Larry Bird
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Whether you think the nickname of “The Hick From French Lick” is derisive or inspiring, Larry Bird’s upbringing in the tiny Indiana town was instrumental in him becoming the future legendary basketball player we now remember. Growing up in a poor family, Bird’s father — a Korean War veteran — instilled in him a work ethic that he applied to the game of basketball.
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Though he stayed home and played for tiny Indiana State University, Bird was a two-time consensus All-American in 1978 and 1979, and then, of course, went on to help the Boston Celtics win three NBA championships in the 1980’s, while winning the NBA MVP award three years in a row between 1984 and 1986.
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