NY Post Article

[Dan Forant <dforant1@nycap.rr.com>]

Headlines: NY faces old enemy in a new uniform, by Devlin Barrett.

Larry Bird, the legendary hick from French Lick Ind., will recharge an old
rivalry when his Pacers square off against the Knicks this week.
While Bird is no stranger to postseason success, he is new to the coaching
game, a first year skipper breathing new life into a veteran team that had
been stuck in the mud. 
Not long ago, Reggie Miller and the Pacers battled it out with the Knicks
for the right to be eliminated by the Chicago Bulls. But the Indiana team
had fallen on hard times before Larry Legend came to their rescue.
When Bird leads his Pacers against the Knicks this week it will be as a 39
year old rookie phenom in the NBA's coaching ranks.
As a player, Bird never had the grace his name implied, but became a master
through sheer guts, bravado and an outside shot that drove fellow greats
like Magic Johnson crazy.
Bird's basketball career began in his home state, as a high school standout
wooed by big college programs across the country. But the man who has been
called one of the godfathers of basketball nearly killed his own career
because of his awkward shyness and insecurity.
Depressed and homesick in his first year at college, Bird dropped out to
become a garbage man.
Recruiters at Indiana State eventually lured him back onto the court, where
his relentless work ethic earned him huge numbers and more recognition.
Drafted by Boston in the first round, Bird quickly became a force in the
NBA withe no look passes, a devastating free throw percentage and killer
instincts. 
A wizard in short shorts, Bird was the centerpiece behind the Boston
Celtics' championships legacy in the 1980's.
He was just a unique player KC Jones once said.

The article goes on to say he uses the same principles with the Pacers,
hard work, grinding practices and attention to detail. While he treats his
players with respect, disciplines when necessary. Many of the players
expressed concern and awe at him being named coach, but the teams regular
season success and Bird's first playoff series victory shows the Hoosier
heroes are thriving under his wing.