Indiana -- A basketball state again?

I'll take my serving of crow now.

In recent years, I have been very critical of Larry Bird and how he has conducted business with the Indiana Pacers.

But the results are in. And the Pacers are really good.

This year, basketball took center stage in Indiana again after a few years of a disappearing act.

Dare I say it: Indiana is a basketball state again?

I think so.

The Indianapolis Colts were so abysmal this past year, it was hard not to shift focus to the Indiana Hoosiers or the Pacers.

While Reggie Miller is no longer with the Pacers, Danny Granger and Co. really play well and may end up sending the Miami Heat home.

While this series is knotted up at two games each, the Pacers haven't backed down. These have been very fun games to watch.

Just like watching the Hoosiers' Tournament run this past year. It was so wonderful to see IU back on top.

For several years, Hoosiers have been spoiled, enjoying being fans of a really great football team.

But this past season, the Colts hit the skids and fell apart. Peyton Manning and others are now gone.

It may take some time before the Colts are back to where they have been.

Andrew Luck will be a good quarterback. The Colts' future looks pretty bright.

But for now, Indiana is returning to its roots.

Basketball.