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“Mike Ditka, to me, was the most fun coach I’ve ever watched. No, he really was. When you think about it, there’s video of him rollerblading, roller skating through his office. He’s always up for a good time, a cigar in his mouth, yelling at fans, yelling at players, yelling at coaches, yelling at referees, but always with a sense of humor and always with a certain amount of cool.”
Hall of Fame basketball coach Bob Huggins has a progressive cognitive condition, his family announced in a statement Wednesday.
Huggins, 73, is the winningest coach in Cincinnati Bearcats history and is set to be inducted into the University of Cincinnati Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday. The Huggins family said it chose to keep the matter private over the past several months but decided to speak out before Friday’s induction.
“Bob is living with a progressive cognitive condition that has begun to affect his memory, and aspects of his daily life,” the statement read.
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West Virginia head coach Bob Huggins watches the run of play during the Big 12 Tournament game between the Kansas Jayhawks and the West Virginia Mountaineers on Thursday, March 9, 2023, at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo. (Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“While the family has chosen to keep this matter private over the past several months, they believe this is an appropriate time to share the news with the many people who have supported Bob throughout his remarkable career, particularly as he prepares to be honored with induction into the University of Cincinnati’s James P. Kelly Athletics Hall of Fame.”
The statement said Huggins will be surrounded by his family as they navigate this next chapter and that the family will not provide further comment on his health.
“Although Bob and his family recognize the challenges that lie ahead, they remain focused on the relationships, experiences, and moments that bring him joy. He continues to be surrounded by the unwavering love and support of his wife, June; his daughters, Jenna and Jacqueline; and his entire family,” the statement read.
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Head coach Bob Huggins of the West Virginia Mountaineers looks on during a college basketball game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at the WVU Coliseum on Feb. 20, 2023, in Morgantown, W.Va. (Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
“The Huggins family extends its sincere appreciation to the former players, colleagues, fans, and friends who have shown Bob such extraordinary love and support over the years. The family respectfully asks for privacy, compassion, and understanding as they navigate this next chapter together.”
The University of Cincinnati said it is excited for Friday’s induction and extended its “heartfelt support” to Huggins and his family.
“Coach Huggins is undoubtedly one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history. He restored Cincinnati basketball to national prominence, ignited a passion for the Bearcats throughout our city and left an indelible mark on generations of student-athletes,” the university said in a statement.
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Head coach Bob Huggins of the West Virginia Mountaineers reacts during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Legacy Arena at the BJCC on March 16, 2023, in Birmingham, Ala. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Over his 41-season coaching career, Huggins spent four seasons at Walsh, then an NAIA school; five at Akron; 16 at Cincinnati; one at Kansas State; and 16 at West Virginia. He coached in 26 NCAA tournaments and reached two Final Fours. He won 935 games in his career.
Huggins was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2022.