After his firing in 2000, Bob Knight vowed to never set foot in Assembly Hall ever again. Twenty years later, Knight returned to a standing ovation.

The controversial former head coach left behind a complicated legacy. Knight is responsible for three national championships and is the winningest coach in Indiana history. While he saw success on the court, his career was surrounded by allegations of abuse, eventually leading to his firing.

Bob Knight was once an Indiana icon representing the university and the sport. Doctor Galen Clavio of the IU Media School gave a perspective on his impact.

“He was the representation of a time when IU basketball was the premiere basketball program in the country, the way we think of Duke or North Carolina now, that was Indiana,” Clavio said.

Though Knight’s career at Indiana spanned twenty-nine years, some students at the game were born after his coaching days in Bloomington. Those students only heard stories about Bob Knight and learned about him through stories. IU NewsNet’s Mary Kate Hamilton spoke to students about the experience.

“Wow, that’s the guy my dad’s been talking about.”

“I got to experience a little of what my parents got to.”

“I know it’s a historic moment.”

While some were in awe of the moment, others were outraged. Some fans booed Knight, only to be nearly drowned out by the cheers of joy. Others took to Twitter to express their discontent. The numerous tweets about Knight displayed the range of emotions that his return evoked.

Since Knight made his intention of never returning to Indiana University quite clear, many were surprised by the news of his potential homecoming.

“I was not convinced it was going to happen until the morning of, and even then, I wasn’t totally sure,” Clavio said.

Indiana Basketball prepared a video tribute that played at halftime. It featured old clips of Bob Knight coaching and highlights of his players. A special interview with Knight was also pieced into the video.

“I was not the easiest guy to play for,” Knight said, “Does that surprise you?”

The crowd chanted, “Bobby, Bobby, Bobby,” as Knight was shown walking in the tunnel toward the court.

“Nowhere was basketball more appreciated than in the state of Indiana,” Knight said.

Bob Knight emerged from the tunnel met with “Thank you Coach” chants among others. He made his way to center court to join the past Indiana Basketball teams being honored at the game.

After taking a group photo, Knight made his way around the court conversing with former players and ultimately leading a “defense” chant. As he walked off the court, he was met with another standing ovation, although most fans remained standing after his entrance.

Indiana and Purdue eventually came back out on the court for the start of the second half. The halftime spectacle overshadowed the rest of the game for some fans. Indiana would lose to Purdue 74-62.

Bob Knight returned to Assembly Hall despite his previous vow to never return. His homecoming was surrounded by controversy, just as his departure from Indiana was in 2000.