STATEHOUSE (Jan. 23, 2020) – The Indiana House of Representatives supported Rep. Bob Heaton’s (R-Terre Haute) resolution requesting the Indiana Department of Transportation to erect a commemorative road sign for Indiana basketball legend and Clay County native Angus Jeffers Nicoson.
Nicoson began his basketball career at Ashboro High School and proved himself a valuable player. A lead scorer, he was named to the Wabash Valley All-Tournament Team in 1936 and 1937. He later enrolled in what is now the University of Indianapolis, where he played basketball and baseball. While there, Nicoson was captain of the 1941-42 Greyhound basketball team that went undefeated and was ranked ninth in the nation.
“A sign is a subtle and memorable way for locals in Clay County to reflect on Angus’ legacy,” Heaton said. “Not only was he a legendary basketball player and coach, but a good person with a big heart.”
Nicoson later served as a coach and athletic director at his alma mater, a 30-year career that included mentoring athletes in baseball, football, tennis, cross country and track. However, basketball remained his primary sport. By the time he retired, Nicoson was the seventh most-winningest basketball coach in collegiate history, compiling 483 wins. He served as assistant coach of the 1969 U.S. National Basketball Team that played in Europe and the Soviet Union, and was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1970. Nicoson passed away at the age of 62 on May 23, 1982.
“For Angus Nicoson, basketball was not just a game, but a way of life,” Heaton said. “It makes sense to honor one of Indiana’s biggest basketball legends. Nicoson was a great man that dedicated his life to the sport and used his knowledge to educate Indiana’s youth.”
House Concurrent Resolution 10 is now with the Senate for consideration.
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State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) represents House District 46,
which includes portions of Clay, Monroe, Owen and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
