Former Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball forward Kelly Knight dies at the age of 59
Former University of Kansas men’s basketball player Kelly Knight, who ranks No. 51 on the Jayhawks’ all-time scoring list with 1,057 points, died Wednesday at the age of 59.
Knight, a 6-foot-8 forward/center out of Salina South High School in Kansas, was a three-year starter at KU who earned second-team all-Big Eight honors in 1983.
Knight, the brother of former KU forward Danny Knight, who died in 1977 at the age of 23, and former KU guard Mark Knight, led KU in blocked shots in 1982-83 (35) while averaging 12.3 points and 7.2 rebounds a game. He averaged 11.4 points and 7.1 rebounds per contest in 1983-84.
Danny Knight played for KU’s 1974 Final Four team. Mark Knight played at KU during the 1979-80 and ‘80-81 seasons. Kelly Knight played for KU from 1980-84.
Kelly, Mark and Danny are uncles of former KU women’s standout guard Natalie Knight.
Kelly Knight lettered as a freshman in 1979-80. He was a medical redshirt in 1980-81. He had injuries but was a starter in 1981-82 and a starter in 1982-83. He was recruited by Ted Owens and played on Owens’ teams until 1983-84, when he played for Larry Brown’s first KU team.
Bobby Knight, the father of Kelly, Danny and Mark, was recently inducted posthumously into the Salina Central Athletics Hall of Fame. Bobby Knight was two-time all-state in football at Salina High (one public school back in the late 40s) and three-time state champ in track (shot-put and discus).
Former KU forward David Magley wrote of his former teammate and roommate, Kelly Knight, on Facebook:
“The 6-7 forward was a very tough player and great guy. Loved to laugh but was quiet and observant. … Blessed to call him friend,” Magley wrote.
Former KU coach Owens, who coached Kelly, Danny and Mark, recalled Kelly Knight on Magley’s Facebook thread:
“I am saddened to hear about Kelly,” Owens wrote. “He was such a wonderful teammate. The entire Knight family was so supportive during my time at KU. Kelly was not vocal but led by his example. A really good man.”
Several of Knight’s teammates also commented on Magley’s Facebook page.
Former KU forward Brian Martin wrote: “This is truly sad news!! We were teammates for three years and co-captains our senior year along with Carl Henry. He was such a good person and really good teammate.”
Wrote former KU forward Mark Ewing: “Kelly was a terrific teammate. Supportive, hard working, great sense of humor, and he could really bring it.”
Wrote former KU forward Chester Giles: “Sad to hear. My prayers and condolences to the Knight family. I remember him as a quiet young man but tough player RIP.”
Noted former KU guard/forward John Douglas: “Kelly was a great man. Quiet and insightful but always a friend. RIP Kelly.”
Former KU guard Moe Fowler wrote: “My condolences, RIP Jayhawker.”
Kelly was born in Hutchinson, Kansas on November 28, 1961, a son of Barbara (Marshall) Knight and Bobby M. Knight.
Survivors include his mother, Barbara Knight; brothers, Mark Knight (Christine Kenney) of Lawrence and James Knight (Tinita) of Olathe. James Knight, who is Natalie’s dad, played basketball two seasons for former KU assistant coach Lafayette Norwood at Johnson County Community College. After that he played two seasons for San Diego before finishing his degree at KU.
Kelly is also survived by nieces and nephews; Natalie Knight-Johnson (Elijah), of Olathe; Noah Knight, of Dayton, Ohio; Erin Walkenshaw (Robert), of Lawrence; Tyler Knight (Cierra), of Shawnee; and Tiffany Knight, of Banning, California
He is preceded in death by brother Danny and sister, Michelle Knight. Private family services will be held at a later date.
Knight’s obituary is available at the Carlson-Geisendorf website out of Salina.
This story was originally published November 19, 2021 at 8:59 PM.
