Bob Knight likes what he sees in IU basketball coach Archie Miller

BLOOMINGTON -- A mere 3 miles from the university he has sworn to never return to, Bob Knight visited once again Wednesday night to laugh with IU fans and reminisce.

In a similar format to last year’s event at Bloomington North High School, the 77-year-old IU coaching legend was joined by moderator and longtime confidant Bob Hammel on stage at Bloomington South. Wednesday’s event was more intimate than last year’s, with attendance estimated at upward of 1,000. About 10 minutes late, Knight and Hammel were introduced to a standing ovation and spoke for nearly two hours.

“For me, nothing was better when it comes to basketball than coaching in front of people rooting for Indiana,” Knight said. “That was one of the most interesting and enjoyable facets of my time, the reception those kids got from coaches and the fan base. I’m thankful to you folks for that.”

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From the start, though, it appeared Knight was much more interested in fielding questions from fans and Indiana residents -- rather than recall Big Ten referees and Purdue clashes. Many fans were interested in Knight’s upbringing and his opinions of certain relationships, from former players in Calbert Cheaney and Isiah Thomas to current IU coach Archie Miller.

Knight commented on Miller’s hiring during last year’s event, but elaborated after seeing Miller coach his first-year Hoosiers to a 16-14 (9-9 Big Ten) record and No. 6 seed in the 2018 Big Ten tournament. Having experienced the same, Knight said he believes Miller will benefit from having so many good players from the state.

“Patience is not something a lot of fans have,” Knight said. “But this kid (Miller) is going to do a good job. Why? Because he can coach. Most of the coaches I’ve known, can’t coach. You folks are going to appreciate him, but it ain’t gonna happen in a year.”

Knight focused on his long-documented past -- speaking highly of his parents, facing respected coaches throughout the Big Ten, as well as memories coaching Michael Jordan for the United States in the 1984 Summer Olympics.

But Knight was also asked his thoughts on the recent NCAA basketball allegations brought by the FBI, many of which have involved historical powerhouses and top talent. At first, Knight appeared to play dumb to the recent allegations that included a wiretap of Arizona head coach Sean Miller offering $100,000 to secure a player. This report has been questioned.

Hammel clarified the recent news to Knight, saying “the rumor’s out, can you imagine this, that they’re paying prospects.”

In true Knight fashion, he played to his audience and earned loud applause for responding with a smile, and “Sheesh, I better stay out of that one.” He did, however, give insight to the current nature of college basketball.

“Back when I was coaching, and it’s kind of changed, but there were great coaches I liked and I could respect,” Knight said. “If you can’t do it within the rules, why do it? That’s the problem right now. Coaches aren’t dealing with the NBA, they’re dealing with the FBI. Which is a little bit different than the NBA. I’m all for the FBI.”

It’s unclear as to whether Knight’s visits to Bloomington have become an annual gathering, or if Wednesday’s reunion was the last. Even if it needs the occasional reminder, Knight’s memory is still intact -- and so is his appreciation for IU fans and their passion for the Hoosiers throughout his 29 years in Bloomington.

“I really enjoy the opportunity to talk to Indiana fans,” Knight said. “Please say thank you to your brothers, sisters, grandparents, family members and friends who watched our teams play. I’ve never appreciated people more than those who saw our groups play.”