New Noblesville Boom team unveils Bobby the bobcat as mascot

By GREGG MONTGOMERY

WISH-TV | wishtv.com

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The new Noblesville Boom, the NBA G League affiliate of the Indiana Pacers, on Tuesday night introduced a new mascot, Bobby the bobcat, ahead of its first home game on Saturday night at The Arena at Innovation Mile.

Bobby the bobcat was unveiled during the team’s first public scrimmage, showcasing his high-flying dunks and energetic personality to fans at the Boom’s new home venue.

Bobby’s appearance features brown fur, bright cyan ear accents, and a navy Boom jersey with the number 00.

Ryan Grant, president of business operations for the Noblesville Boom, said in a statement, “Bobcats are one of the few wildcats native to Indiana. Fast, agile and full of energy, Bobby embodies everything the Boom represent and his name is a tribute to the great Bobby ‘Slick’ Leonard.”

Leonard was a basketball player, coach and color commentator prior to his death at age 88 in 2021 in Indianapolis. The Terre Haute native played college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers, where he was a two-time All-American and a member of their national championship squad in 1953; played in the NBA from 1956-1963 for Minneapolis, the Los Angeles Lakers, and Chicago; and coached the Pacers in the ABA and NBA from 1963-1980.

Guardian Angel Restoration is the presenting partner for Bobby the bobcat.

The Eastern Conference G League team relocated to Noblesville from the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, where they were known as the Mad Ants.

The 2025-26 Boom schedule includes 24 home games at The Arena at Innovation Mile. The final game of the Boom season will be at home, 7 p.m. March 26, against the Cleveland Charge.

The G League is the NBA’s developmental league, serving as a training ground for players, coaches and staff to prepare for the NBA. It features 31 teams.

This story originally appeared on WISH-TV at wishtv.com/sports/new-noblesville-boom-team-unveils-bobby-the-bobcat-as-mascot/