Indiana
Jarace Walker preparing to play on the wing in summer league ahead of important second season with Indiana Pacers
INDIANAPOLIS — 2023 lottery pick Jarace Walker is a different player than he was one year ago. The 20-year old forward is getting ready for summer league with the Indiana Pacers, and despite his young age, he’s taking on a leadership role with the squad.
“It’s definitely more of a leadership role with this group. Because I’ve been there, I did it, and the other guys have as well,” Walker shared over the weekend. He made sure to tell some of the younger players that mistakes happen and it’s important to move on when they do. “So just knowing that, but also knowing what to say, when to say it, who I’m talking to, and all that. So it’s definitely been a step up in terms of leadership.”
For Walker, improving how he uses his voice is just a small part of the growth he hopes to have this season. In year one, there weren’t a ton of playing opportunities for the young forward. Indiana had a deep roster, so it was tough to hand minutes to a young, unproven player.
In year two, if Walker shows off growth in a few areas, that could change. The Pacers still have a deep roster from top to bottom, but Walker is farther up the depth chart. One injury is all it will take for him to play, but he has to be ready when given chances. That’s why it’s important that he takes a step forward this offseason.
“I feel like just the knowledge that I have, having a year under my belt,” Walker said of the differences he notices from his first summer league to now. “Just learning the concepts, learning the play calls already.”
Walker averaged 3.6 points and 1.9 assists per game as a rookie, though some short garbage time appearances impacted his numbers. In the G League, he averaged 21.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Importantly, he showed off an accurate three-point shot at that level.
This year, the Houston product wants to be better in every way. If he’s going to get on the court and be the game-changing defender his potential suggests he can be, he’ll need to take a few steps forward. Walker acknowledged that on Saturday.
“I just want to continue to grow and develop my game. And I feel like this is the perfect opportunity to do it,” he said after a summer league practice. “Being able to showcase what I can do with players who are hungry, coming into the league, ready to hoops, ready to get after it. So it’s definitely a fun experience. My mindset is just continue to grow, develop, get better.”
Walker pointed at his ball handling as something that has improved. During his exit meeting with Pacers coaches and the front office, he was asked to get better at defense and rebounding, two things Indiana desperately needs on the roster. “Do little things better too,” the young forward recalled of that meeting.
“It was just a lot of learning. A lot of picking up concepts, learning things about the league. Language, terminology,” Walker said of his first NBA season. “I feel like it was a good preparatory year for my second year coming up.”
Year two is important for almost every young player, which is something that Pacers summer league head coach Jannero Pargo noted on Saturday. “It’s a big growth period from year one to year two,” he said. Pargo added that Walker’s communication has been much better this season and that he’s more knowledgeable across the board.
“Now, he understands defense. He understands offense. He understands concepts,” Pargo said. “He’s not just yelling and talking, he’s talking with a purpose. And he’s helping his teammates.”
While the summer league sideline leader did note that the modern NBA is effectively positionless, he said that Walker is starting at the three position with the summer league squad. That is a possibility because of Walker’s improved shooting — his foot speed allows him to stay in front of almost any matchup, but he will be on the perimeter more offensively as a wing.
There have been hints that Walker would play on the wing more going forward. The front office has shared opinions on how he could fit in the role, and Walker even slotted to the spot during his rookie season at times. While he is a natural four man who has the bulk to slide up to the five, Indiana wants to see him at even more positions.
At small forward, Walker thinks he’ll be able to run the floor well and cause chaos, in a good way, on offense. The Pacers describe their offense as random, so that is a productive role in the blue and gold’s system. When going into more detail about what that will look like, Walker mentioned several different types of screens and cuts.
He’s ready to be a small forward in summer league. And if it works well, it could lead to more opportunities during the regular season with the Pacers. “I feel like continuing to crash. Always be a presence on the boards. And also staying in front of smaller guards,” Walked said of the keys to playing the three spot. He knows that moving his feet on defense will be critical, and he’s been getting better at that.
It’s an important season for Jarace Walker. The Pacers would love to see him get better and be a rotation mainstay, and Walker certainly wants that too. Long term, his player type is an important missing piece on the blue and gold. If Walker is going to have a successful second season, it’s all going to start at summer league.
Indiana
Indiana’s beloved Ice Cream Social returns to Monument Circle, sweetening support for youth sports
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH)— On July 16, the familiar and much-anticipated scent of fresh ice cream will once again fill the air at Monument Circle for the American Dairy Association Indiana’s 37th annual Ice Cream Social. Starting at 10 a.m., this cherished community event holds significance deeper than dessert, as it marks the second year the festivities will directly benefit Indiana Sports Corp.
Local media personalities, mascots and community leaders—dubbed the Community All-Stars—will scoop up joy alongside Indiana residents, serving ice cream sundaes across four lively tents.
For a $5 donation, attendees will savor classic sundaes crafted from Indiana’s rich dairy, complemented by bottled water available for $1. All the proceeds and tips collected journey straight to Indiana Sports Corp, fueling its ongoing mission to inspire communities statewide through sports and create life-changing opportunities for Indiana’s youth.
Behind every scoop is a story of perseverance and sustainability. The American Dairy Association Indiana is a not-for-profit organization fueled by the dedication of Indiana’s dairy farm families. Notably, 94 percent of these farms are family-owned, sustaining local traditions as well as the economy.
These farms embrace stewardship by weaving sustainable practices into their operations. Since 2007, Indiana dairy farmers have achieved remarkable environmental milestones—reducing land use by 21 percent, water consumption by 30 percent, manure production by 20 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by 19 percent.
Farmers’ respect for the land extends to growing crops specifically to nourish their cows and wisely recycling manure to fertilize those same crops, creating a sustainable agricultural loop that benefits the environment and community alike.
Brooke Williams, director of communications for ADAI, said the collaboration’s spirit reflects the organization’s core values: “The Ice Cream Social beautifully ties together our commitment to youth wellness, sustainable farming and community support.
Indiana Sports Corp’s work amplifies those values by fostering opportunities for young people through sports. We’re proud to serve a sweet treat that gives back to the communities that nurture us.”
This summer’s Ice Cream Social at Monument Circle is more than an indulgence—it’s a celebration of Indiana’s farming heritage, community spirit and shared aspirations for youth empowerment. By participating, Hoosiers not only enjoy a delicious treat but also contribute to the growth and vitality of their local sports programs, nurturing the state’s future champions both on and off the field.
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
- Time: 10 a.m.
- Location: Monument Circle, Indianapolis
- Donations: $5 for ice cream sundae | $1 for bottled water
- Beneficiary: Indiana Sports Corp
- Featured Guest: Brooke Williams, director of communications, ADAI
About American Dairy Association Indiana Inc. American Dairy Association Indiana Inc. (ADAI) is a not-for-profit promotion, communication and nutrition education organization funded by and serving Indiana dairy farm families. ADAI champions a thriving dairy community by promoting dairy products and farming while working alongside farmers to find innovative solutions and make positive impacts on consumers and communities.
One sport has long been considered synonymous with Indiana.
It brings families and communities together. It sparks bonds that shine in small towns where it is the centerpiece and everything else revolves around it.
In 49 states, call it basketball. But this is Indiana. So, what better way to kickstart the 250th anniversary of the United States of America than to understand the origins of a sport that holds great significance in the Hoosier State.
As the country industrialized from its agricultural roots, spectator sports grew in popularity. The opportunity was there to introduce basketball as a competitive sport. A sport not in need of many players to occupy the winter months? That was perfect for Indiana.
By 1911, the Indiana High School Athletic Association introduced basketball in a regulated form.
The rest, as they say, was history.
The origin story of Indiana high school basketball
Basketball is a sport that has long brought unity to communities across the state. And perhaps nothing depicts that relationship better than the 1986 movie Hoosiers.
Some of the biggest high school gyms, a few holding over 8,000 people, reside in Indiana. Ron Newlin, author of Legacy and Legend: The History and Mythology of Basketball in Indiana and former director of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, said the reason the large gyms were built was to accommodate for the growing public interest surrounding the IHSAA state tournament.
“For years, kids were playing basketball against each other during the regular season and there was no state tournament,” Newlin said. “After a couple years of resistance, (the IHSAA) decided to embrace the idea of having a state tournament. Having a gym big enough to host was what really kicked it in.”
Initially, most of the state champions were all within close proximity of each other in small towns near Central Indiana. And schools that had bigger gyms were given the advantage of having byes in the postseason because they were tournament hosts.
The rest of Indiana found it difficult to compete with this. But over time, schools caught up.
In 1943, Bosse became the first Evansville team to win a state title, led by Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame coach Herm Keller.
And while the goal at the end of the season is to be the last team standing, perhaps even more invaluable is the forming of relationships that come with this great game. Ones that will last far beyond a kid’s four years of high school basketball.
No medal can beat it. This game is bigger than what happens on the court.
Bosse’s mark in history
Much of Indiana’s basketball history revolves around the action up north, but allow Evansville to enter the conversation — and Bosse to be the program to lead it.
Current Bulldogs coach Shane Burkhart is approaching his 19th season leading the group. He has experienced triumphs at sectionals, regionals and semi-state.
Inside Bosse Gym, you get a sense of what the program has been about, even on a quiet offseason day in May. It becomes clear the program has winning history when you assess the names who have put on a Bulldogs jersey.
Bryna Jerrel, Jalen Pendleton, JaQuan Lyle, Kiyron Powell, Mekhi Lairy. High-level talent, multiple Trester Award winners and a plethora of names beyond those five.
At nearly 300 career wins, Burkhart is the all-time winningest coach in Bosse history. It is quite the resume.
At least in the Evansville area, this is the bar that has been set.
“I’ve been blessed with a lot of really good players and coaches,” Burkhart said. “I had four assistant coaches (this year) who were former players. Wanting to come back just means that the culture that we’ve built together really means something to them as well. It’s not just words that we say during their four years.”
Bosse’s success extends beyond Burkhart’s tenure. The program won two state championships in the 1940s and its third in 1962. Pair that with a successful stretch in the 1980s, and the Bulldogs have a history of winning.
But being from Marion, winners of an IHSAA record eight state championships, there was a cultural difference for Burkhart to realize at Bosse. He wanted the program to be diverse in a meaningful way for the area.
“That’s not taking away from anything Bosse has done in the past, it’s about trying to update it to where we are now,” Burkhart said.
The Marion Giants
Marion’s basketball history is as rich as any other in the state. The small town north of Indianapolis thrived during the single-class era of Indiana high school basketball. Burkhart, who grew up during the Purple Reign era where Marion won three-straight state titles in the 1980s, calls it the mecca.
“I was at the game, sitting at the top of the rafters with 9,000 people in the stands,” Burkhart said. “You don’t hear anything about anyone else because it’s Marion, this is supposed to be the top.”
Burkhart’s earliest memories of Marion basketball came when he was 10 watching Nikkie Mallory and Jay Teagle star for the 1985 state championship winning team.
He remembers the emotions each game brought to the community, how loud the energy inside the arena was. Marion’s gym remains one of the biggest in the country with a capacity over 7,500.
Indiana is home to 10 of the 12 largest high school gyms in the country. Marion’s Bill Green Arena, named after the Giants’ legendary coach, is among those.
“It’d be 35 degrees outside, but you could not wear heavy clothes inside the gym because you did nothing but sweat,” Burkhart said. “It was so hot because there were so many people.”
Marion’s eight state championships are tied for the most all time. The Giants have had eras of dominance that go as far back as the 1920s.
Burkhart described the urge he had to want to run around with the other kids while he was at the gym, Instead, his dad kept him by his side watching Marion go to work. Maybe not as fun for a kid, but still an element of excitement given the product on the court.
“When (Marion) would get to semi-state, you would make your reservation a year in advance because you knew you were coming back,” Burkhart said. “It was a cockiness, but we were also that good.”
Burkhart was a three-sport athlete in high school (baseball, football and soccer). His involvement with competitive basketball began in coaching. His career eventually found its way to Evansville in 2008 – pushing the limits with Bosse ever since.
The cultural difference
In the city of Marion, basketball was everything. Marion was the only thing.
It is just like Hickory in Hoosiers. That is not the case in Evansville.
Burkhart knew he could not bring all of his Marion experiences along; this was a different opportunity requiring a different approach. But he certainly wanted to maximize the opportunity, establishing a foundation to be proud of for years to come.
Burkhart wanted more than good scorers, rebounders and playmakers. He wanted more than title wins at sectionals, regionals and semi-state.
Above all else, Burkhart wanted to make sure his kids left Bosse in position to be successful men. That was always the goal. Basketball came second.
“I wanted to make sure our kids were ready for college, ready to be successful,” Burkhart said. “A lot of high school athletes don’t realize how hard (adulthood) is.”
Growth of the game
Across the history of Indiana high school basketball, there has been conversation about balancing its tradition with its evolution. The sport has undoubtedly taken a step forward since 1910.
Following the 1996-97 season, the IHSAA transitioned from its single-class state tournament format to a multi-class system where multiple winners would be crowned at season’s end. It was a decision met with backlash.
Newlin said it has caused high school basketball to not hold the same significance it once did — an opinion shared by several people.
And In May, the IHSAA Board of Directors voted against a proposal for a 35-second shot clock. Among other factors, the board analyzed the number of possessions that exceeded 35 seconds and the possible limitations it would place on coaches.
In an interview with WISH-TV, IHSAA commissioner Paul Neidig shared what led to the decision, leaning on tradition in his response.
The balance of tradition and evolution will surely be a continued conversation, as it has for years. Burkhart has his dissatisfaction with the decision making.
He wants Indiana to live up to its allure.
“In some ways, it’s becoming better basketball in other places because we refuse to get caught up to where we need to be,” Burkhart said. “If it’s going to be ‘just basketball in 49 other states,’ then we better get caught up with the times.”
Still, Burkhart is more than happy with where he is at. While he continues his aim of winning his first state title with Bosse, Burkhart remains proud of his experience.
And amid the cultural differences, in terms of status, he sees Marion in the same vein as Bosse in Evansville.
“Selfishly, I don’t want anyone else to win state in the area,” Burkhart said. “We are the mecca of Evansville basketball. I’m sure there’ll be a lot of people that say that’s a crazy statement, but I believe it to be true.”
NOTE: This story is part of a special “America 250” project on the history of Indiana high school basketball by journalists within USA Today Co. at the South Bend Tribune, Journal & Courier (Lafayette), The Star Press (Muncie), The Herald-Times (Bloomington) and The Courier & Press (Evansville). All stories will run on those respective sites between July 6-17, with select stories in printed copies of the paper as well.
Markos Tsegaye is a sports reporter for the Courier & Press. He can be reached at mtsegaye@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @10_Markos_
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indiana Black Expo will present its Carolyn Brown Mosby Above and Beyond Award to Mathew Knowles on July 17 for his health advocacy work.
Knowles will receive the award during the Pacers Sports & Entertainment Corporate Luncheon. The Indiana Black Expo (IBE) website says the luncheon will be at 11 a.m. July 17 in the Sagamore Ballroom at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis. Knowles will be recognized for his work in health awareness and early detection.
Knowles will lead a fireside chat titled Beyond Pink: The Untold Story of Breast Cancer in Men at 10 a.m. July 18 on the Education Stage at the Summer Celebration.
An IBE news release issued Monday said Knowles has achieved global leadership in sales and marketing, brand development, entrepreneurship, and leadership. He has generated over $5 billion across multiple industries and managed over $100 million in sales and acquisitions. Knowles also developed, recorded, and distributed the careers of notable artists, including Beyoncé; Destiny’s Child; Earth, Wind & Fire; and Solange. The release also said he is a passionate advocate for health awareness and the importance of early detection.
Health Fair
In 2026, the nonprofit is celebrating 40 years of providing access-free health care through its Summer Celebration Health Fair, which will be July 16-19. IBE said it’s expanding its programming for the event on July 18, said a news release issued Monday.
IBE touts the fair as one of the Midwest’s premier community health events, bringing together more than 65 health-focused exhibitors, health care providers, and community organizations dedicated to improving health outcomes across Indiana.
Community Health Network, a platinum partner, will offer over $4,000 in free health screenings, resources, and education for each person at the Summer Celebration.
The Health Fair’s Education Stage will host discussions and activations on pressing health issues. These include digital health care access for older people through “Telehealth, Portals & Online Pharmacies: What Seniors Need to Know,” “Unfiltered: Real Conversations About Women’s Health,” and “Beyond Aesthetics: The Science of Beauty & Wellness.”
Cooking demonstrations focused on heart and kidney health will also happen.
The release also said A Mental Health Symposium, part of IBE’s educational series “Cherish Your Mind,” was scheduled for noon Saturday in rooms 130–132 of the Indiana Convention Center. The symposium will feature Sheryl Swoopes, a former WNBA player; Leon, an American actor, producer and singer who’s real name is Leon Preston Robinson; Dr. Russell J. Ledet, a physician, U.S. Navy veteran and triple-board resident; Amp Harris, a promoter and athlete consultant; and Executive Director Barbara Thompson of NAMI Indiana.
Dr. Lauren Dungy-Poythress and Dr. Ruemu Birhiray are co-chairs of the Health Fair.
This story was formatted for WISHTV.com using AI-assisted tools. Our editorial team reviews and edits all content published to ensure it meets our journalistic standards for accuracy and fairness.
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