Last night, Hall of Fame and legendary basketball coach Bob Knight died at 83. Knight had been battling a long-term illness for several years.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share that Coach Bob Knight passed away at his home in Bloomington surrounded by his family,” a statement said. “We are grateful for all the thoughts and prayers and appreciate the continued respect for our privacy as Coach requested a private family gathering, which is being honored. We will continue to celebrate his life and remember him, today and forever as a beloved Husband, Father, Coach, and Friend.”
Best known for his 29 years (1971-2000) of coaching the Indiana University Hoosiers basketball team, leading them to 662 wins, five Final Fours, eleven Big Ten titles, and three national championships.
Knight began his coaching career in 1965, being the youngest coach at a Division I school, Army, where he stayed until landing the job at Indiana University in 1971.
Knight, also known for his intense temper and extreme and controversial coaching methods, led to his nickname as “the General.” Knight was also known for his fiery anger both on the sidelines of games and during interactions with reporters and the media.
Knight was inducted into the Indiana University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009.
Knight led the U.S. Olympic basketball team to a gold medal at the Los Angeles games in 1984, which was the last amateur team to win the gold medal.
In 1991, Knight was elected and inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. His wife, Karen, and sons, Tim and Pat, survive him.
By - FZ
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