"The FedEx Forum felt a little like Poplar Bluff South on Friday night.

Approximately 1,500 people from the hometown of Indiana Pacers rookie Tyler Hansbrough were on hand to cheer the favorite son of the small Missouri town.

Memphis is the closest NBA city to Poplar Bluff at a 21/2-hour drive.

Pockets of fans wearing Hansbrough's No. 50 jersey -- the Pacers, North Carolina and Poplar Bluff versions -- were throughout the arena for the Pacers game against the Grizzlies."