Alabama head coach Nate Oats never met Bob Knight. But from watching Knight’s motion offense and studying the legendary head coach’s career, Oats was one of the many affected in the basketball world when news spread Wednesday of Knight’s death.

“A lot of Bob Knight stories out there but one thing he did well was he motivated his guys to play hard and they won at a high level, so a lot of respect for him on that stuff,” Oats said on Friday as No. 24 Alabama finishes its season prep. “Hall of Fame coach. Kind of an icon passed away.

Knight won 902 games across a 42-year coaching career, including an Olympic gold medal in 1984. In addition to his coaching acumen, Knight was celebrated and chastised for his fiery personality. He was 83 years old when he passed surrounded by family in Bloomington, Indiana, the family announced.

Oats was the head coach of Romulus (Mich.) High in 2008 and got to know current FAU coach Dusty May, who was a student manager on Knight’s staff. Oats noted how the coaches he grew up idolizing and learning from — like Dean Smith, Roy Williams, Mike Krzyzewski, the latter of whom played for Knight at Army — have either retired or died.

“It’s sad to see him go but really had an unbelievable career. Shoot, somebody texted me if I get tossed from a game again, let’s make sure I throw a chair across the court to make it emphatic. He’s got a lot of things people remember Bob for.”

Alabama’s season begins on Monday, Nov. 6 against Morehead State.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].