Basketball legend Bobby Knight, who led the Indiana University Hoosiers to three NCAA championships, has passed away at the age of 83, according to his family. Knight, a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, died in Bloomington, Indiana surrounded by his loved ones. The cause of death has not been disclosed. His family expressed gratitude for the thoughts and prayers, and requested privacy during this time. Knight was known as a beloved husband, father, coach, and friend.
Knight, a “legend among coaches,” as described by the Basketball Hall of Fame, was inducted in 1991. He played for the Ohio State Buckeyes and won the NCAA championship in 1960. Knight coached the Indiana Hoosiers from 1971 to 2000, leading them to three NCAA titles. He also had the opportunity to coach the U.S. men’s Olympic basketball team, securing a gold medal at the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles. Throughout his career, Knight was named Big Ten Coach of the Year five times and received national coach of the year honors on four occasions.
Born Robert Knight in Massillon, Ohio, on October 25, 1940, he was commonly known as Bob or Bobby. Knight is recognized as one of only three coaches to have achieved the “triple crown” by winning an NCAA title, a National Invitation Tournament title, and an Olympic gold medal. His nickname “the General” reflected his intense coaching style. An infamous incident in 1985 involved Knight throwing a chair onto the court during a game, resulting in his ejection and subsequent penalties. He was fired by Indiana University in 2000 for violating the university’s zero-tolerance policy regarding student conduct.
Despite his controversial moments, Knight continued to make significant contributions to basketball. His coaching style and use of the motion offense shaped the game, influencing teams everywhere. After leaving Indiana, Knight coached at Texas Tech from 2001 to 2008, with his son Pat Knight taking over his position upon retirement. In recognition of his legacy, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Marian University in Indianapolis, or donations to any charity in his name.
The basketball community mourns the loss of Bobby Knight, with Indiana basketball acknowledging him as one of the most successful and influential figures in the sport’s history. Indiana University President Pamela Whitten praised Knight’s brilliance and stated that he will forever be celebrated as one of the giants of college basketball. Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb also paid tribute to Knight, describing him as a towering figure and a fierce competitor.
In his acceptance speech at the Basketball Hall of Fame, Knight emphasized the importance of recognizing the collective efforts of a team rather than focusing solely on individual accolades. He believed that being honored as coach of the year was a testament to the hard work put in by everyone involved in the team. Knight’s impact on the sport will be remembered by fans and players alike, and his legacy as a coaching legend will endure.
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