In Indiana, where I grew up, we take basketball seriously.

For many Hoosiers, especially down south where we lived, that long meant cheering for Bob Knight’s Indiana Hoosiers.

My dad, Steve Peck, couldn’t abide IU. He rooted for his alma mater (and mine), Butler, and if Butler wasn’t playing, for Purdue.

Those were some pretty lean years for Boilermakers basketball. But dad hung in there, if only out of obstinacy.

Dad passed away in 2020. But tonight, I’ll watch the game with him right by my side.

Go Boilermakers!