It was an emotional moment today when legendary basketball coach Bob Knight made his first appearance at Indiana’s Assembly Hall since 2000. Yes, since 2000!
Indiana Hoosier’s Bob Knight won three national titles and dominated the college basketball landscape during his 29 years as Indiana’s coach. He also happens to be a big fan of President Trump (see videos below)!
He entered Assembly Hall to thunderous applause from a sold-out crowd and shouts of “Bobby, Bobby, Bobby!”
For the first time in 20 years, Bob Knight returned to Assembly Hall where he was honored with his 1980 Big Ten championship team. pic.twitter.com/Q6QMBnvV6n
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 8, 2020
Knight’s former players were there to support the legend:
The General Returns.
Bob Knight took the floor at Assembly Hall with his former players to a standing ovation: pic.twitter.com/ipq47fqbCu
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) February 8, 2020
This was more than joyous…it was incredible to watch Knight’s former players show their affection for the fiery coach who wasn’t without controversy over his years as the basketball coach for Indiana.
I know a lot of people didnt like Bob Knight when he was coaching. But he was a brilliant coach, who never broke the rules and had an incredible career. Glad he got his moment at Assembly Hall with many of his former players pic.twitter.com/QZQxcHIdxt
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) February 8, 2020
Students started lining up last night to get into Assembly Hall to cheer for Bob Knight’s return to the court:
Indiana students started lining up at 10:30 pm last night for today's IU-Purdue game and the return of Bob Knight. #iubb pic.twitter.com/2BUe4GhgF6
— Jeff Rabjohns (@JeffRabjohns) February 8, 2020
During President Trump candidacy in 2016, Bob Knight was a true supporter who stepped up to show his love for Trump:
A World War II veteran attended the Trump rally today at the Hilbert Circle Theater in Indianapolis in April of 2016.
The veteran asked Donald Trump and Bobby Knight to discuss leadership.
Here’s the great response from Bob Knight:
“That was very nice of you to say that. I appreciate that. But let me tell you another thing about Mr. Trump. And I think we’re a little bit alike in that regard. If we’re involved in something that we want to win, and particularly something that’s necessary. If there’s something out there that we need to win, we’re going to try and beat your ass every time we can.”
And a few days later:
