NEW ALBANY, Ind. — From Indianapolis down to New Albany, Hoosiers fans are coming to terms with the loss of Bob Knight, one of the greatest and most controversial coaches to ever command a courtside.
In New Albany at Pastime Grill & Pub, patrons wearing Hoosier gear gathered for a few rounds, sharing their best Bob Knight stories.
Michael "Duke" Andrews, a longtime IU fan, said Knight's notorious post game press junkets and heated courtside moments aren't top of mind when he reflects on the legendary coach's career.
"[Knight's] built on discipline and IU basketball, real simple," he said. "Bobby Knight probably had the best mind in basketball."
Knight's accolades on the court speak for itself.
His 29-season resume includes an IU school-record 662 victories, 11 Big Ten championships, five Final Four appearances and three national titles.
"[Knight] belongs on the Mount Rushmore of basketball coaches," Jim Shannon, a former New Albany High School basketball coach for more than 20 years, said. "It's just what he did for the game of basketball, and what he did for the state of Indiana and what he did for Indiana University."
Shannon argued Knight's legacy goes beyond his coaching success.
"[Knight] was great for our game, he was great for our state, and I think he was great for humanity," Shannon said. "He had a tremendous effect on us, even though he probably didn't know it."
In 2017, sportscaster Dan Patrick asked Bob Knight why a return to Assembly Hall was so important to him. Here's what he said:
"I've always really enjoyed the fans. I always will. You know, on my dying day, I will think about how great the fans at Indiana were."
The homecoming in Bloomington finally came February 8, 2020. It was a moment just as special for IU fans, as it was for Knight.
"When I saw that, I teared up a little bit; I was very moved by it, I was very touched," Shannon said. "I thought it was awesome that he finally came home and that he was acknowledged by everyone. It was a memorable moment, that's for certain."
No public memorials are planned for Knight, out of respect for his family's wishes and desire for privacy, a spokesperson with Indiana University said.
Knight's family asked those wishing to make a donation in the coach's memory to the Alzheimer's Association or to Marian University, or to the charity of their choosing in his name.
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