Knight coming to Carson City

Love him or hate him, Bob Knight is coming to Carson City.

The successful and often controversial coach will be the keynote speaker at the University of Nevada's 35th annual Governor's Dinner. Knight, the former Indiana basketball coach, is now the basketball coach at Texas Tech.

The traditional northern Nevada event will take place at the Governor's Mansion in Carson City. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with hosted cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. the Eldorado Hotel Casino will serve a sit down dinner at 7 p.m.

The program includes the presentation of the Glenn "Jake" Lawlor Award, which will be given to an individual who has shown exemplary support of Nevada athletics. Title sponsors of the event include IGT, Eldorado Hotel Casino, Wells Fargo and Luce and Son, Inc.

Knight previously spoke at the Governor's Dinner in 1982. He has been a head coach on the collegiate level for 37 years, compiling an 809-311 record (.722). He has the highest winning percentage among active coaches.

Knight's teams have appeared in the postseason in 34 of his 37 seasons, including 25 straight years. Knight has had 22 seasons of 20 or more wins and four seasons of 30 or more wins.

Knight is the only coach to win NCAA, NIT, Pan American and Olympic championships. Knight was inducted into the International Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991. Only Knight and former North Carolina coach Dean Smith have played on and coached national title teams. Knight played for Ohio State when it won the national title in 1960.

Knight coached at Army for six years, winning 20 games twice, including 22 in 1970. He coached at Indiana for 29 years, with a 662-239 mark (.735). He won 20 or more games in 22 seasons and three national titles (1976, 1981, 1987) at Indiana.

In 2001-2002, Knight took Texas Tech from 11th in the Big 12 conference to a 23-9 mark and an NCAA tournament appearance. Texas Tech won 23 games this past season, its most wins since 1996. It was Knight's 25th season in which he won 20 or more games.

Tickets for the Governor's Dinner are $200 each and tables of eight are available. Tickets may be purchased by calling AAUN, 784-4870, extension 246.