EVANSVILLE – Gene Hackman made Sam Smiley mad ... They were shooting a scene for “Hoosiers”: the now-classic movie that filmed across Central Indiana and went on to seize the state’s imagination for the next 40 years. Hackman, of course, played ...

Gene Hackman was at the top of his game playing the gruff basketball coach Norman Dale in this free to stream classic.

The dazzling films of Gene Hackman stand out for sports fan for one reason: His unforgettable role as Norman Dale, coach of the feel-good, state champion Hickory Huskers from a tiny Indiana town.

Hackman’s fellow actors from the 1986 film remembered him as an actor who offered wise advice but hated rehearsing and multiple takes.

Gene Hackman was a veteran actor in his 50s when 'Hoosiers' was released in 1986. Former Hickory Huskers and 'Hoosiers' producer remember Hackman

Hackman's portrayal of coach Dale's transformation — and redemption — throughout "Hoosiers" was the heartbeat of the box-office classic.

University of Kansas coach Bill Self once likened a moment in the Jayhawks’ 2022 NCAA Championship victory to a scene in “Hoosiers.”

The Athletic placed "Hoosiers" at No. 15 on its list of the top 100 sports movies, with “Rocky” taking first. On Rotten Tomatoes, "Hoosiers" is ranked as the No. 53 best sports movie with a certified fresh score of 91%. "Hoosiers" did not win any Academy Awards -- unlike AP's runner-up "Rocky," which won the Oscar for Best Picture in 1977.

In “Hoosiers,” Gene Hackman, whose death was announced Thursday, created a man with understated strength, a taskmaster with emotional intelligence and a tormented winner.

Gene Hackman, who was found dead on Feb. 26, along with his deceased wife, shared the screen with an admirable list of co-stars.

The “French Connection” star was a sometimes frightening presence onscreen but always an inviting one. And a truly funny guy.