How Bob Knight Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline
A closer look at the lasting mark left by Bob Knight—a timeline of influence.
Bob Knight, nicknamed "the General," was a highly successful and controversial American college basketball coach. He achieved 902 NCAA Division I men's basketball wins, a record upon his retirement and sixth all-time upon his death, solidifying his place as one of the most impactful figures in the sport.
1991: Induction into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
In 1991, Bob Knight was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
1991: Induction into Basketball Hall of Fame
Knight was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991.
November 17, 2006: Induction into National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame
On November 17, 2006, Bob Knight was recognized for his impact on college basketball and inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the founding class.
November 29, 2007: Texas Tech Library Exhibit Honoring Knight
On November 29, 2007, the Texas Tech library honored Knight's contributions with "A Legacy of Giving: The Bob Knight Exhibit."
November 2012: Called Indiana Basketball Game
In November 2012, Knight called an Indiana men's basketball game for the first time, after previously refusing to do so.
2013: Publication of 'The Power of Negative Thinking'
In 2013, Knight and Bob Hammel published "The Power of Negative Thinking: An Unconventional Approach to Achieving Positive Results", discussing Knight's game preparation approach.
March 2017: Comments on Indiana Administration
In a March 2017 interview on The Dan Patrick Show, Knight expressed his continued animosity towards Indiana, stating he hoped the administration that fired him was "all dead."
2017: Publication of 'Following the General: Why Three Coaches Have Been Unable to Return Indiana Basketball to Greatness'
In 2017, Terry Hutchens published "Following the General: Why Three Coaches Have Been Unable to Return Indiana Basketball to Greatness" discussing Knight's coaching legacy.
April 4, 2019: Public Appearance and Memory Issues
On April 4, 2019, Knight made his first public appearance after comments about his health. He appeared with Bob Hammel and showed signs of struggling with his memory.
February 8, 2020: Return to Assembly Hall
On February 8, 2020, Knight returned to Assembly Hall at halftime of the Indiana-Purdue game, receiving a standing ovation. This was his first Indiana game appearance since his dismissal 20 years prior.
November 1, 2023: Bob Knight's Death
On November 1, 2023, Bob Knight passed away. By the time of his death, he had won 902 NCAA Division I men's basketball games, which was the sixth all-time record.
2023: Last undefeated national champions
As of the end of the 2023-24 season, the 1975-1976 Indiana Hoosiers remain the last team to be undefeated national champions.
