Coach Knight returns, Hoosiers fall to Purdue
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
BLOOMINGTON — It finally happened. After 20 long years, Bob Knight finally returned to Assembly Hall in Bloomington.
It seemed like everybody in the stadium had emotion… except for the current IU players. More on that in a minute.
“It was great to see players from multiple decades together, but today was all about Coach Knight,” said former Hoosier Mike Woodsen. Randy Wittman agreed- “It’s such a great day for all of us. He couldn’t have been happier to see the fans and former players today.”
There was speculation all year long that Coach Knight would return at some point this season. He moved back to Bloomington. He went to an IU baseball game last spring. And he seemed to change his tune on the chance of stepping back into Assembly Hall. At halftime, the dreams of many became a reality, and “The General” returned.
No matter what your opinion is of Bob Knight, you have to admit this was a cool moment that was long overdue.
“To have Coach Knight officially come through the doors was a big thing,” said current Head Coach Archie Miller. “This date was circled on the calendar for a while, and this past week it seemed like it was going to happen. Very happy for a lot of people to be able to experience it. Obviously very disappointed by our performance.”
For a reunion like this, two decades in the making, you would think the Hoosiers would be ready to play in a big game. They had a week to prepare. They were facing a rival, and one that had REALLY struggled on the road this season. But give credit where credit is due- The Boilers were the aggressors, they played with more emotion, and they won their sixth straight game over the nearly lifeless Hoosiers.
“I’m disappointed for our players, our fans, and for everyone that came back for this game,” Miller said. “I’ll take full responsibility for the loss today.”
The Hoosiers shot just 43%, had 10 early turnovers, and couldn’t find Purdue shooters in key moments. They’ve now lost four straight games, putting their tournament resume squarely on the bubble, at best.
“There’s a lot of ball left to be played,” Miller said. “It’s not about the doom and gloom. Yeah it makes you sick. But the next one’s coming right down the line. You’ve got to find a way. We’re going to have to earn it. Our players and our staff. We’ll have another big opportunity on Thursday against Iowa, and we just have to find a way.”
While the Hoosiers search for answers, we can at least be grateful that Coach Knight came back and made some peace. It was a reminder of what once was at Indiana University.
