Pat Knight

Pat Knight. He is a former college basketball player and coach, best known for his tenure as the head coach of the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Lamar Cardinals. The son of legendary Hall of Fame coach Bob Knight, his career has been closely intertwined with his father's legacy, serving as an assistant under him at both Indiana and Texas Tech before succeeding him in Lubbock. His coaching journey also included leading roles in the NBA Development League and scouting for the Indiana Pacers.

Early life and education

Born in Bloomington, Indiana, he grew up immersed in the world of Big Ten Conference basketball due to his father's prominent position. He attended Bloomington High School South, where he played basketball before enrolling at Indiana University Bloomington. After beginning his undergraduate studies and playing for the Indiana Hoosiers under his father, he transferred to Texas Tech University following Bob Knight's departure from Assembly Hall. He completed his degree in exercise and sport science at Texas Tech while playing for the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

Playing career

His collegiate playing career spanned two programs. He initially played as a guard for the Indiana Hoosiers during the 1989-90 and 1990-91 seasons. After transferring, he joined the Texas Tech Red Raiders, where he played from 1992 to 1995 under coach James Dickey. His professional playing experience was brief, consisting of a stint with the Grand Rapids Mackers of the Continental Basketball Association in 1995.

Coaching career

His coaching career began immediately as a graduate assistant for the Texas Tech Red Raiders in 1995. He was promoted to a full-time assistant coach in 1999, serving under his father after Bob Knight took over the program in 2001. He was designated as the head coach-in-waiting and officially succeeded his father during the 2007-08 season. He led Texas Tech to an appearance in the National Invitation Tournament in 2008 but was dismissed in 2011. He then became the head coach at Lamar University, guiding the Lamar Cardinals to a Southland Conference tournament championship and a berth in the 2012 NCAA Tournament. After his tenure at Lamar, he served as the head coach of the NBA Development League's Texas Legends and later worked as a scout for the Indiana Pacers.

Head coaching record

His overall head coaching record in NCAA Division I includes his seasons at Texas Tech and Lamar University. At Texas Tech, his teams participated in the Big 12 Conference and secured a bid to the National Invitation Tournament. His most notable achievement came at Lamar, where his team won the Southland Conference Tournament, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. His professional head coaching record includes his season with the Texas Legends in the NBA G League.

Personal life

He is married and has children. His family maintains deep connections to the state of Indiana and the broader Midwest. He has been involved in various charitable activities, including those associated with the Coaches vs. Cancer program. Following his coaching career, he has worked in basketball operations and scouting, residing in Indianapolis.

Category:American men's basketball players Category:Texas Tech Red Raiders men's basketball players Category:Lamar Cardinals men's basketball coaches