Road renaming resolution co-authored by Criswell to honor Bobby Knight passes House

Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 10:01 AM

By Staff report

State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) co-authored a resolution to honor legendary Indiana University men’s basketball coach Bobby Knight by renaming a stretch of State Road 45 near Assembly Hall on IU’s Bloomington campus.

The resolution recently passed the Indiana House of Representatives and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

"Basketball runs deep in Indiana and Coach Bobby Knight played a major role in shaping that tradition," Criswell said. "Renaming this roadway is a fitting way to recognize his lasting impact on IU, the sport and Hoosier fans across the state."

Knight coached the Indiana University men's basketball team from 1971 to 2000, where he led the Hoosiers to three national championships, 11 Big Ten championships and one National Invitation Tournament title. Known as "The General," he ranks 14th on the all-time coaches list for victories and was named National Coach of the Year in 1975, '76, '87 and '89. He was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991.

A native of Ohio, Knight played basketball at Ohio State University, where he graduated with a degree in history and government. He then served his country honorably in the U.S. Army, where he would later coach the Black Knights basketball team, being named head coach at age 24. Knight then went to IU, where his name is still synonymous with Hoosier basketball.

Criswell said Knight’s influence extended beyond wins and championships, helping define Indiana’s reputation as a basketball state and inspiring lifelong fans across Indiana.

House Concurrent Resolution 4 passed the House unanimously and will now be considered by the Senate. If approved by the Indiana General Assembly, the Indiana Department of Transportation would move forward with the road renaming.