
Bob Knight was an American men's college basketball coach who led the Indiana Hoosiers to three NCAA championships, one National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship, and 11 Big Ten Conference championships. Knight's Hoosiers were undefeated in the 1975-76 season, winning the 1976 NCAA tournament, and are the last men's team in Division I college basketball to go undefeated during an entire season. Knight won 902 NCAA Division I men's basketball games, a record at the time of his retirement, and his impact on college basketball was recognized with several awards, including the Naismith Award for Men's Outstanding Contribution to Basketball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of championships for IU basketball | 3 NCAA championships, 1 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship, 11 Big Ten Conference championships |
| First championship with IU | 1976 |
| Total number of games won | 662 games |
| Year of first head coach position at IU | 1971 |
| Year of separation from IU | 2000 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Bob Knight won three NCAA championships with IU
Bob Knight was the head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers (IU) men's basketball team from 1971 to 2000. During his tenure, he led the team to three NCAA championships, one National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship, and 11 Big Ten Conference championships.
Knight's first NCAA championship with IU came in 1976. The Hoosiers went the entire 1975-76 season undefeated, with a perfect 32-0 record, and defeated Michigan 86-68 in the title game. Knight's second NCAA championship came in 1981, with a team led by future NBA and Hall of Fame point guard Isiah Thomas. They defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels 63-50 in the championship game. Knight's third and final NCAA championship with IU came in 1987, with a team that included guard Steve Alford. They beat Syracuse 74-73 on a last-second shot by Keith Smart.
In addition to his success in the NCAA and NIT tournaments, Knight's teams dominated the Big Ten Conference, winning 11 titles during his time as head coach. Knight's overall record at IU was 659-242, and he was inducted into the Indiana Hoosiers Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.
Knight's impact on college basketball was significant, and he is remembered as one of the greatest coaches in the sport's history. He was known for his intense, defence-driven coaching style and his refusal to accept anything less than excellence from his players. Knight's legacy at IU and in the sport of basketball is undeniable, and his achievements continue to be celebrated.
Badminton's Finest: Philippines' Top Player Unveiled
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Knight's IU team went undefeated in 1975-76
Robert Montgomery Knight, nicknamed "the General", was an American men's college basketball coach. He was the head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers from 1971 to 2000. During his time at Indiana University, Knight won 662 games, 11 Big 10 Conference titles, one National Invitational Tournament championship, an Olympic gold medal, a Pan American Games gold medal, and three national championships.
Knight's 1975-76 team won the 1976 NCAA tournament, and is the last men's team in Division I college basketball to go undefeated during an entire season (32-0). The Hoosiers went the entire season and 1976 NCAA tournament without a single loss, defeating Michigan 86-68 in the title game. The 1975-76 season put the Hoosiers in the record books for two unique reasons: The team remains the last men’s D1 team to go undefeated (32–0) for an entire season; and Knight, who was 35 years old, became the fourth youngest coach to be a national collegiate men’s basketball champion.
The 1975-76 season was Knight's first national championship with IU. The team made it through the regular season undefeated and spent 11 weeks ranked No. 1. Indiana entered the NCAA tournament with a 29–0 record and an injured Scott May, BS’76, who broke his arm in a one-point victory at Purdue earlier in the season. The Hoosiers reached the Elite Eight round but lost to Kentucky, 92–90. The loss served as a source of motivation for his 1975-76 team. Knight recalled the challenge he issued to his players the day before Indiana’s first practice that fall.
The 1975-76 season was also notable for IU's basketball program as it was the first season played in the newly constructed Assembly Hall. Knight introduced his intense, defense-driven coaching style to 14,853 fans in attendance with an 84–77 win over Ball State. The Hoosiers opened the 1975-76 regular season with a nationally televised showdown against defending champion and preseason No. 2 UCLA, winning 84-64. The team had a perfect record that season, winning Knight's first national championship.
Basketball Divisions: High School Determinants and Their Influence
You may want to see also
Explore related products

IU won 11 Big Ten Conference championships under Knight
Robert Montgomery Knight, nicknamed "The General", was the head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers from 1971 to 2000. During his tenure, IU won 11 Big Ten Conference championships. Knight's impact on college basketball was recognised when he was inducted into the founding class of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
Knight's success with the Hoosiers began in his first season as head coach. In 1971-72, the team won their first game in the newly constructed Assembly Hall, beating Ball State 84-77. The Hoosiers went on to spend 11 weeks ranked No. 1 in 1975, but their championship hopes were dashed when leading scorer Scott May suffered a broken arm. Despite this setback, the team remained undefeated in the regular season, achieving a 32-0 record. They ultimately lost to Kentucky in the NCAA tournament regional finals.
The following season, Knight's Hoosiers went undefeated again, winning the 1976 NCAA tournament and cementing their place in history as the last men's team in Division I college basketball to go undefeated during an entire season. Knight's Hoosiers also won championships in 1981 and 1987, bringing their total to three NCAA championships.
Beyond their NCAA success, IU won 11 Big Ten Conference championships under Knight's leadership. This impressive feat is a testament to Knight's coaching prowess and the team's consistent dominance in the conference. Knight's legacy at Indiana University extends beyond the basketball court, as he is remembered for his impact on the players he coached. Knight emphasised the importance of winning with relentless defence, methodical offence, teamwork, and a refusal to accept anything less than excellence.
Basketball Stars with Nike Shoes: Who's on the List?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$14

Knight's IU team won the 1979 NIT championship
Bob Knight, the legendary and often controversial former Hoosier men's basketball head coach, won several championships for Indiana University (IU). Knight was the head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers from 1971 until 2000. During his tenure, he led the team to numerous successes, including three NCAA championships, one National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship, and 11 Big Ten Conference championships.
The 1979 NIT championship was a notable achievement for Knight's IU team. The Hoosiers had a successful season, showcasing their talent and determination on their way to claiming the title. Behind the impressive performances of Mike Woodson, the team secured the NIT championship, adding to their list of accomplishments under Knight's leadership.
Knight's impact on the IU basketball program extended beyond championships. He implemented a defence-driven coaching style, emphasising relentless defence, methodical offence, teamwork, and a refusal to accept anything less than excellence. This approach transformed IU into a basketball powerhouse, consistently ranking among the top contenders for over two decades. Knight's success at IU also brought personal accolades, including being named National Coach of the Year four times and Big Ten Coach of the Year five times.
The 1979 NIT championship was a testament to Knight's ability to develop talented players and create a winning culture. It served as a stepping stone to even greater achievements, as the team went on to claim more prestigious titles in subsequent years. The NIT victory contributed to the legacy Knight built at IU, solidifying his place in the history of college basketball and earning him recognition as one of the sport's most influential coaches.
Knight's tenure at IU was not without controversy, and he gained a reputation for his explosive temper and disciplinarian approach. Despite this, his impact on the IU basketball program and the sport as a whole is undeniable. The 1979 NIT championship stands as a reminder of Knight's ability to lead and inspire his players to achieve success on the court, setting a standard of excellence that continues to be admired and aspired to by basketball teams across the nation.
Badminton Doubles: Pros Using 4U?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Knight was the first coach to win NCAA, NIT, Olympic Gold and Pan-Am Gold
Bob Knight is one of the most successful and innovative college basketball coaches of all time. Knight was the first coach to win NCAA, NIT, Olympic Gold and Pan-Am Gold. He was born on October 25, 1940, in Massillon, Ohio, and grew up in Orrville, Ohio. Knight played basketball at Orrville High School and later at Ohio State University under Basketball Hall of Fame coach Fred Taylor. Knight began his coaching career at Cuyahoga Falls High School in Ohio, before becoming an assistant coach at the United States Military Academy, commonly known as Army, in 1963.
In 1965, Knight was promoted to head coach of the Army Black Knights, a position he held until 1971. During his tenure at Army, Knight led the team to four post-season tournament appearances in six seasons and amassed a record of 102-50. Knight's success at Army caught the attention of Indiana University, and he was hired as the head coach of the Hoosiers in 1971. Knight's intense, defence-driven coaching style quickly transformed Indiana into a basketball powerhouse.
Knight's impact on the Hoosiers was immediate, as they went undefeated in his first season and won the 1976 NCAA tournament. This team, led by Scott May and Quinn Buckner, remains the last men's team in Division I college basketball to go undefeated during an entire season. Knight led Indiana to two more NCAA championships in 1981 and 1987, as well as 11 Big Ten Conference championships. In addition to his success with Indiana, Knight also coached the United States men's national team to a gold medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics and a gold medal at the 1979 Pan American Games.
Knight's legacy extends beyond his championship wins. He popularized the motion offense and received numerous honours, including being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991 and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. At the time of his retirement in 2008, Knight had won 902 games, which was a record at the time. Knight's success and impact on the game have solidified his reputation as one of the greatest coaches in the history of college basketball.
Mastering the Badminton Smash: Techniques for Power and Precision
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Bob Knight won 902 NCAA Division I men's basketball games.
Bob Knight won three national championships with IU.
Bob Knight won his first national championship with IU in 1976.
Yes, Bob Knight lost a game with IU in 1975 when leading scorer Scott May suffered a broken arm.
Bob Knight won 11 Big Ten Conference titles.











































