Now that he's gone, I think I'll miss his entertainment value, although I would not have guessed that I would have had this reaction.
I'm _so_ glad that we have a 'good' coach who happens to be classy as well. I bet it was an intervention finally. Why was he always angry to everyone?
Not a shocking way for him to go out. He isn't a big fan of self promotion so slipping away in the dark, without a spotlight, is his way. He doesn't go out on top, but he doesn't leave on a huge decline either. He also isn't pushed out due to some unfortunate event. For a legend like him, it's a good way to exit the stage.
in case anyone is interested in looking at his coaching records, i added them to Wiki (yes, I'm a nerd). See current version of article. I also added and maintained Mack Brown's records as well.
Bob Knight has been living off his reputation from the 70's /80's for awhile now. His accomplishments the last few years at Indiana and during his time at Tech really don't match up to the hype this guy gets. He knows his X's and O's Im sure, but he simply wasnt putting in the effort on the recruiting trail. I know Lubbock isnt the easiet sell in the world, but neither is Waco or Manhatten KS, and look at the talent there. I don't think college basketball will be any worse off with this guy out of the picture. His egotistical, my **** don't stink attitude wore thin on me years ago. I can respect his coaching accomplishments from years gone by, but really have little respect for him a person.
The respect that many had, and have, for Knight will continue to fade like all those accomplishments from the '70s and 80's. For the quintessential disciplinarian who (rightfully) praised the team over the individual, he selfishly walks away from a Tech team who has a genuine shot at the Big Dance and not-so-coincidentally after he hits 900 wins. This, mind you, after he signed a contract extension back in September. Maybe he did have a legit reason. But this looks like the last selfish act of a coach known for, too often, putting his interests, temper, vanity, and ego before everything else.
Not really sure how I feel. I used to love going to see him and joining in on the "throw the chair" and "choke a player" chants. But, after watching how close Rick and Bob are, it has made me reconsider some of my feelings towards him. I used to think he was an *** clown who deserved no respect from anyone, but recently, I've really learned to like the guy and appreciate what he has done for the sport (albeit not much in a while) However, with all that in mind, nothing sticks out more to me than when he gave Coach Barnes the card from his record breaking game and the inscription he wrote on it. It was weird seeing him in an emotional state like that, but makes you realize even he is capable of some emotion
There was a clause is his contract that said that his son would be the next head coach when he is done. I'm thinking that since he himself was not improving this team, that he would hand the reigns over to his son and let him get his feet wet for next season since Tech has alot of players coming back
