Hoosiers Now

PHOTO GALLERY: Bob Knight Through the Years

Hall of Fame coach and beloved Indiana University basketball icon Bob Knight passed away on Wednesday. He was 83 years old. Knight had been in declining health recently. Here are the best pictures of Knight's legacy through 29 years at Indiana that included three national championships.

Becky Rigel

PHOTO GALLERY: Bob Knight Through the Years
PHOTO GALLERY: Bob Knight Through the Years /
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BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Former Indiana basketball coach Bob Knight passed away on Wednesday in Bloomington after dealing with declining health the past few years. He was 83. 

Knight led Indiana to three national titles and five Final Four appearances during his 29-year tenure in Bloomington. He was, without question, the most popular person in the state of Indiana for years.

Knight was fired at Indiana in 2000, and didn't return to Assembly Hall for 20 years. Finally, on Feb. 8, 2020, he returned, being celebrated at halftime of a game against Purdue, and being surrounded by several dozen former players in a long-awaited reunion. 

Knight was known for his no-nonsense approach to basketball and fiery wit which led to many memorable moments over the years. 

Below is a collection of the best pictures as Hoosier Nation remembers "The General," Bob Knight.

Related stories on Bob Knight's passing

  • BOB KNIGHT PASSES AWAY: Bob Knight, the Hall of Fame basketball coach who won three national titles at Indiana and coached through several controversial moments, passed away on Wednesday. In poor health the past few years, the beloved coach was 83 years old. CLICK HERE
  • BIG TEN NETWORK MARATHON: In honor of legendary Indiana basketball coach Bob Knight, who passed away Wednesday, the Big Ten Network is debuting "Remembering Bob Knight" and running a 15-hour marathon, packed with footage of Knight and the Hoosiers. CLICK HERE
  • TOM BREW COLUMN: Legendary Indiana basketball coach Bob Knight turned 83 years old on Wednesday, Oct. 25. His health is failing, and last Friday at Hoosier Hysteria, coach Mike Woodson — a former Knight player — asked us all to pray for Knight. Consider it done, in these trying times. CLICK HERE

Bob Knight

Indiana basketball coach Bob Knight won three national championships, in 1976, 1981 and 1987.
Indiana University Archives

Indiana basketball coach Bob Knight won three national championships, in 1976, 1981 and 1987.

Bob Knight in the early years

Indiana basketball coach Bob Knight shares a laugh from the bench at Assembly Hall in 1976.
Indiana University Archives

Indiana basketball coach Bob Knight shares a laugh from the bench at Assembly Hall in 1976.

Bob Knight

Much of the credit for the creating the championship banners goes to Knight. He instigated the plan to install them the new Assembly Hall.
Indiana University Archives

Bob Knight is the man behind hanging those championship banners at Assembly Hall. The first two — from the 1940 and 1953 championships — went up when he arrived in 1971. The other three, he won.

Bob Knight

Bob Knight and the 1974 Hoosiers stand along the sidelines for the National Anthem.
Indiana University Archives

Bob Knight and the 1974 Hoosiers stand along the sidelines for the national anthem.

Bob Knight, Scott May and Quinn Buckner

Scott May (left) and Quinn Buckner (right) listen intently to instruction from Bob Knight early in the 1974-75 season.
Indiana University Archives

Scott May (left) and Quinn Buckner (center) listen intently to instruction from Bob Knight early in the 1974-75 season.

Bob Knight, Quinn Buckner and Scott May

Indiana University Archives

As a young coach, Bob Knight is pictured here with Quinn Buckner and Scott May, He built a dynasty with his 1975 and 1976 teams, going a combined 63-1. His 1976 championship team went 32-0, and they are still the last college team to go undefeated.

Bob Knight

IU Basketball coach Bob Knight in 1993 having a discussion with an official.
Indiana University Archives

Indiana basketball coach Bob Knight is pictured in 1993 having a discussion with an official.

Bob Knight and Isiah Thomas

Many people questioned if the relationship between flashy point guard Isiah Thomas and disciplinarian Bob Knight would work but they turned out to make each other better. Thomas left IU a champion.
Indiana University Archives

Many people questioned if the relationship between flashy point guard Isiah Thomas and disciplinarian Bob Knight would work, but they turned out to make each other better. Thomas left IU a champion, leading the Hoosiers to the 1981 title.

Bob Knight and Isiah Thomas

Bob Knight chatting with freshman Isiah Thomas on the sidelines.
Indiana University Archives

Bob Knight chatting with freshman Isiah Thomas on the sidelines during a game in 1980.

Bob Knight

Bob Knight watches from one knee during a game at Assembly Hall in the 1975 season.
Indiana University Archives

Bob Knight watches from one knee during a game at Assembly Hall in the 1975-76 season. 

Related stories on Indiana basketball

  • BOB KNIGHT DIES AT 83: Bob Knight, the Hall of Fame basketball coach who won three national titles at Indiana and coached through several controversial moments, passed away on Wednesday. In poor health the past few years, the beloved coach was 83 years old. CLICK HERE
  • BIG TEN NETWORK MARATHON: In honor of legendary Indiana basketball coach Bob Knight, who passed away Wednesday, the Big Ten Network is debuting "Remembering Bob Knight" and running a 15-hour marathon, packed with footage of Knight and the Hoosiers. CLICK HERE
  • SOCIAL MEDIA REACTS: Indiana's three-time national champion head coach Bob Knight passed away Wednesday night. Several fellow coaches, former players and many others shared their thoughts on Knight's legacy on social media. CLICK HERE
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Becky Rigel
BECKY RIGEL

Becky Rigel is director of marketing and advertising for HoosiersNow.com and all other Hilltop30 Publishing Group entities. She is a southern Indiana native, and an Indiana graduate.

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