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Bob Knight was born in Massillon, Ohio, in 1940 and raised in Orville, a town he describes as pivotal in shaping his character. Growing up as an only child in a household filled with strong women—his mother, a school teacher, and his perceptive grandmother—Knight was instilled with values of determination and intellectual curiosity. His mother's insistence on reading served as a springboard for his love of history and sports, igniting a lifelong passion for learning and competition.
Knight’s athletic journey began in earnest in sixth grade, when he was introduced to basketball by a man named Dave Knight, a junior high coach who recognized Bob's potential. This formative experience laid the groundwork for what would become a storied career both as a player and a coach.