Staying true to himself, Huggins joins coaching elite with 800 wins

When Bob Huggins was first invited to the Final Four he remembers watching coaches like Bob Knight and Dean Smith thinking one day he wanted to be like them and eventually one of them.

Huggins would read books on the college coaching legends, attend seminars and one day imagine that he would be standing on the same level as some of the game’s greatest minds.

“I sat in the lobby all day and all night and just watched them,” he said.

Now after recording his 800th career win, he can say that he is one of them.

Huggins is the tenth coach in NCAA history to reach the mark and joins some of his former coaching idols in Smith and Knight. And was able to do it at his alma mater.

Huggins career has spanned 35 seasons with stops at Walsh College, Akron, Cincinnati and West Virginia and through all of it he has maintained a sense of truth to himself and loyalty to his players. His teams have gone to postseason play in 30 of 34 previous years and are well on the way this year as well.

His return to West Virginia was a perfect match as the head coach often is perfectly articulate the thoughts of 1.8 million on any given day while winning the hearts of the Mountaineers fan base from day one. Ask anybody throughout the Mountain State who is the greatest coach in America and you'll receive a resounding answer.

There have been Final Four appearances, Conference titles and many more accomplishments.

But the wins are one thing, not the only thing that defines the eventual hall of fame career of Huggins.

“That’s what I’m supposed to do,” he said

While Huggins is known more for his fiery demeanor on the court and snark with the media, it’s his compassion with his players and friends that truly separates him.

Never was that more evident than after his No. 12 West Virginia team easily dispatched UMKC 112-67, Huggins was serenaded by his former players and coaching colleagues on a video tribute for the impact that he has not only had on the game of basketball but their lives. He also was joined in the stands by some of his former players as well as friends and family.

It was a moment that touched Huggins to the point where his emotions got the best of him.

“It’s an appreciation of being honest,” he said.

Sophomore Esa Ahmad had offers from some of the nation’s elite programs but choose West Virginia because of that honesty and the family atmosphere that Huggins has cultivated in Morgantown. He was taken back by being a part of the 800 wins that the head man has recorded during his career.

“He talked to me almost every day and that was big for me. I’m happy for him to get 800 wins. It was very important to me. I’m a part of history,” he said.

Huggins demands the best out of his players on the practice floor and during games, but never lets them know how much he cares about them. That is an aspect that truly stands out to those that have played for him over the years and his current crop of athletes.

Senior Brandon Watkins knew that before he joined the program because of his relationship with him so he wasn’t surprised by the passion Huggins shows with his players. But he admits it is surprising for some that believe Huggins is known more for his temper than his compassion.

“When I get older I’ll be able to tell me kids I played for that Hall of Fame coach and I was a part of that team that got 800 wins,” senior Brandon Watkins said.