Legendary basketball coach Bob Knight dies

• Legendary basketball coach Bob Knight dies.
• He won 3 NCAA titles at Indiana.
• He passed away at 83.

Bob Knight dies. He was a towering figure in the world of basketball who was celebrated for his Hall of Fame career and three NCAA titles with Indiana.

Among those titles was one in an undefeated season, a feat that has remained unmatched since then. The legendary coach passed away at the age of 83.

His family officially announced the news of his passing on Wednesday, November 1.

Knight had been grappling with an illness since April and had faced a series of health issues in recent years, according to his family.

Basketball is in mourning

The family’s statement reads: «It is with heavy hearts that we share that Coach Bob Knight passed away at his home in Bloomington surrounded by his family.»

«We are grateful for all the thoughts and prayers, and appreciate the continued respect for our privacy… » the statement continued.

They concluded by honoring his wishes: «…as Coach requested a private family gathering, which is being honored.»

At the tender age of 24, Knight earned the distinction of being the youngest Division I coach when he assumed leadership of the Army basketball team at West Point in 1965.

Bob Knight was a legend in Indiana

It was at Indiana where Coach Bob Knight truly made his imprint on college basketball.

At Indiana University, he amassed an unprecedented 661 victories and guided the Hoosiers to 24 NCAA Tournament appearances over his 29 seasons with the team.

The pinnacle of Bob Knight’s career came during the 1975-76 season when he led Indiana to an undefeated season, culminating in an NCAA championship.

This accomplishment has stood the test of time, as no team has managed to replicate an undefeated season in the NCAA to this day.

Bob Knight produced many NBA players

Bob Knight’s legacy extended beyond his tactical mastery on the court — he was equally recognized for his fiery approach to coaching and his deep passion for basketball.

His insistence on discipline and a strong work ethic propelled many of his players toward NBA stardom and post-basketball success.

Even with his notorious courtside flare-ups and contentious behavior, Knight was revered for his unwavering commitment and his knack for forging formidable teams.

The mark Bob Knight made goes well beyond the accolades and championships. His enduring impact on college athletics can be seen in the legions of players he molded throughout the generations.

A Hall of Famer

The Hall of Famer was famously indifferent to public opinion, aptly selecting Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’ to commemorate his 880th win in 2007 — a defiant anthem that mirrored his approach to life and coaching.

Bob Knight, often referred to as ‘The General,’ was as well-known for his fiery temper as he was for his coaching prowess — a trait that ultimately led to his dismissal from Indiana in 2000.

His tumultuous moments included an incident where he punched a police officer in Puerto Rico, made headlines for throwing a chair across the court and faced allegations of choking a player during practice.

Despite these controversies, Knight took great pride in the academic success of his athletes, boasting impressive graduation rates.

Remembering Bob Knight

Many of Knight’s players held him in high regard, yet his behavior and dramatic displays at times eclipsed his remarkable achievements on the court.

His strategic acumen, pioneering spirit, and unwavering commitment to basketball have left behind an exceptional legacy, according to The Associated Press.

«He changed basketball in this state, the way you compete, the way you win,» said Steve Alford, a standout on Knight’s last team. «It started in Indiana, but he really changed college basketball.

«You look at the motion offense and people everywhere used it,» he further added, underlining the widespread adoption of Knight’s tactics.