In this episode of Courtside Forever, Rae and Si join me as I take a moment to honor two names that should be etched into the heart of every Indiana Pacers fan: Slick and Nancy Leonard. This episode isn't just for Pacers fans, it's for everyone.

If you're a Pacers fan, you may know Slick’s legendary “Boom Baby!” call, or the unforgettable players he coached in the ABA days—but behind every big moment in Pacers history is a deeper story of grit, love, and community. In 1977, with the franchise on the verge of collapse, the Leonards led a telethon that didn’t just sell season tickets—it saved professional basketball in Indiana. One phone call at a time.

We walk through what happened after that emotional night, from Slick’s transition to the broadcast booth to Nancy’s enduring presence courtside—cheering for Reggie, Paul George, Tyrese, and now Caitlin Clark. I talk about the Simons' purchase of the team, the $2.9 billion valuation today, and how the Noblesville Boom G-League rebrand in 2025 pays tribute to the couple that gave everything for this team.

This 2024-25 Pacers squad deserves their praise—Haliburton’s vision, Siakam’s playstyle, Turner's versatility, Nembhard’s defense, and Nesmith’s hustle have the Fieldhouse rocking. But every time I watch this team, I find myself thinking about Nancy’s perseverance and Slick’s passion and how one couple saved a team and inspired a city.

If you love a good story of perseverance, or especially if you love Indiana Pacers basketball like us, this episode is for you.

Watch the documentary, Slick, Nancy, and The Telethon on Disney+

In this episode of Courtside Forever, I sit down with Casey Lewis—soccer mom, former player, coach, team manager, and founder of Soccer Unleashed—for a conversation every parent in youth sports needs to hear.

We dive into the big question: How do you know when your kid is truly ready for travel or competitive soccer? Casey shares what to look for in terms of interest, skill, and commitment—and how to evaluate if your family is ready for the time and financial investment that comes with it.

We also talk about:

• How to make competitive soccer more affordable (yes, she’s got serious points-hacking advice!)

• Why comparing your kid’s journey to others can backfire

• The growing intensity in youth sports and what it’s doing to kids

• How to keep soccer fun—even at a high level

• And the heart behind Soccer Unleashed, her platform helping players of all levels find opportunities

Casey’s insight as a mom of three soccer-playing kids, plus her experience across every level of the game, makes this a must-listen for any parent trying to navigate youth sports with intention.

Whether your kid just picked up a ball or is eyeing the college level—this one’s for you.

Visit Soccer Unleashed: https://www.soccerunleashed.com/

Follow Soccer Unleashed on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soccer_opportunities_unleashed/

Reggie Miller made me a believer in 8.9 seconds.

One iconic moment in Madison Square Garden turned me into a lifelong Indiana Pacers fan. But nearly 30 years later, it wasn’t a buzzer-beater that brought me the most joy—it was watching my daughter fall in love with the same game, in her own unexpected way.

In this episode, I share the full-circle story of how basketball became a bridge between generations. From my childhood admiration of Reggie to Rae’s obsession with Victor Oladipo (complete with a stuffed doll and fan art), and now her newfound love for Myles Turner, Tyrese Haliburton and Coach Jenny, this episode is packed with the memories, milestones, and magic moments that make sports so much more than a game.

I talk NBA League Pass rituals, Rae’s hilarious take on “private shots,” our family’s first trip to Indianapolis, and the Sunday morning when she surprised us all by asking to play basketball. Now, I’m not just her dad—I’m her coach.

Whether you're a parent, a sports fan, or someone who knows the joy of sharing your passions with your kids, this one’s for you. It’s a love letter to the Pacers, to fatherhood, and to the slow, beautiful way fandom is passed down—not forced, but found.

Because sometimes the best stories aren’t just about who wins the game… but who’s sitting next to you while you watch it.

Go Pacers!

Read the story here: https://ryanrucker.com/writing/the-year-my-daughter-fell-in-love-with-basketball