Bob Knight returns to Indiana as Trine University's grad speaker

ANGOLA, Ind. — Former Indiana basketball coach Bob Knight will return to the state this spring to be the commencement speaker at Trine University.

The private school in Angola announced Tuesday that Knight would also receive an honorary doctor of public service degree during the May 8 ceremony in recognition of his commitment to improving the lives of young people.

Trine President Earl Brooks II said Knight’s respect for learning and ability to instill character in his players would make him an inspiring speaker for the 1,400-student school.

Knight’s Indiana teams won three NCAA titles before he was fired in 2000. He set the Division I men’s basketball record for victories while at Texas Tech.

Knight skipped a ceremony last fall during which he was inducted into Indiana University’s athletics Hall of Fame.