INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Customers stopping by Sullivan’s Hardware and Garden on Saturday might have had the chance to bump into a pair of basketball legends.

Indiana Basketball Hall-of-Famer Bobby Plump and former actor Maris Valainis dropped in the hardware store at 71st Street and Keystone Avenue for a special visit celebrating the 70th anniversary of Milan High School’s win at the 1954 Indiana High School Athletic Association Boys Basketball State Championship.

Plump shot the game-winning basket for Milan High School in the 1954 State Championship, more commonly called the “Milan Miracle” and retold by the film “Hoosiers.” The IHSAA later awarded Plump the Trester Award for mental attitude and sportsmanship.

Valainis’ tie to the “Miracle” comes from acting days when he portrayed “Jimmy Chitwood,” the character based on Plump in the 1986 movie.

The two men enjoyed their morning at the hardware store signing autographs on photos and basketballs, and taking calls on a local radio show.

Many might ask why the two “Hoosiers” chose to spend their time celebrating at the well-known shop, and the answer comes from a handful of unique connections.

While 2024 is the 70th anniversary of the championship, Sullivan’s Hardware also marks its 70th year in business. But the connections don’t end there – both Plump and Valainis have personal ties to the store.

Store managers shared with News 8 that Plump’s family had an account at the store, and he has remained a lifelong customer. Additionally, Valainis worked at Sullivan’s Hardware for some time before being cast in “Hoosiers.”

Plump spoke to News 8 about what happened in life after sinking the winning shot.

“There wasn’t very much money made back in the NBA then, (but) the state department sent us to Mexico for three weeks, we were in the Middle East for seven weeks. And for a kid from Pierceville, Indiana, when they said, ‘We’re going to the Middle East,’ we had to get a globe and turn it around and find out where the hell the Middle East was!”

He continued by expressing his love for the people who have remembered him and the “Milan Miracle” after all this time.

“It’s just been a wonderful, wonderful time, and I’m just appreciative of the fact that people remember. They’ve been awfully nice to me,” he said.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Central Indiana is still dealing with the lingering impacts of our storm system Saturday. Warmer air is on the way after Sunday with rain chances on the horizon.

TODAY: Areas of patchy fog and light sprinkles waking up. Clouds decrease this afternoon to partly sunny. A very isolated downpour is possible this afternoon but the majority remain dry. High temperatures in the upper 70s.

TONIGHT: Mostly clear skies to start off the night with some fog developing in the early morning. Low temperatures in the low 60s.

TOMORROW: Areas of fog may linger through parts of the morning. Partly sunny skies are expected for the afternoon as temperatures get much warmer with a light south wind in place. High temperatures in the mid-80s.

8-DAY FORECAST: Ahead of a cold front, rain will be likely late Tuesday into Wednesday. Right now, Indiana is not in a severe risk for either of those days. Temperatures continue to peak in the 80s until this front passes by. Sunshine and dry weather will return to close out the work week.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has a big sophomore year ahead of him. After suffering a shoulder injury in Week 5 of 2023, Richardson has made a full recovery and expects to start under center when the 2024 NFL season kicks off.

In a shortened rookie season, Richardson posted seven total touchdowns (3 passing, 4 rushing) and 713 total yards. Colts fans caught only a glimpse of the 22-year-old’s potential, but the bright spots certainly shined for Richardson.

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Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Bleacher Report‘s Gary Davenport wrote his predictions for every starting quarterback. Richardson’s predicted stats pay homage to his dual-threat ability at quarterback.

If these numbers come true, Richardson would be only the fourth-ever quarterback to record 1,000 rushing yards in a single season (Michael Vick 2006, Lamar Jackson 2019 & 2020, Justin Fields 2022). With a 4.43 40-yard dash, the open-field speed is something to watch out for this season. Combining that speed with one of the league’s most creative play-callers in Shane Steichen and Indy will have a serious threat in the run game.

The predicted passing stats are eerily similar to Richardson’s final year at the University of Florida, where he posted 17 touchdowns and 9 interceptions in 12 games. At Florida, Richardson didn’t have the kind of weapons he has in Indianapolis. Players like Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and AD Mitchell provide a lethal combination of good hands and elite speed that can tear apart defenses.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Richardson clear these numbers, especially if he plays to his full potential. “I like where he’s at right now big time,” said head coach Shane Steichen. “He’s been on it fundamentally wise. He’s a compact guy type, really good feet, quick feet, which is really good to see. But the arm motion looks good, looks real good out there. So, no concerns there.”

Kickoff is officially under 100 days away as the clock continues to tick until that September 8th game against the Houston Texans. Richardson & Co. have the opportunity to break a Week 1 loss streak that stretches back to the 2013 season.

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