By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Bob Knight, a Hall of Famer whose illustrious career was marked by three NCAA championships at Indiana, including one that sealed an undefeated season yet to be surpassed, has passed away at the age of 83.
Knight’s family announced his passing Wednesday evening. He battled a prolonged illness and was hospitalized in April, his health deteriorating over the past few years.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share that Coach Bob Knight passed away at his home in Bloomington surrounded by his family. 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,” per family’s statement.
The legendary coach, nicknamed “the General,” took over Army at 24 years of age, but made his name leading Indiana. He won a school-record 661 games and reached the NCAA tournament in 24 of his 29 seasons. Knight’s first NCAA title came in 1976 when Indiana went undefeated, a feat no team has accomplished since.
In 1984, he led the U.S. Olympic team to a gold medal in Los Angeles, the final American amateur team to achieve Olympic victory.
After six years at Army, 29 at Indiana, Knight led Texas Tech for seven years before removing himself from college basketball. Later, he worked as an ESPN college basketball analyst.