Indiana University plans to honor legendary men's basketball coach Bob Knight with a statue, recognizing his role in leading the Hoosiers to three NCAA championships during his 29-year tenure. The statue will be located near the 1976 national championship statues, celebrating Knight's first title with an undefeated 32-0 season. Despite controversies that led to his dismissal in 2000, Knight's impact on basketball and his connection with fans remain significant, culminating in a return to Assembly Hall in 2020 for a heartfelt tribute. The statue reinforces Knight's legacy as a transformative figure in college basketball.

By the Numbers
  • Won three NCAA titles (1976, 1981, 1987) during his 29 years at Indiana.
  • Achieved a coaching record of 662 wins and 339 losses.
State of Play
  • Knight’s statue will be displayed in the Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, coinciding with recognition events for the 1976 championship team.
  • The university's leadership, including AD Scott Dolson, emphasizes Knight's lasting influence on basketball and player development.
What's Next

The statue's unveiling is anticipated to rekindle positive sentiments among Knight’s supporters and the broader Indiana basketball community. Future commemorative events may further honor Knight’s contributions to the sport and university traditions.

Bottom Line

The establishment of Bob Knight's statue signals Indiana's ongoing commitment to honor its storied basketball history while recognizing the complicated legacy of one of the sport's most polarizing figures.