The basketball world is “heartbroken” over the death of Bob Knight
The basketball world mourned Bob Knight on Wednesday evening.
Indiana basketball fans learned of the legendary college basketball coach’s death at age 83 at Assembly Hall before the women’s basketball team was scheduled to face Northwood in an exhibition contest.
A graphic with Knight’s image appeared on the video board as the public address announcer announced the news to the crowd.
According to a video posted by Indiana reporter Talia Goodman, an audible gasp could be heard in the venue.
A minute’s silence was then held in Knight’s honor while similar memorial events took place took place at Purdue And Kansas.
Indiana’s men’s and women’s basketball players will wear patches on their respective jerseys this season to honor Knight. according to The Herald-Times.
Knight spent the majority of his coaching career at Indiana (1971-2000), leading the Hoosiers to NCAA titles in 1976, 1981 and 1987.
His Indiana teams never had a losing record, won or shared 11 Big Ten titles and reached five Final Fours.
His 902 career wins as a coach are fifth all-time among Division I coaches.
Many in the college basketball world wrote about their own memories of the legendary coach.
“RIP to the legendary Bob Knight,” wrote ESPN analyst and former Duke player Jay Bilas on I always really liked, respected and admired him. As he once said of Henry Iba: Of all the shadows the game cast, he was the longest.”
Knight, who coached at West Point from 1963 to 1971, was honored with an X position by his old school.
“Be in peace, Bob Knight,” wrote Army Men’s Basketball.
The legendary – and at times controversial coach – also coached at Texas Tech for six and a half seasons before retiring in 2008.
“Heartbroken. Bob Knight is the reason I went to school at IU.” former ESPN anchor Sage Steele wrote on X. “He is the reason I fell in love with the game of basketball. He was larger than life and was always friendly and welcoming to me as a shy student/intern and later as a young reporter.
“Even though he was imperfect, he was so caring and incredibly generous – something most media simply didn’t want to talk about.”
“I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Bob Knight, who taught the game so well in his prime.” legendary college broadcaster Dick Vitale wrote about Knight. “I’ve always loved talking to him over the years.
“My heart goes out to Karen, the love of his life, his family and his friends.”
