Bird landing

If the short shorts are short enough, then it’s a statue that is complete.

Indiana State recently revealed its homage to the greatest player in school history. The 15-foot-tall Larry Bird sculpture weighs about 1,900 pounds and is now standing outside ISU’s Hulman Center.

The Indianapolis Star was on hand for the unveiling and reported the shooting form is accurately recreated, as is the glorious head of hair Bird once had.

Sculptor Bill Wolfe said he hopes everyone likes his depiction of Bird and the statue’s position.

“Whatever we do here, it will be final,” he said. “It is a little unnerving part of the process here. It’s exciting and unnerving.”

Bird led Indiana State to the national championship game in 1979, although the Sycamores lost the NCAA title to Magic Johnson’s Michigan State team.

Crane operator Brent Clark said he was thrilled to be able to put Bird’s statue into place.

“This is enjoyable for me to do,” he said. “In Larry’s senior year at ISU, I had a season ticket and went to every one of the ball games here at Hulman Center.”

By the way, Michigan State also has one for Magic Johnson.