Bob Knight Visits Hall of Fame — Wearing an Ohio State Shirt

Former Indiana basketball coach Bob Knight and long-time friend Bob Hammel took a visit to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame on Friday. Both are inductees themselves.

NEW CASTLE, Ind. — The prestigious Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in New Castle is still closed for a few more weeks because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it had a couple of special visitors on Friday, former Indiana basketball coach Bob Knight and his dear friend, newspaper legend Bob Hammel.

The pair, both members of the Hall of Fame themselves, got a private tour of the museum. Knight, who moved back to Bloomington last year and his February return to Assembly Hall has helped thaw the 20-year chill between Knight and the university, made his visit wearing a — get this — Ohio State shirt.

There's no reason to make a big deal out of it, of course, because Knight is an Ohio State graduate after all. And he got some Ohio State gear in early March when he was back in Columbus as part of the celebration for the 1960 national champions. Knight was a player on that team. 

Bob Knight checks out his plaque at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame on Friday

And even though Knight's February return to Assembly Hall was special for all involved — Knight, his many former players and thousands of teary-eyed fans — all it was was an ice-breaker of sorts. But it's still doubtful that there are many Indiana shirts or jackets in Knight's closet at his new home. 

Bob Knight (center), with son Patrick Knight and former player Quinn Buckner, wore Indiana gear during his February return to Assembly Hall. (USA TODAY Sports)

Knight and Hammel have both been enshrined in the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame for years, but you could tell by their smiles on their faces that they were enjoying their visit.

Knight, who coached at Indiana from 1971 to 2000, was inducted in 1982, the year after he won his second national title at Indiana. He won a third title, of course, in 1987. 

Hammel, who was the Sports Editor of the Bloomington Herald-Times from 1966-1996, has been close to Knight for years. He was inducted in the Hall in 1996.

It's great to see Knight out and about. The legendary coach, who will turn 80 in October, has been seen around town in Bloomington often since he moved back last year. 

Bob Knight and Bob Hammel check out a display at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. 

Related stories on Bob Knight

• BOB KNIGHT TO RETURN (Feb. 7): Sources say Bob Knight will definitely be in Assembly Hall on Saturday for the first time in 20 years. CLICK HERE 
• KNIGHT COMES HOME (Feb. 8): Bob Knight's return to Indiana's Assembly Hall on Saturday was a lovefest 20 years in the making. CLICK HERE
• PATRICK KNIGHT TALKS ABOUT HIS DAD (Feb. 8): He loved returning to Assembly Hall with his father, Bob Knight, on Saturday. CLICK HERE
• FORGOTTEN GREATNESS: People forget how great Indiana's 1980 team was, despite not winning a title. CLICK HERE
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