Anyone make it out to FanJam?

Post #1 » by **boomershadow** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 1:32 am

I miss doing stuff like this. There was a time I would've been down there, no question. As I've gotten older, it's just been a bit more difficult to find the time for having this kind of fun. I'm glad to see they had a decent crowd, though. I've probably mentioned a hundred times that I'm excited for this new season and the new-look team, and it would have been really cool to go down and show support, but I'm glad to see a good showing from the Indiana-area fans. I know not everyone who posts on RealGM is from the area of the team they support, but I thought maybe somebody here might have made it down to see the show.

INDIANAPOLIS – The large Sunday afternoon crowd at Bankers Life Fieldhouse was impressive. The singing voices of the Indiana Pacers’ rookies? Not so impressive.

Nevertheless, the Pacers’ annual FanJam was evidence that plenty were curious about the new-look team that was preparing to open its season Wednesday night at home against the Brooklyn Nets. The lower level was full, with fans also sitting in the upper level. Third-year center Myles Turner tweeted it was the best turnout for FanJam he had seen since joining the team, and that sentiment was echoed by teammates.

“I thought there would be less people, honestly,” said rookie forward T. J. Leaf. “It shows how much people really care about Indiana basketball. It was really cool. I look forward to Wednesday.”

The Pacers made the FanJam festivities as entertaining as they could during their intra-squad scrimmage. There were plenty of high-flying dunks by Victor Oladipo, Thaddeus Young and Turner; fancy dribbling by Corey Joseph; and fancy passing by Lance Stephenson, who has long been a home crowd favorite.

The loudest ovations during introductions were reserved for Oladipo, Stephenson, and Turner. Oladipo loved hearing the kind of reaction he received during college when he played at Indiana University.

“It’s just amazing how even here on the professional level, basketball in Indiana is on another spectrum on its own,” Oladipo said. “It’s just amazing how they care about the game here. It’s a basketball state.”

Thousands of fans kick off season at Pacers FanJam
Oladipo’s standing as the best singer on the team was not seriously challenged. Three players took part in the Rookie Talent Show — Leaf, Ike Anigbogu and Edmond Sumner. All three wore cartoon character costumes provided by Turner, who sprang that surprise on the rookies before they performed.

Anigbogu won with his rendition of “Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears. Somebody had to win, and the fans gave Anigbogu the loudest cheer for being a good sport, if not a legendary singer.

“That’s not an easy thing to do,” said coach Nate McMillan, who was smiling sitting on the bench, watching his rookies get out of their comfort zone.

Leaf said he was more nervous about signing than he would be Wednesday night.

“I know I’m not the best singer and dancer,” Leaf said. “I’m confident in my basketball game.

Many outsiders think the Pacers will take a step backward this season, after trading star forward Paul George to Oklahoma City. But the Pacers want their fan base to keep an open mind. McMillan was pleased with the fan turnout, and hoped this team would surprise people once the season began.

“It’s probably the largest crowd I’ve seen (for FanFest) the last few years,” said McMillan. “Another fun day. It’s been that way all summer long with the new faces. We got a fun group here. I think these guys will be exciting to watch. They’re full of energy and good spirit. I’m excited to get started on Wednesday.”

The Pacers waived forward Jarrod Uthoff on Sunday, reducing their roster to 16 players. including the two players under two-way contracts — Alex Poythress and Sumner. That left the Pacers with an open roster spot, but McMillan said there were no immediate plans to sign someone.