Hall of Fame basketball coach Bob Huggins has a progressive cognitive condition, his family said in a statement released Wednesday, just two days before he is set to be inducted into the University of Cincinnati Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday.
Huggins, 73, is the winningest coach in Cincinnati Bearcats history. His family said it had kept the matter private for several months but decided the induction ceremony was the right moment to share the news publicly.
“Bob is living with a progressive cognitive condition that has begun to affect his memory, and aspects of his daily life,” the family’s statement said.
The family said it chose to speak now, “particularly as he prepares to be honored with induction into the University of Cincinnati’s James P. Kelly Athletics Hall of Fame,” and wanted to inform “the many people who have supported Bob throughout his remarkable career.” The statement added that the family will not comment further on his health and will be at his side going forward.
“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 family also thanked “the former players, colleagues, fans, and friends who have shown Bob such extraordinary love and support over the years” and asked for privacy and compassion as they move through this next phase together.
The University of Cincinnati responded with a statement offering its “heartfelt support” to Huggins and his family while affirming that Friday’s induction will proceed as planned.
“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.”
Huggins built a 41-season coaching career that took him through four seasons at Walsh, then an NAIA school, five seasons at Akron, 16 seasons at Cincinnati, one season at Kansas State, and 16 seasons at West Virginia. Along the way he guided teams to 26 NCAA tournament appearances and two Final Four runs, finishing with 935 career wins. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2022.
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