Bob Knight

Bob Knight: A Basketball Legend

Early Life/High School

Robert Montgomery Knight, better known as Bob Knight, was born on October 25, 1940, in Massillon, Ohio. He grew up in Orrville, Ohio, where he developed a passion for basketball at a young age. Knight played basketball at Orville high school, where he was a standout player and led his team to a state championship in 1958.

College

Subsequently, after graduating from high school, Knight accepted a basketball scholarship to Ohio State University. He played for the Buckeyes under legendary coach Fred Taylor, helping the team win the NCAA National Championship in 1960. Knight was a key contributor to the Buckeyes’ success, earning All-Big Ten honors and being named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team.

In addition to his basketball accomplishments, Knight was also an excellent student at Ohio State. He graduated with a degree in history in 1962.  As a result, was named to the Academic All-American team.

Coaching

Initially, after graduating from Ohio State, Knight began his coaching career as an assistant at Army West Point in 1962. He was promoted to head coach in 1965 and led the Black Knights to a 102-57 record in six seasons.

In 1971, Knight was hired as the head coach at Indiana University. He inherited a program that had fallen on hard times, but he quickly turned the Hoosiers into a national powerhouse. Knight led Indiana to three NCAA National Championships (1976, 1981, and 1987), five Final Fours (1973, 1976, 1981, 1987, and 1992), and 11 Big Ten Regular Season Championships (1973-76, 1980-81, 1983, 1987, 1989, 1991, and 1993).

Knight’s teams were known for their aggressive defense and their fast-paced offense. He was a demanding coach, but his players respected him because he knew how to win. Moreover, Knight won numerous awards, including four National Coach of the Year awards and five Big Ten Coach of the Year awards.  Finally, He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991, the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006, and the Indiana University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.

Knight Coaching Achievements

Bob Knight is one of the most successful coaches in NCAA history. He won 902 games in his career, which ranks sixth all-time. He also led his teams to three NCAA National Championships, five Final Fours, and 11 Big Ten Regular Season Championships. Knight was a four-time National Coach of the Year and a five-time Big Ten Coach of the Year. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the College Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Indiana University Athletics Hall of Fame.

RIP Bob Knight

Bob Knight passed away on November 1, 2023, at the age of 83. He is survived by his three children and six grandchildren.  Knight is remembered as one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history. He was a demanding coach, but he also cared deeply about his players. He was a master motivator and a brilliant strategist. Knight’s legacy will live on for generations to come.