Here in Indiana, basketball fans like it when their players stay home, but Kyle Macy chose a different path.
The Peru star and 1975 Indiana Mr. Basketball originally agreed to remain in his home state, playing at Purdue for his freshman year, but later decided to move on to Kentucky, where he became a National Champion in 1978 and the program’s first consensus SEC Player of the Year in 1980.
Macy joined us today in our latest edition of Catching Up With to talk about what had to be an unpopular decision at home – leaving the Hoosier state for the rival neighbors to the south - as well as becoming a legend in the Bluegrass state, going on to a decade-long pro career, which included a solid stint in Phoenix and a last season back home with the Pacers, and his issue with the current state of college basketball:
Here's a rundown of our conversation:
3:25 His relationship with his home state compared to Kentucky
4:46 On the decision to transfer from Purdue
7:10 Facing resentment for leaving the state
7:50 Playing in the Kentucky-IU rivalry and it going away
10:29 Where winning Indiana Mr. Basketball ranks among his accolades
11:52 The early NBA years contributing for good Phoenix teams
14:31 A disappointing year – his last in the NBA - with the Pacers
16:40 Reaction to former teammate Chuck Person’s punishment
18:30 His passion for tennis
20:03 Relationship with John Calipari and the Kentucky program