One year later, one year better

Usually, hindsight is 20-20.\nAt IU, hindsight is 21-13 -- the Hoosiers' record last year under first-year head basketball coach Mike Davis. This record, along with the lack of off-court and on-court antics, makes IU a better university with a more respectable basketball program than it was in the final years under former coach Bob Knight.\nThis opinion was not easily forecasted one year ago following the announcement by IU President Myles Brand that Knight, after 29 years as head coach, was fired for what Brand cited as a "pattern of unacceptable behavior."\nThe supporters of IU basketball should not forget the passion and success Knight brought to the program. In 1991, Knight's outstanding career earned him a spot in the National Basketball Hall of Fame. As a coach at IU, Knight won three national titles, 11 conference titles and led his teams to five Final Four appearances. He produced 33 first team All-Big Ten players, 14 first-round NBA selections and 13 first team All-Americans. Knight graduated 76 percent of his players and produced 31 academic All-Big Ten student athletes.\nDespite his successes, his 29-year tenure as coach was constantly plagued by confrontation, public embarrassment, volatile and even abusive behavior on and off the court. Each technical foul, chair thrown, NCAA fine, off-court allegation and public reprimand undermined the values and ethical guidelines endorsed by this University.\nDavis, the students and the supporters of IU basketball have survived the first year of life after Knight. IU Varsity Club donations have increased seven percent in the year following Knight's firing. Students continue to fill Alumni Hall seats and recruits have cited the departure of Knight as a reason to consider playing for the University. \nNational top 15 recruit Bracey Wright said he wasn't interested in playing under Knight's rigid discipline, but was encouraged by Davis's coaching last season.\nNationally, the philosophy of Davis is being embraced. Media has more access to the team, thereby opening up the sports world to the coaches and players who make up this historic basketball program. This year, 18 games will be spotlighted on ESPN, ESPN2 or ESPN-Plus and five games will air nationally on CBS.\nIn his 29-year reign, no man loved his players and the school more than Knight. His supporters were both numerous and devoted -- and his critics respected his results. Regardless of his success as head coach at Texas Tech, Knight will always be synonymous with IU, and for that both Knight and IU should be proud. Knight took the IU a program to levels unheard of prior to his arrival and surely no IU fan can strip him of his success on the court.\nBut his productivity as coach was not what had him fired. \nOne year after The General's demise, IU thrives on the promise of triumph under the leadership of Davis. The Knight era will never be forgotten. Rather, it will remembered as it should be -- as history. \nDavis opens the next chapter of IU basketball -- a chapter which will be highlighted by victories, sportsmanship and the representation of the strong beliefs and excellence that is the pride of IU.\n