It’s been one year since Bob Knight, the legend in college basketball left us. Back in November 2023, when he passed away, he had a net worth of $8 million. But honestly, that’s just pocket change compared to the real legacy he left behind. It is a legacy that still lives on in the hearts of fans and the players he mentored.

In the recent episode of Come and Talk 2 Me, Isaiah Thomas, one of Bob Knight’s most iconic students, dropped some untold facts about his legendary coach. Thomas shared stories of their time together, how their paths first crossed, and how Bob helped him transform into one of the famous “Bad Boys” of the Detroit Pistons.

Isaiah Thomas spent his entire 14-year NBA career with the Detroit Pistons, cementing his legacy as one of the greats. Alongside Joe Dumars, Vinnie Johnson, and Bill Laimbeer he helped lead ‘The Bad Boys’ to back-to-back NBA titles in 1989 and 1990.

Bob’s coaching helped shape the mindset and skills Isaiah needed to reach the highest level. Without Knight’s guidance, Isaiah’s journey to those championships might have looked a lot different.

Bob Knight’s Legacy Isaiah Thomas Brings to Light

On the show, Mark Jackson respectfully asked, “I could never play for Bobby Knight… Why did it work so well for you?” Isaiah’s answer might shock some fans. He told Mark, “You could’ve played for Bobby Knight and been great.” Then Isaiah dropped a truth bomb: “Coach Knight liked smart people.” He even shared one of Knight’s classic lines, “Dumb people get you beaten.” 

What made Bob Knight one of the best coaches in NBA history wasn’t just his strictness on the court. It was how he treated his players behind closed doors and how much he cared for them. Isaiah said, “Coach Knight was in public, we got one job and that’s to annihilate, keyword annihilate the other team, now when we get back behind closed doors, I’mma pat on your back and tell everybody, tell you and your family you good.” Knight’s tough exterior was all about pushing his players to be their best. But behind the scenes, he showed how much he valued and supported them.

Isaiah said he remembered the first day he arrived in Indiana, with Bob Knight telling him, “Look, I have no rules, you can do whatever you wanna do, just don’t make a mistake.” After sharing this, Isaiah couldn’t help but burst out laughing. It was classic Knight, giving players freedom but making it crystal clear that mistakes were not an option. But Knight didn’t put unnecessary pressure on his players—it was more about what the game demanded. Isaiah said, “But if you missed a good shot…alright, don’t do it again.” That was usually his reaction.

One might think that he was about nitpicking every little thing but let me tell you it was just the opposite. It was about holding players accountable to the standard of excellence Knight set and making sure they learned from their mistakes without dwelling on them.

Knight’s Chemistry with the Ex-Piston Legend

Bob Knight, the college basketball legend, made the Indiana Hoosiers a damn powerhouse. From 1971 to 2000, with Knight at the helm, Indiana snagged three NCAA championships, two undefeated seasons, and 11 Big Ten Conference championships.

Isaiah Thomas spent two seasons with Bob Knight’s Indiana basketball program from 1979 to 1980. In 63 games, he put up 15.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 5.7 assists for the Hoosiers. But what’s more important than the stats is the foundation Knight helped build in Isaiah. The grind, the lessons, the tough love and eventually it all paid off. 

Isaiah went on to become a 12-time NBA All-Star and land a spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Knight deserves serious credit for shaping him into the NBA-caliber player he became in the early ‘80s. It wasn’t just about basketball, it was about creating a mindset that would carry Isaiah throughout his career.