Ex-Indiana Star Steve Alford Mourns ‘Mentor & Father Figure’ Bob Knight

“I think people don’t get to see how caring he was, how loving he was. He loved his players. he loved his team. He loved his school. And he was always giving back.”

That is former Indiana College star turned school basketball head coach Steve Alford becoming a member of Babcock on the TMZ Sports activities TV present (airs weeknights on FS1) … opening up on the death of his coach and longtime buddy, Bob Knight.

Alford performed for the legendary determine in Bloomington between 1983 and 1987 … successful an NCAA Nationwide Championship as a senior. Steve averaged 19.5 factors per sport over his standout school profession and graduated as Indiana’s all-time main scorer (Calbert Cheaney later surpassed SA atop the record).

Knight’s accomplishments on the court docket are practically unmatched … he led his group to three Nationwide Championships, 5 Ultimate Fours, and 11 Huge Ten titles. He was named the AP Coach of the Yr 3 instances, and Huge Ten COY 8 instances. He was additionally inducted into each the Basketball and Faculty Basketball Corridor of Fame. Coach Knight received 902 video games over 42 seasons.

For all his accolades, Alford says Bobby did simply as a lot for the gamers away from the hardwood.

“[Coach Knight] was a mentor, he was a father figure. He taught us about life as much as he did about playing the game of basketball, which was immense. He was as good as it got on the court,” Alford mentioned.

Steve additionally advised the story of Bobby’s recruitment of him … when he was Indiana’s Mr. Basketball in highschool in 1983.

“When he made his home visit to our home in Newcastle, he only gave me 4 promises,” Alford advised us.

“He said ‘you’ll play with great teammates.’ I have incredible teammates. ‘You’ll play for championships.’ That happened, both conferences and nationally. ‘You’re gonna get your degree.’ That happened in 4 years, and ‘you’re gonna have a friend for life.’ Those were the promises coach made.”

Knight (in addition to Steve’s dad, who was a coach) left an enormous impression on him … a lot so Alford clearly as a result of a head coach, too. Alford, who was beforehand the pinnacle coach at UCLA, is now the HC at Nevada.

The Common’s household introduced the unhappy information Tuesday afternoon.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share that Coach Bob Knight passed away at his home in Bloomington surrounded by family. We are grateful for all the thoughts and prayers and appreciate the continued respect for our privacy as Coach requested a private family gathering, which is being honored.”