For the Daily Reporter
Never will The Legends Golf Club in Franklin be more aptly named than on Saturday.
The Legends of Indiana Basketball Golf Classic is an opportunity for the public to meet and swap stories with hardwood greats such as former Indiana Mr. Basketball recipients Bobby Plump, Kent Benson and Jumpin’ Johnny Wilson.
The lengthy scroll of dignitaries includes three of the Hickory Huskers players from the 1986 movie “Hoosiers” — including Whiteland resident Brad Long, who played flat-topped defensive specialist Buddy Walker.
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“I went to the one last year. It’s an event that’s growing and is pretty cool,” said Long, a 1981 Center Grove graduate whose father, Gary, played the role of the Jasper coach in the movie. “It’s just the camaraderie and getting to see some of the guys I looked up to while growing up.”
Proceeds from the 18-hole scramble tournament go toward The Indiana Class Basketball All-Star Classic, a showcase for the state’s girls and boys players conducted each June at Anderson University.
Benson, Indiana’s Mr. Basketball in 1973 who starred at Indiana University for coach Bob Knight from 1973-77, is chairman/founder of the Legends of Indiana Basketball Golf Classic.
The initial Legends of Indiana Basketball Golf Classic was conducted in 2014 at Grandview Golf Course in Anderson.
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If You Go
What: Legends of Indiana Basketball Golf Classic
When: Saturday
Where: The Legends Golf Club, Franklin
Cost: $125 per person or $500 per team
Registration: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Legends autographs: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Shotgun start: 1 p.m.
Dinner: 6:30 p.m.
Notable attendees: Kent Benson (1973 Mr. Basketball, New Castle High School), Steve Hollar (Rade in “Hoosiers”), Frank Kendrick (1970 Indiana All-Star, Tech High School), Brad Long (Buddy in “Hoosiers”), Jerry Nichols (1971 Indiana All-Star, Greenwood Community High School), Bobby Plump (1954 Mr. Basketball, Milan High School), Maris Valainis (Jimmy in “Hoosiers”), Bobby Wilkerson (1972 Indiana All-Star, Anderson Madison Heights High School), Jumpin’ Johnny Wilson (1946 Mr. Basketball, Anderson High School).
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