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Dick Vitale will be on the call of the IU-Purdue matchup Saturday in Bloomington.
The iconic sportscaster spent some time on The Dan Dakich Show on Wednesday to preview the game but also talk about one of Indiana’s most asked questions:
Will Bob Knight come back to a game at Assembly Hall?
It’s long been rumored that this could be the year he finally makes his return to the arena that he spent 29 years of his coaching career in, but so far Hoosier faithful have yet to see their old General.
Will Saturday be the day?
“I don’t know. I hear rumors he might show,” Vitale told Dan.
“You know probably more than I know, but I’m hoping. I’ve been hoping and praying that he shows for the last few years, and I have not been very lucky in trying to get him there, but the word is that maybe, maybe it’ll happen.”
We’ve seen Bob Knight making his rounds to different places around the state as of late. The weekend IU hosted Ohio State was heavily expected to be the game he returned, but Knight was instead at Marian University watching the Knights.
Then just yesterday Indiana State welcomed Coach Knight as a guest.
Maybe this weekend will be the time the reunion finally happens.
“I hope he does. You know Dan, he’s in a stage of his life now that really when you get up there, you’re not there yet my man. I’m 80 years old. I know that stage. Everyday becomes a little sentimental to you. I think moving back to Bloomington is probably the best thing he’s done.”
It wouldn’t be the first time that Knight has returned to Indiana’s campus. Last spring the former coach was seen taking in an IU baseball game in Bloomington.
But still, he hasn’t made his way to Assembly Hall. When he does, though, Vitale knows it will be a special moment for all.
“Right now I think it’d be a great moment – a great moment for him – to feel the love of those fans if he walked into that building. But is he definitely going to come? I’m hoping and praying he does.”
We’ll have to wait and see until Saturday when the Hoosiers welcome the Boilermakers, and hopefully Coach Knight, back to Assembly Hall.
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