INDIANAPOLIS - Bob Knight, one of the most successful and influential figures in the history college basketball, passed away on Nov. 1, 2023 surrounded by family and friends. He was 83 years old. 

In 2012, Coach Bob Knight was honored at Marian University's annual athletics award ceremony, the Clayton Family Circle of Honor. In honor of his achievements, the Coach Bob Knight Endowed Scholarship was created to support scholarships for all students who intend to make a career of teaching and/or coaching.

In addition to the scholarship, Coach Bob Knight had an additional connection to Marian University, as the former coach, colleague, and friend of Marian Director of Athletics Steve Downing. Steve Downing was a member of Bob Knight's first Indiana team as a junior, shining in Coach Knight's system averaging 17.5 points per game in their first season together. Downing's highlight of his first year in the Knight system included one of the single best performances in Indiana history with a 47-point, 25-rebound game against Kentucky in 1971. Downing would go on to win the Chicago Tribune Silver Basketball award as the top player in the Big Ten his senior year, averaging 20.1 points per game. 

Downing would go on to be an assistant coach and administrator along side Coach Knight following his NBA career, joining him at both Indiana University and Texas Tech University. Downing said Knight was a life-long friend and mentor. 

"The Marian University community and I are saddened at the loss of Coach Knight. I had the privilege of playing basketball for and coaching with coach Knight, and he was my mentor. He believed in the power of sports to shape character and foster teamwork. Our student-athletes at Marian uphold the tradition of excellence that Coach Knight instilled in me and his players," said Downing.

Those interested in donating to support the Coach Bob Knight Endowed Scholarship will help to ensure Marian University students have the resources they need to succeed through scholarships for all students, support of academic programs, and state-of-the-art facilities. For those who wish to donate, view the link above. 

The Marian University community sends their thoughts and prayers to the Knight family and the Indiana University community.

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