O'Brien Will Return as Pacers Head Coach

In a press conference yesterday, Pacers President Larry Bird has announced that head coach Jim O'Brien will return for next season. O'Brien is entering the final year of his contract with the Pacers following three losing seasons with the team. Bird briefly mentioned the possibility of an extension. Bird said, "I haven't really thought about that, but obviously, if Jimmy wants to talk about it, we'll do that. He's under contract, and we expect him to fulfill his contract."

I agree with the decision to allow O'Brien to return for next season, but I think talks of an extension are premature at the moment. O'Brien has had a losing record in each of the past three seasons, and that should not earn the right to an extension in my opinion. The team improved a lot during this season, and another year under O'Brien's system may help. However, O'Brien made a key mistake this year that cannot be overlooked. Rookies Roy Hibbert and Brandon Rush were starting to look pretty good by the end of the season, but O'Brien waited way too long to get them into the rotation. Rush especially was stuck on the bench for much of the season, and at the end he proved he is a very capable player. With Hibbert and Rush playing from the beginning of the season, and any additions made during the offseason, the Pacers should be able to improve next year, and possibly make the playoffs in this season. Wait until next season has started before beginning extension talks, make O'Brien earn it first.

Torry Holt Signs with Jags

Torry Holt signed a 3 year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The deal could be worth up to $20 million depending on his performance. Holt was released by the Rams earlier this offseason as they are looking to rebuild.

This deal definitely doesn't help out the Colts. I've always liked Holt, but it doesn't look like I'll be able to root for him anymore. Jacksonville already has a good running game with Maurice Jones-Drew, and the addition of Holt gives them one more offensive weapon. This addition will make it harder to defend against the Jaguars with the double threat of passing or rushing with two big playmakers on the offense now. I don't think this suddenly makes them a contender, but it's definitely something to watch out for now.

Colts Schedule Released

Jordan Hulls Named 2009 Indiana Mr. Basketball

Bloomington South senior, Jordan Hulls, was named the 2009 Indiana Mr. Basketball after leading his team to the Class 4A Indiana State Championship this year. Hulls led Bloomington South with 15.8 points per game, 5.2 assists per game, and 2.6 steals per game. Bloomington South finished the year 26-0.

When asked about winning the award, Hulls said, "Mr. Basketball is a tremendous honor, without the team success, it doesn't happen. There are a lot of other great candidates out there that I'm friends with so to win it means a lot to me and my family."

Hulls will be playing for Coach Tom Crean at Indiana next season. Coach Crean said, "Jordan can flourish if he continues to work and do the things he's always done to make himself better."

Hulls won the award with 131 votes, 5 times as many as runner-up Bruce Grimm Jr. Fellow Indiana recruit Derek Elston finished third, and Purdue recruit D.J. Byrd came in fourth.

Scott Sharp to Race in Indy 500

Driver Scott Sharp will be driving for Panther Racing in this year's Indianapolis 500. He will be driving the #16 car sponsored by the Patrón Spirits Company. Panther Racing has been discussing giving Sharp a ride for some time now, owner John Barnes said, "We’ve been having conversations about having Scott drive for us for the last four years. We certainly feel like Scott is a very capable and experienced driver, and he and Dan Wheldon will really be a force during the month."

Sharp is excited to be back in the race. He said, "I can’t express how excited I am to be back at the Indianapolis 500, especially with the chance to team with Tequila Patrón and Panther Racing."

Sharp has driven in more IndyCar events than any other driver, 146 in total. This will be Sharp's 14th start at Indianapolis. In his previous 13 starts he has five top tens and led the race in 2002.

Help Make Danny Granger Most Improved Player

The Indiana Pacers have started a petition to make Danny Granger this year's NBA Most Improved Player. Do your part and sign the petition here: http://www.dg4mip.com/index2.php .

Indiana Native Jeff Teague to Test Pro Stock

Wake Forest Sophomore and former Pike High School player Jeff Teague is putting his name into the NBA Draft. Teague will not hire an agent which leaves him the possibility of returning to Wake Forest for another year. Teague is projected to be a first round pick, but he has to decide by June 15th whether he will return to school or not. If Teague is drafted, he will be the 8th former Indianapolis area high school player in the NBA.