The State of Indiana’s Top 20 Basketball players of all time

Indiana isn’t just a state that loves basketball — it creates basketball legends. This list recognizes the 20 greatest players Raised in Indiana, regardless of where they played college or professional basketball. Their roots began here, and their greatness spread far beyond.

20. Larry Humes

Larry Humes remains one of the most dominant college scorers in Indiana history. He led the Evansville Aces to back-to-back NCAA Division II National Championships in 1964 and 1965, earning three Indiana Collegiate Conference MVP awards and Sporting News All-America Honorable Mention.

Humes finished his career as Evansville’s all-time leading scorer with 2,236 points, a record that still stands.

The Golden Era of University of Evansville Basketball

19. Bryce Drew

Bryce Drew’s legacy begins with one of the most iconic March Madness moments ever: “The Shot.” In the 1998 NCAA Tournament, the Valparaiso star drilled a deep buzzer-beating three to upset Ole Miss as a 13-seed — a moment now immortalized in tournament lore.

Drew graduated with 2,142 points, 380 rebounds, and 626 assists, and remains one of the most clutch shooters in Indiana basketball history.

Bryce Drew buzzer beater: Valpo vs. Ole Miss (1998)

18. Louie Dampier

A Louisville native who starred at Kentucky, Louie Dampier became a two-time All-American and a three-time All-SEC pick under the legendary Adolph Rupp. He helped the Wildcats reach the 1966 NCAA Championship Game and finished with 1,575 points and 409 rebounds.

Dampier later became an ABA legend with the Kentucky Colonels.

Louie Dampier Career Highlights

17. Terry Dischinger

One of the most complete players in Purdue history, Terry Dischinger was a scoring and rebounding force, averaging 28.3 points and 13.7 rebounds for his career. He earned:

• Three First-Team All-Big Ten selections

• One Second-Team All-American

• Two Consensus First-Team All-American honors

By the time he left West Lafayette, he held nearly every major scoring record in program history.

Terry Dischinger 13pts 10reb (Pistons at Bucks, 10.18.69 Full Highlights)

16. Luke Harangody

Notre Dame’s first three-time All-American in more than 50 years, Luke Harangody was a powerhouse scorer and rebounder. He averaged 20.4 points and 10.6 rebounds in 2007–08, winning Big East Player of the Year.

He graduated ranked second all-time at Notre Dame in both points (2,476) and rebounds (1,222).

luke harangody notre dame

15. Ron Bonham

Ron Bonham played a pivotal role on Cincinnati’s 1962 National Championship team. He blossomed into a star, earning first-team All-America honors as a junior while averaging 21 points and shooting 89% from the line.

He finished with 1,666 career points and remains one of Cincinnati’s all-time great scorers.

1960 IHSAA State Championship: East Chicago Washington 75, Muncie Central 59

14. Dave Schellhase

A prolific small forward, Dave Schellhase was a three-time Purdue MVP and three-time First-Team All-Big Ten selection. His senior season was legendary: he averaged 32.5 points per game, earning Consensus All-American honors.

His 57-point performance remains second in Purdue history — behind only Rick Mount.

The Greatest Purdue Basketball Players Of All Time ✌

13. Kyle Macy

Kyle Macy began at Purdue but became a Kentucky legend. A three-time All-American and All-SEC selection, he starred on the 1978 NCAA Championship team and later enjoyed a long NBA career.

He remains one of the most fundamentally sound guards ever produced by Indiana high school basketball.

WildcatWorld.com – Highlights from Kentucky’s 1978 NCAA National Championship game

12. Don Schlundt

Don Schlundt entered Indiana University in 1951 with a new NCAA rule allowing freshmen to play — and he immediately became a program-defining star.

He led IU to the 1953 National Championship and earned three All-America selections (1953–55). He finished with 2,192 points, a staggering total for the pre-shot-clock era.

Indiana Athletics Celebrates the 1953 NCAA Champions

11. Steve Alford

One of the greatest Hoosiers ever, Steve Alford scored 2,438 points at Indiana and led the team to the 1987 National Championship, scoring 23 points in the title game against Syracuse.

A four-time team MVP and elite shooter, Alford became a symbol of Indiana basketball discipline under Bob Knight.

Steve Alford- 1987 NCAA Tourney Scoring Highlights

10. Alan Henderson

One of Indiana University’s most consistent stars, Alan Henderson led the Hoosiers in rebounding all four seasons. He ranks among IU’s all-time leaders in:

• Points (1,979)

• Rebounds (1,091)

• Blocks (213)

• Steals (148)

A complete two-way force, Henderson was the backbone of multiple tournament teams.

Ex-Hoosiers and NBA star Alan Henderson feels blessed

9. Scott Skiles

Scott Skiles became an Indiana legend long before he reached the NBA. He delivered one of the greatest high school championship performances ever in Plymouth’s 1982 double-overtime win over Gary Roosevelt.

Skiles went on to star at Michigan State and enjoyed a long NBA career as a starting point guard and later as a head coach.

Scott Skiles’ 30 Assists

8. Kent Benson

Kent Benson anchored Indiana’s undefeated 1976 National Championship team, scoring 25 points in the title game and earning Final Four Most Outstanding Player.

He finished with 1,740 points (7th all-time) and 1,031 rebounds (3rd) at IU — one of the greatest centers in program history.

Undefeated with Kent Benson

7. Calbert Cheaney

Calbert Cheaney is the Big Ten’s all-time leading scorer, a three-time All-American, and the 1993 National Player of the Year.

He led Indiana to the 1992 Final Four and remains one of the most complete wings ever to play in the conference.

Indiana vs Northwestern – 3/4/1993 – Calbert Cheaney Breaks Both Records

6. Glenn Robinson

Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson arrived at Purdue with superstar expectations — and exceeded them. In just two seasons, he scored 1,706 points and grabbed 602 rebounds, winning both the Wooden Award and the Naismith Award.

He led Purdue to the 1994 Elite Eight and became one of the most dominant forwards in Big Ten history.

Glenn Robinson 1994 Purdue Highlights

5. Rick Mount

Rick Mount was the first high school athlete ever featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. At Purdue, he became a legend, scoring 2,323 points and averaging 32.2 per game.

His 61-point game against Iowa remains one of the greatest shooting displays in NCAA history — and that was before the three-point line existed.

Big Ten Icons: Rick Mount 4

4. Clyde Lovellette

Clyde Lovellette changed the center position forever. At Kansas, he led the Jayhawks to the 1952 NCAA Championship, earned Tournament MVP honors, and became the only player ever to lead the nation in scoring and win the NCAA title in the same season.

A dominant scorer at 6’9″, he paved the way for modern big men.

Underrated Clyde Lovellette, The Bill Lambeer Of The 50’s/60’s

3. George McGinnis

George McGinnis was on another level. In his lone season at Indiana, he averaged 29.9 points and 14.7 rebounds, becoming the first sophomore in Big Ten history to lead the league in both.

A high school legend, ABA/NBA star, and Hall of Famer, McGinnis ranks among the most impactful Indiana-born players ever.

George McGinnis: Career Tribute Mixtape

2. Oscar Robertson

Oscar “The Big O” Robertson is one of the greatest to ever play the sport — period.

At Cincinnati, he averaged 33.8 points per game, won the national scoring title three straight years, earned three All-America honors, and became a two-time Final Four leader.

He left college with 14 NCAA records and 19 school records, redefining guard play forever.

Oscar Robertson Highlights ● Mr. Triple Double | 4K |

1. Larry Bird

Larry Bird stands alone. At Indiana State, he scored 2,850 points, collected 1,247 rebounds, and carried the Sycamores to the 1979 NCAA Championship Game — producing the highest-rated college basketball broadcast in history.

Bird swept every major Player of the Year award and became an NBA legend with the Boston Celtics.

Simply put: Larry Bird is the greatest basketball player ever born in Indiana.

Bryce Drew buzzer beater: Valpo vs. Ole Miss (1998)

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