KNIGHT: A Coach's Life

Knight was the basketball coach of Indiana University for 29 years before being fired in September 2000. Because of his fiery—some would say uncontrollable—temper, Knight has acquired many critics over the years, but he was a hero in Indiana, where his teams had many winning years, including an undefeated season in 1975–1976. With Knight's colorful background, it's surprising that the coach has delivered a mostly colorless autobiography. After excruciating detail about his days as a high school and college basketball player, Knight bogs downs his story with dry recitations of the highlights of virtually every team he coached. And to demonstrate that he is not some rogue figure, Knight goes to great lengths to describe the many friendships he has developed over the years. The combative Knight does not emerge until he begins discussing his firing. In Knight's view, his termination was the result of the personal agenda of Indiana University president Myles Brand. Brand's determination to remove Knight was hardened by the national media, which Knight is convinced was out to destroy him. Knight, in turn, loathed most people in the media (among the exceptions is sportswriter and coauthor Hammel). As an autobiography, Knight's book is disappointing; however, college hoops fans can learn more about the game from this book than from most instructional guides. (Mar.)

Forecast:The book is due out just as "March Madness" begins, and the surprising success of Texas Tech (which Knight has turned into a Top 25 team) should only heighten interest in Knight. The book's publication coincides with ESPN's release of its movie, A Year on the Brink, which is based on John Feinstein's bestselling book and stars Brian Dennehy.