Special Olympics Indiana Basketball Teams Put on Show as NBA Stars Watch

All across the world this weekend, basketball fans watched the game’s best compete at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the 2024 NBA All-Star Game.

It’s every young basketball player’s dream to lace up their sneakers and play under the brightest lights alongside the game’s best.

On Saturday, four Special Olympics Indiana basketball teams got to put their skills on display as part of the Jr. NBA games at the Indiana Convention Center.  They played in front of family, fans and many current and former NBA and WNBA All-Stars who came away impressed with the desire and competitiveness they saw.

SEE ALSO: East’s Victory Nets Special Olympics Indiana an Additional $240,000 

SEE ALSO: Click here for a photo gallery from the games.

Three-time NBA All-Star Detlef Schrempf played 17 NBA seasons for four teams, including 1989-93 with the Indiana Pacers. His son, Michael, is a Special Olympics athlete in Washington, so Schrempf has a special fondness for the program.

He remains awed every time he watches.

“These players put their heart and soul into the game just as much as anyone I’ve played with or watched,” Schrempf said. “I could not be prouder than to be associated with Special Olympics and these games.

The women’s game featured the Marion County South Lightning and the Johnson County Lady Warriors. Two men’s teams followed as the Shelby County Magic played the Madison County Mustangs.

Mustangs guard Derek Thurber channeled some Gene Hackman in getting ready for Saturday’s game. Feeling a little overwhelmed at first, he fell back on what the actor famously said his starstruck players in the movie “Hoosiers.”

“It’s a lot to take in. It’s certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Thurber said. “Once the ball tips, though, it’s just basketball, and it’s all business.”

For Jaclyn Knipe of the Lady Warriors, playing in front of the NBA and WNBA players brought out the best in her.

“I’ve been an Indiana Fever fan since the start of that team, and to have (Fever player) Lexi Hull on our bench cheering us on and encouraging us was so cool,” Knipe said. “This experience has been really fun for everyone.”

Having fun with friends is all the motivation Magic forward Julian Rodriguez needs. Playing in front of Milwaukee Bucks guard Malik Beasley, former NBA star Sam Perkins and others was just frosting on top.

“We wanted to go into today and just have a great time,” Rodriguez said. “Every time this team gets together, we are there for each other.”

Perkins, who served as a Magic honorary coach, spoke to the crowd, thanking them for all they do to support their athletes. As a Special Olympics Global Ambassador, Perkins travels the world bringing the sport he and so many others love.

“Advocate for these athletes, and you will never be let down,” Perkins said. “Wake up every day ready to fight for them, ready to work for them. It’s so important what you do. The patience you show. The guidance you provide helps people understand what these athletes are capable of.”

East victory benefits Special Olympics Indiana

More than 65 Special Olympics Indiana athletes cheered on the East Team to victory Sunday night, 211-186 over the West.

The athletes had more than a geographical rooting interest in the East’s success. As the charity partner teamed with the East squad, Special Olympics Indiana earned a $240,000 donation thanks to the win.

As part of the pregame ceremony, Special Olympics Indiana athletes presented East players with their All-Star Game rings. For Shelby County Magic center John Wheeler, that meant meeting Pacers guide Tyrese Haliburton.

“It was the experience of a lifetime,” Wheeler said, “and I will never forget it.”