Indiana hoops/YouTube.
Bobby Knight, the legendary Indiana Hoosiers basketball coach, died on Wednesday evening. He was 83 years old.
The iconic college basketball coach, who won three national titles, was more than just a great head coach. He was also a great predictor of the future.
While Michael Jordan went No. 3 overall in the NBA Draft, Knight was already convinced that the North Carolina star was the best player he’s ever seen.
“Just an absolutely great kid. If I were going to pick the three or four best athletes I’ve ever seen play basketball, he’d be one of them. I think he’s the best athlete I’ve ever seen play basketball, bar none. If I were going to pick people with the best ability I’d ever seen play the game, he’d be one of them. If I wanted to pick the best competitors I’d ever seen play, he’d be one of them,” Knight said in 1984.
“In the categories of competitiveness, ability, skill, and then athletic ability, he’s the best athlete, he’s one of the best competitors, he’s one of the most skilled players. That, to me, makes him the best basketball player I’ve ever seen play.”
Knight even implored the Portland Trail Blazers to select Jordan, but they didn’t listen to him.
If Blazers GM Stu Inman listened to Bobby Knight in the summer of 1984, Portland would have drafted Michael Jordan.
“We need a center,” Inman told Knight of his No. 2 overall choice.
Knight responded: "Then draft Jordan and play him at center!"
Portland took Sam Bowie. pic.twitter.com/jvIcFAPSiJ
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) November 1, 2023
Of course, they should have listened.
Rest in peace, Bobby.
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