By Joe Kaiser

Every team has its own identity. For some, that may be that it has none at all. For others, it varies. There are teams with heart, the ones that never give up no matter what the circumstance. Some are known for dramatic, last-minute comebacks. Others make a name by having a killer-instinct, the ability to blow out one opponent after another. But in Indiana, America's "Hoosier State," there lives a team that may be well on its way to creating its very own identity.

You'll see what I mean in just a minute.

This team from the midwest is a one unlike any other in existence. This one doesn't make a name for itself with flashy guard play or elbow-throwing intensity. This one won't go down in the history books for its ability to shoot from the perimeter or dominate inside the paint. It won't even try to claim any of these things - this team is unique.

All you have to do is examine its roster, and pay close attention to the last names. On it, you will find the following:

Oliver Miller, a veteran reserve center out of the University of Arkansas. Miller has spent his entire eight-year NBA career battling weight problems, and could stick in a 12th man role.

Reggie Miller, the cool-as-ice jump-shooter who makes 25-footers look like layins. He's the NBA's all-time leader three pointers made, and has never shot under 80 percent from the free throw line during any of his 15 seasons.

Brad Miller, a 26-year-old center from Purdue who played briefly in Italy before making a splash in the NBA. He came to Indiana last season in the trade that sent Jalen Rose, Travis Best, and Kevin Ollie to Chicago.

Greg Foster, a tough six-foot, 11-inch banger who finds himself in a Pacer uniform after stops in Milwaukee, Los Angeles, Seattle, Utah, Chicago, Minnesota, Atlanta, and Washington.

Jeff Foster, a fourth-year player who likes to rebound during spot minutes off the bench. He came to the team from the Golden State Warriors on a draft-day trade in 1999.

And lastly, Jamison Brewer, a young guard who would have been entering his senior season at Auburn University had he not elected to enter the NBA after his sophomore season.

So, what do these guys have in common? Four of them are centers and two are guards, yes. But what else?

Look no further than to your refrigerator. Open it up, and what do you find? Many of you will find a certain alcoholic beverage. Perhaps a "Miller"? Or maybe a beer from down under like a "Fosters"? Which one is better? It may all depend on the "brewer".

So there you have it.

If you haven't caught on already, there are six players on the roster who have names that refer to beer in one way or another. Believe it or not, that may come into play at some time during the season.

Here's how: if this team suffers another mediocre season under head coach Isiah Thomas, who is only two games over .500 in his two years with the club, many of the Pacers may have to look to themselves for answers.

Literally.

Joe Kaiser is an aspiring sports journalist from Seattle, WA. He can be reached at joe-kaiser@excite.com.