Bob Knight, iconic NCAA basketball coach, passes away at 83.
Legendary NCAA Basketball Coach Bob Knight Dies at 83
Bob Knight, the brilliant and combustible coach who won three NCAA titles at Indiana and for years was the scowling face of college basketball, has passed away at the age of 83.
Knight’s family made the announcement on social media on Wednesday night, saying he was surrounded by family members at his home in Bloomington, Indiana.
Knight was among the winningest coaches in the sport, finishing his career with 902 victories in 42 seasons at Army, Indiana, and Texas Tech.
He also coached the U.S. Olympic team to a gold medal in 1984.
The Hall of Famer cared little what others thought of him, choosing Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” to celebrate his 880th win in 2007, then the record for a Division I men’s coach.
Basketball coach Bob Knight has died at the age of 83, his family announced. pic.twitter.com/89mURdyDkv
— ESPN (@espn) November 1, 2023
He was nicknamed “The General” and his temper was such that in 2000 it cost him his job at Indiana.
He once hit a police officer in Puerto Rico, threw a chair across the court, and was accused of wrapping his hands around a player’s neck.
His critics fumed relentlessly about his conduct, but his defenders were legion.
There was this side of Knight as well: He took pride in his players’ high graduation rates, and during a rule-breaking era, he never was accused of a major NCAA violation.
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How did Bob Knight’s coaching style and temperament contribute to his success as a coach?
984 and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991.
Known for his intense coaching style and fiery temperament, Knight earned a reputation as one of the most demanding and uncompromising coaches in college basketball history. He was infamous for his outbursts and tantrums on the sideline, often berating players and officials with harsh language and physical aggression.
However, behind his gruff exterior, Knight was a master strategist and a brilliant teacher of the game. His meticulous attention to detail and emphasis on discipline and fundamentals helped him produce successful teams throughout his career.
At Indiana University, Knight achieved legendary status. He led the Hoosiers to three national championships in 1976, 1981, and 1987, becoming the last coach to achieve an undefeated season in college basketball with the 1975-76 team. He also won eleven Big Ten Championships and was named Big Ten Coach of the Year eight times.
Despite his success, Knight’s tenure at Indiana was also marred by controversy. In 2000, he was fired from the university after a videotape showed him choking one of his players during a practice. This incident was just one of many instances where Knight’s volatile behavior crossed the line.
After leaving Indiana, Knight spent six seasons as the head coach at Texas Tech, where he recorded 138 wins and led the team to the NCAA Tournament four times. He retired from coaching in 2008, finishing with a remarkable career record of 902-371.
Off the court, Knight was known for his charitable work and philanthropy. He established the Knight Foundation, which provided scholarships to students and supported various educational initiatives.
Throughout his life, Knight remained a polarizing figure. Admirers praised his knowledge of the game and his dedication to his players, while critics condemned his abusive coaching methods and volatile behavior. Nevertheless, his impact on college basketball is undeniable, and his legacy will be remembered for years to come.
Bob Knight leaves behind a lasting legacy in the sport he loved. His contributions to college basketball, both on and off the court, will forever be remembered. As the college basketball community mourns his loss, it also reflects on the achievements and controversies that defined his career. Knight may be gone, but his influence on the game and his lasting impact on his players will live on.
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