Two days ago, the world received the sad news that legendary college basketball coach Bob Knight had passed away.
Broadcast media reported the death of the icon from Orrville, Ohio.
Knight, Division I’s sixth-winningest basketball coach, passed away at his residence after a lengthy illness. He is 83 years old.
One of the most significant honors as a basketball coach was his appointment as head coach of the men’s Olympic team. Knight received the honor in 1984.
Consistent with his somewhat controversial yet brilliant style, he raised eyebrows early on by dropping future NBA Hall of Famers Patrick Ewing and John Stockton.
Still, Knight managed to assemble a strong roster. He showed great acumen and trust in 21-year-old young talent Michael Jordan.
Once, during halftime of the 1984 Olympic gold medal game against Spain, Knight tried to confront Michael Jordan.
Such was the fiery passion and dedication of the legendary Bob Knight.
Also read: Victor Wembanyama ties rare Shaquille O’Neal and LeBron James just days after drawing comparisons to Bol Bol James’ record
Coach Knight’s Motivational Strategies: Michael Jordan’s Halftime Story
Knight recalled walking into the locker room after the first half, with Team USA leading by 29 points. He found Jordan sitting in front of his locker. Knight, seeking to inspire his team and set a precedent, chose to gently scold Jordan.
Knight had a strategy in mind that he believed would get the team thinking about areas they needed to improve. His tactics? Criticizing Michael Jordan.
He lamented: “I’m going to reprimand Jordan, and other people are worried, ‘If he’s not happy with Jordan, how does he feel about me?'”
Knight approached Jordan, stat sheet in hand. I looked down at him and asked, “Mike, when exactly are you going to set up a screen?”
During the game, four players were already setting screens, trying to create gaps for Jordan and each other. However, Jordan was not seen setting the screen.
“Mike, what the hell does this have to do with your screen?” the knight shot back.
Jordan retorted, “Coach, I believe I’m faster than your eyes can catch.”
While slightly exaggerating Jordan’s statistics, Knight acknowledged Jordan’s outstanding game. In just 12 minutes of play, he scored 19 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists.
This anecdote Knight told during an event exemplifies his coaching approach and his efforts to motivate his players.
Also read: Joel Embiid reacts to James Harden’s claim that 76ers had him ‘on a leash’