From the \;New York Times \;bestse lling author of \;Charlie Hustle \;and \;Fly Girl s \;comes one of America&rsquo\;s greatest sports stories: the im probable rise of the Indiana State Sycamores and Larry Bird. In 1974\, Lar ry Bird was adrift&mdash\;having dropped out of Indiana University and ret urned to his hometown to haul trash. But two coaches\, Bob King and Bill H odges\, saw his potential and convinced him to play for Indiana State\, a struggling program with little hope. Together\, they built a team of overl ooked players who\, led by Bird\, made an improbable run to the 1979 NCAA finals against Magic Johnson. That game not only transformed college baske tball and the NBA\, but also forged lifelong bonds among the underdog Syca mores.
\nDrawing on exclusive\, in-depth interviews with players\, c oaches\, and staffers\, \;New York Times \;bestselling au thor and PEN American award&ndash\;winning biographer Keith O&rsquo\;Brien offers a stirring account of the mighty Indiana State Sycamores. With its unforgettable ensemble cast\, \;Heartland \;is more than just a sports book. It&rsquo\;s the story of a group of young men who ach ieved the greatest feat of all: immortality.
\nBook sales and signin g will follow the conversation. Registration is required for this free aut hor event. Presented by the Carmel Clay Public Library Foundation.
\n\nhttps://carmel.libnet.info/event/14756549 URL;VALUE=URI:https://carmel.libnet.info/event/14756549 ATTACH:https://static.libnet.info/images/events/carmel/Behind_the_Book_IG_ Keith_O_Brien_MAR_2026.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR