The college basketball world lost one of its big names on Wednesday. Legendary Indiana Hoosiers head coach Bobby Knight passed away at the age of 83. The former Indiana coach was known for his hard-nosed style that included many meltdowns on the court, but his results speak for themselves. The news of Knight’s passing quickly spread across social media. Those who knew him and those who remembered his memorable moments on the court celebrated the life of Knight on Wednesday night.
“When my time on earth is gone, and my activities here are passed, I want them to bury me upside down, and my critics can kiss my ass!”
– Coach Bob Knight #RIP
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) November 1, 2023
When I got drafted to the Colts and I started learning about this beautiful state.. it quickly became obvious that this state loves basketball and 1 of the reasons why was Bob Knight
I didn’t know much about him before I got here but every IU fan would let you know he’s the… pic.twitter.com/kAMrI5EGdz
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 2, 2023
So sorry to learn of the passing of Bob Knight who was so good in his prime teaching how to play the game.Always loved talking hoops with him over the https://t.co/HEyBP2IlxZ heart goes out to Karen the love of his life & his family & friends .@ESPN App https://t.co/qAXMCWliJc
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) November 1, 2023
.@JayBilas gave a thoughtful tribute to Bob Knight: pic.twitter.com/vuR61VPQQf
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) November 2, 2023
Bob Knight was everything you thought he was. Brilliant and demanding, cantankerous and huge of heart, irreverent and very funny. He was also inarguably on the short list of greatest coaches in the history of American sports. Rest in peace, Coach. You will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/ig2L7tkBPr
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) November 1, 2023
Knight’s impact on the game of basketball can not be measured. Without Knight, the world may not even know the name Mike Krzyzewski. Coach K played his college ball for the U.S. Military Academy under then-head coach Knight. The names Knight and Krzyzewski are synonymous with the game of college basketball, but the pair also held a relationship that will stand the test of time. Those who were close to Knight seem to have a different picture of the man compared to those who only know him from what we’ve seen through his time on the sideline.
Be Thou At Peace, Bob Knight.
Army MBB Head Coach 1963-1971. pic.twitter.com/Bn02S5cqOF— Army Men's Basketball (@ArmyWP_MBB) November 1, 2023
Bobby Knight has passed away.
Know he was known for some negatives, but guy was a basketball savant.
Favorite video clip, maybe ever, is Bobby Knight saying Michael Jordan was the best basketball player he'd ever seen – before he played an NBA game
RIP pic.twitter.com/FfwXR6gQpj
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) November 1, 2023
One of my favorite clips.
He did his best to make it through the coaches show.
Rest in peace, Bobby Knight… pic.twitter.com/8YtJ7aZizT
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) November 1, 2023
Knight’s relationship with the media is easy to understand after watching a few clips from his time as a head coach, and that is, he wasn’t much of a fan. The Hoosiers coach wore his heart on his sleeve and was passionate about the game of basketball. However, sometimes, his actions weren’t as cute as he perceived them to be. Love him or hate him, Bobby Knight changed the landscape of college basketball. Without his influence, many of the names we know today may not be in the sport that we all love.