoulders, and throughout the front. Appears to have no alterations of any kind. There are also dirt marks and black streaks across the lower front and back. Accompanied by a LOA from James Spence Authentication and photo of Bird wearing the jersey.