It takes one of a kind to know one.

Former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski released a statement Wednesday, remembering the late Bobby Knight.

The former Indiana coach died at the age of 83, his family announced on Wednesday. Long before he was winning national championships, he was the head coach at Army where Krzyzewski played for him. He later was an assistant at Indiana.

“We lost one of the greatest coaches in the history of basketball today,” Krzyzewski said. “Clearly, he was one of a kind. Coach Knight recruited me, mentored me, and had a profound impact on my career and in my life. This is a tremendous loss for our sport and our family is deeply saddened by his passing. We offer our sincerest condolences to Karen, Tim, Pat, and their families during this difficult time.”

Krzyzewski played for Knight at Army from 1966–69. Knight left for Indiana in 1971 where he coached until 2000. He finished out his coaching career at Texas Tech from 2001–08.

The legendary Indiana coach is the sixth-winningest coach in Division I men’s college basketball history. Knight won three national championships with the Hoosiers in his Hall of Fame career.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share that Coach Bob Knight passed away at his home in Bloomington surrounded by his family,” the Knight Family said in a statement. “We are grateful for all the thoughts and prayers, and appreciate the continued respect for our privacy as Coach requested a private family gathering, which is being honored. We will continue to celebrate his life and remember him, today and forever as a beloved Husband, Father, Coach, and Friend.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.