Iconic Seasons | Hardwood History | College Basketball

Aaron Meyer
  • 4.9 (44)
  • BASKETBALL
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY
Iconic Seasons | Hardwood History | College Basketball

Iconic Seasons is a podcast that takes you back to the greatest college basketball seasons of all time. Through the voices of players, coaches, and journalists, we relive the excitement, the drama, and the unforgettable moments that made these moments and seasons iconic. We use interviews, audio from the games, as well as scripted storytelling, to bring the past to life.  Whether you're a die-hard college basketball fan or just a casual observer, Iconic Seasons is a must-listen for anyone who loves basketball and basketball culture.

  1. Larry Bird and ISU's Undefeated 1979 Season

    4 DAYS AGO

    Larry Bird and ISU's Undefeated 1979 Season

    Send us a text1979 marked a pivotal year in basketball history, with Larry Bird leading the Indiana State Sycamores to an undefeated regular season. Before this, Bird remained relatively unknown, despite his exceptional talent. The national broadcast of the Sycamores' game against Wichita State, championed by individuals like Rex Lardner and Al McGuire, brought Bird's skills to the forefront. This game, a resounding victory for Indiana State, solidified their position as the nation's top team...

    8 min
  2. Larry Bird's Silent Season

    DEC 11

    Larry Bird's Silent Season

    Send us a textThis week, we take a look at the media frenzy surrounding basketball star Larry Bird during his undefeated season at Indiana State. Bird's refusal to engage with the media created a unique challenge for Ed McKee, the school's sports information director. McKee was inundated with requests from various outlets, from major publications to niche magazines, all eager to speak with the star player. However, Bird's silence forced McKee into the uncomfortable position of denying t...

    8 min
  3. Michigan State's Crushing Defeat and Magic Johnson's Triumph

    DEC 4

    Michigan State's Crushing Defeat and Magic Johnson's Triumph

    Send us a textThis podcast episode will discuss the Michigan State Spartans' shocking loss to the Northwestern Wildcats in 1979. The Spartans, a strong team led by Magic Johnson, were expected to easily defeat the struggling Wildcats. However, the Spartans played poorly, shooting a season-low 32.8 percent from the field. They were unable to overcome Northwestern's zone defense and reliance on jump shots. The Wildcats, energized by the home crowd, dominated the second half, leading by as many ...

    10 min
  4. 1979: The Season that Ignited a Basketball Revolution

    NOV 27

    1979: The Season that Ignited a Basketball Revolution

    Send us a textThe 1979 college basketball season was a pivotal moment in the sport's history. It was the year that two future NBA legends, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, first faced off in the NCAA championship game.The game was a clash of styles, with Michigan State's fast-paced, high-flying offense led by Johnson's passing going up against Indiana State's deliberate, disciplined approach anchored by Bird's shooting and rebounding. Michigan State won the game in a thrilling finish, but Bird's...

    10 min

  5. NOV 20

    Magic and Bird: The Genesis of a Rivalry

    Send us a textBefore the legendary rivalry of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, there was a coach named Judd Heathcote who shaped the destiny of the 1979 NCAA championship. This episode explores Heathcote's demanding coaching style and his complex relationship with Magic Johnson at Michigan State. Learn how their clash of personalities contributed to the team's success, setting the stage for the iconic Bird-Magic rivalry that captivated the nation.Like this episode? Subscribe for more deep dives ...

    11 min
  6. The Making of Larry Legend: From Garbage Truck to Basketball Icon

    NOV 13

    The Making of Larry Legend: From Garbage Truck to Basketball Icon

    Send us a textThis episode explores the incredible journey of Larry Bird, from his humble beginnings in French Lick, Indiana, to becoming a global basketball icon. It looks at his unexpected rise to fame, his shy personality that defied the spotlight, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. From his time working on a garbage truck to his triumphant college years at Indiana State, we uncover the unique blend of talent, determination, and resilience that made Larry Bird a legend. The ep...

    12 min
  7. Magic & Bird: Choosing Their Paths

    NOV 6

    Magic & Bird: Choosing Their Paths

    Send us a text While Larry Bird and Magic Johnson would become forever linked in basketball history, their paths to success were starkly different. Magic, from the start, was a showman, and sought out the spotlight. Bird, in contrast, just wanted to play basketball, and largely shunned publicity. This difference in personality would be reflected in their choice of colleges: Magic opting for Michigan State, a program with a rich history and a large, passionate fanbase, while Bird ch...

    12 min
  8. The Big Bang of Basketball: Magic vs. Bird 1979

    OCT 30

    The Big Bang of Basketball: Magic vs. Bird 1979

    Send us a textIn 1979, a seemingly ordinary college basketball game between Michigan State and Indiana State became a cultural phenomenon. The game, featuring future NBA legends Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, captivated the nation and breathed new life into the struggling NBA. The matchup showcased the contrasting personalities and playing styles of the two stars, further fueling public interest. Airing on the then-fledgling ESPN, the game drew record viewership and launched the network into t...

    10 min
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4.9
out of 5
44 Ratings

About

Iconic Seasons is a podcast that takes you back to the greatest college basketball seasons of all time. Through the voices of players, coaches, and journalists, we relive the excitement, the drama, and the unforgettable moments that made these moments and seasons iconic. We use interviews, audio from the games, as well as scripted storytelling, to bring the past to life.  Whether you're a die-hard college basketball fan or just a casual observer, Iconic Seasons is a must-listen for anyone who loves basketball and basketball culture.

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