Gentlemen,
You have conjured up an interesting thread here and as I have casually followed Coach Knight since he was hired by IU I thought I would take a shot at predicting his departure. Before I do, I will offer a bit of commentary on the situation. First, let me tell you I am quite neutral on Coach Knight and could care less whether he stays at Indiana or not, although I must admit to being a bit of a Knight fan. My real interest is in Purdue basketball and although I no longer live in Indiana, I do continue to follow the Big Ten.
First, the reality of the situation is that Knight is a tremendous asset to Indiana University. IU is no different than any other university in that the focus continues to move away from educating students and more toward building endowments and enhancing faculty development through research programs and sabbatical opportunities. It is a fact that successful sports programs enhance alumni contributions and this is most evident in championship years with football and basketball leading the way. Bob Knight is a revenue generator for Indiana University and will continue to be employed there as long as he wishes unless he gets caught up in a NCAA scandal of Clem Haskins proportions. I'm betting he doesn't get into that kind of situation. Remember, the man has decked fans and physically contacted media personnel and I believe he is still a wanted man in Puerto Rico from charges filed for fighting while coaching the U.S. team in the Pan American Games back in the early 80's. Such behavior will continue to be overlooked by the University whenever possible, just as it is with Tyson, Spreewell and countless other sports figures. It ain't right, but that's the way it is. Remember, even President Clinton should have been history, but was allowed to redefine several words in the English language in order to save his neck. I believe that if the tables were reversed, Knight would have canned Brand. It is his take no prisoners philosophy that takes over. Brand needs Knight more than Knight needs Brand. End of story.
Second, this inquiry will likely have little impact on the IU basketball program. Recruiting impact will be minimal. Knight spends more time recruiting parents than he does players. For the most part, the parents that don't approve of his tactics have never sent their kids to IU anyway. Therefore, little will change. Parents who seek strong discipline will conveniently overlook any newly discovered transgressions. I expect future Knight teams to be strong in fundamental basketball and will be highly competitive. I suspect that his championship days are over as the game has passed him by in many ways and he will not be loaded with the great athletes in the future as these player will go to schools with younger coaches playing with a running offense and are not so strict on team rules regarding practice and off court behavior. It is possible that I am wrong here and he pulls another rabbit out of the championship hat, but I doubt it.
Third, Knight will successfully control his emotions better. He will have fewer scheduled press encounters, and work on his image a bit. You will still be able to count on colorful quotes and perhaps an occasional bit of misbehavior, but unless he starts posting losing seasons, the administration won't touch him.
Bottom line, Jean-Philippe predicts Bob Knight retires on his own terms in about eight years. Put me down for March 6, 2008. Of course I am assuming that he maintains his health until then.
JPC |
