Family says Hall of Fame basketball coach Bob Huggins has a ‘progressive cognitive condition’
· Yahoo Sports
Retired Hall of Fame basketball coach Bob Huggins has a “progressive cognitive condition” that has started to impact his memory “and aspects of his daily life,” his family said.
Huggins’ family released a statement on his health in coordination with the University of Cincinnati Athletics Department ahead of the 73-year-old’s induction into the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame.
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The family kept the matter private over the past several months but believes now is “an appropriate time to share the news with the many people who have supported Bob throughout his remarkable career,” the statement said.
Cincinnati’s Hall of Fame induction is Friday night. Other inductees include Jason Kelce and former Philadelphia Eagles’ teammate Connor Barwin. The statement said Huggins was “looking forward to returning to Cincinnati this weekend, celebrating with former players and friends, and sharing in a moment that recognizes not only his accomplishments, but also the enduring bonds formed along the way.”
“Although Bob and his family recognize the challenges that lie ahead, they remain focused on the relationships, experiences, and moments that bring him joy,” the statement said.
Huggins compiled a 935-414 head coaching record at five colleges that included 16-year stints each at Cincinnati and West Virginia, where he took both schools to the Final Four.
Former Huggins pupil Jerrod Calhoun was named Cincinnati’s coach in March. Calhoun graduated from Cincinnati in 2004 and was a student assistant under Huggins during the 2003-04 season. He also spent five seasons on Huggins’ staff at West Virginia from 2007-12.
Huggins’ teams were NCAA Tournament staples and included all-Americans Danny Fortson and Steve Logan and 2000 AP national Player of the Year Kenyon Martin for the Bearcats. Cincinnati reached the Final Four under Huggins in 1992 before losing to Michigan in the national semifinals.
At West Virginia, Huggins landed few high-profile recruits. The 2010 West Virginia team won the Big East tournament and defeated top-seeded Kentucky along its ride to the national semifinals before losing to Duke.
Huggins was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in September 2022.