Pat Knight
Pat Knight
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Pat Knight's full name is Patrick Henry Knight. He is commonly known as Pat Knight.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on October 21, 1932, in Waco, Texas, USA. Passed away on February 22, 2021.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American Basketball Coach, Athletic Director, and Sports Administrator.
Early Life and Background
Pat Knight was born to a family of athletes. His father, Eddie Sutton's assistant coach at Oklahoma A&M, would later become a well-known basketball coach in his own right. Growing up surrounded by the sport, Pat developed a passion for coaching early on. He played basketball in high school but focused more on the technical aspects of the game, which served him well as he began his coaching career.
Major Accomplishments
Pat Knight is best known for being the head coach at Texas Tech University's Red Raiders men's basketball team from 1999 to 2001 and again from 2006 to 2011. During his tenure, he led the team to several conference tournament championships and appeared in two NCAA tournaments. Knight also served as the athletic director at Midwestern State University (now known as Tarleton State University) for nearly a decade.
Notable Works or Actions
Pat's approach to coaching emphasized discipline, hard work, and teamwork. He was particularly known for his intense practices and high expectations of his players. His unorthodox methods sometimes generated controversy, but his commitment to developing young athletes earned him respect from peers and fans alike. Knight was also an advocate for the benefits of sports in education and community development.
Impact and Legacy
Pat Knight's influence on college basketball is undeniable. He was a pioneer in promoting the importance of athletic programs in higher education, advocating for increased resources and support for student-athletes. His legacy extends beyond the court as well; he helped pave the way for future generations of coaches and administrators to prioritize academic achievement alongside competitive success.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Pat Knight's quotes and advice are sought after by aspiring athletes, coaches, and educators worldwide due to his unique blend of passion, expertise, and dedication. His willingness to share insights on the challenges he faced and overcame has made him a respected voice in sports leadership circles. Pat's emphasis on teamwork, discipline, and perseverance resonates with audiences seeking guidance on balancing personal and professional goals.
As we reflect on Pat Knight's remarkable life and achievements, it is clear that his impact extends far beyond the realm of basketball. His commitment to education, community development, and young people has left an indelible mark on the world of sports and beyond.
Quotes by Pat Knight
I love the Indiana kids to death, but I have no feeling toward Mike Davis at all. I try not to watch them at all.
They'll press like Iowa State and push it like Roy (Williams) did when he was at Kansas.
It shows that we can play in tight game, instead of getting buried. But we still need to be able to win on the road.
You've got to win and put a good product on the floor, which we think we do, and we have for four years. It's something I think they've always fought here. It's just tough, and it gets frustrating at times, but it's just part of it.
We just watched it again on tape. You can tell they were trying to foul him, but they're not getting a really good hold of him. It's a judgment call. Fortunately, it went our way.
I think it's been a down year for the conference. The guys on TV seem to hammer our league and that doesn't help. With the bad press we've gotten, it doesn't surprise me we're only going to get three or four teams in.