Smith has 1,375 pts, 535 rebs and 758 assts after 3 seasons. Magic Johnson might have surpassed those numbers had he stayed 3 seasons. A comparison to two other 3-season PGs (Pts-Reb-Asst): Jalen Rose: 1,788--477--401 Oscar Robertson: 2,973--1,338--425 (I know he's not Big 10)

Angela Berry White has transcended race, religion and gender in her career as an athlete and coach. The IU Indy soccer coach's story is in this week's IBJ News. ibj.com/articles/mark-…

No woman has had more influence on an NBA franchise than Nancy Leonard had on the Indiana Pacers. She was the driving force behind her husband "Slick," ran the front office as the assistant GM for a few years and organized the franchise-saving telethon.

I have an article on the IBJ News website, but you can also hear Nancy Leonard's story in her own words. The paywall is off my One on One conversation with her in 2014. markmontieth.com/wp-admin/post.…

How did I miss the fact Jalen Rose came out with a book 10 years ago? I just read it, and it’s really good. One of the best chapters, on college athletes being paid, is now outdated. Fortunately. Remember, any book you haven’t read qualifies as a new book.

An annual tradition for pascal siakam … taking a shot at the media, so to speak.

Interesting seeing the responses to Furphy’s dunks. That’s not what will get him into the rotation. In fact, it’s probably the last thing. He’s a great prospect but he’ll have to beat out Walker and Toppin for bench minutes at forward. Hard to do.

Impressive but not surprising turnout for Nancy Leonard’s funeral service today. Former Indiana Pacers players, including Dale Davis (pictured) who flew up from Atlanta, attended along with several former front office members. Most of the current team was there as well.

The Vegas oddsmakers underestimated the Pacers the past three seasons. Have they done it again by setting their season win total this season at 38.5? ibj.com/articles/mark-…

Cignetti has “reverse charisma.” Lacks it to such a degree that he takes on a unique version of it. We might be witnessing the greatest coaching feat in the history of college football. NIL and the transfer portal are helping, but this turnaround seems unprecedented.

Never know what you'll find when you go through your collection of thumb drives. The 1968-69 college basketball All-America team. Bob Richards introduces Lew Alcindor, Spencer Haywood, Charlie Scott, Pete Maravich and Rick Mount. Classic time capsule. youtube.com/watch?v=o4KNr4…

Now down to 36.5.

The Brogdon, Oladipo, Warren, Turner and Sabonis lineup is the ultimate what-if story for the Pacers. Dominated in their brief time together, but couldn’t stay healthy.

One of the most injury-prone players in league history. Hard luck career, deserved better. Good player for the Indiana Pacers but his biggest contribution was bringing aaron nesmith to them via trade.

I took a deep dive into the Pacers' preseason history in the latest IBJ News. There's some glory, some mayhem, some history and too many injuries. I also figured out their all-time preseason record and their single-game scoring leader. (He had 44.) ibj.com/articles/mark-…

Myles Turner should have chosen his words more carefully, but some of those words were poorly interpreted by some. He will be welcomed back someday. It always works out that way. Cases in point: Stephen Jackson and the former Ron Artest. Will happen for Paul George, too.