BEAVERTON, Ore. — Phil Knight says he has the “personality of a runner.” That’s one reason why he does not like to have visitors in his office. For someone who created from scratch one of the most powerful and profitable companies ever, he can be withdrawn and shy, even downright reclusive.



This week, however, it will be impossible for Knight to hide in plain sight. That’s because 16 Nike-sponsored college basketball teams – including Duke, North Carolina, Michigan State, Florida, UConn, Ohio State and, of course, Knight’s alma mater, Oregon – will gather in Portland to face off in two eight-team brackets spanning two arenas. The event is called the PK80 Invitational in honor of Knight’s 80th birthday. He doesn’t turn 80 until February, but Knight has never let a small detail get in the way of an effective marketing strategy.



Last Thursday, I traveled to Beaverton to meet with Knight at Nike’s...