The basketball world mourned the death of Bob Knight on Wednesday night.
Indiana basketball fans learned of the passing of the legendary college basketball coach at 83 years old inside Assembly Hall before the women’s basketball team was set to tip off against Northwood in an exhibition contest.
A graphic with Knight’s image appeared on the video board as the public address announcer revealed the news to the crowd.
Audible gasps could be heard inside the venue, according to a video posted by Indiana reporter Talia Goodman.
A moment of silence was then held in Knight’s honor, while similar remembrances were held in Purdue and Kansas.
Indiana’s men’s and women’s basketball will wear patches on their respective jerseys this season to honor Knight, according to The Herald-Times.
Knight spent the majority of his coaching career at Indiana (1971-2000), leading the Hoosiers to NCAA titles in 1976, 1981 and 1987.
His Indiana teams never had a losing record, captured or shared 11 Big Ten titles and reached five Final Fours.
His 902 career wins as a coach are fifth all-time among Division I coaches.
Many in the college basketball world wrote about their own memories of the iconic coach.
“RIP to the legendary Bob Knight,” wrote ESPN analyst and former Duke player Jay Bilas wrote on X. “He was an American original. I had the honor of knowing him well, and while he wasn’t for everyone, I always truly liked, respected and admired him. As he once said of Henry Iba, of all the shadows cast in the game, his was the longest.”
Knight, who coached at West Point from 1963 to 1971, was honored by his old school in an X post.
“Be Thou At Peace, Bob Knight,” Army men’s basketball wrote.
The legendary — and at times controversial coach — also coached 6 ½ seasons at Texas Tech before retiring in 2008.
“Heartbroken. Bob Knight is the reason why I went to school at IU,” former ESPN host Sage Steele wrote on X. “He is the reason why I fell in love with the game of basketball. He was bigger than life, and was always kind & welcoming to me as a shy student/intern, and then later as a young reporter.
“Although imperfect, he was so caring & incredibly generous–something most media simply refused to discuss.”
“So sorry to learn of the passing of Bob Knight who was so good in his prime teaching how to play the game,” legendary college broadcaster Dick Vitale wrote about Knight. “Always loved talking hoops with him over the years.
“My heart goes out to Karen the love of his life & his family & friends.”