CINCINNATI — Former University of Cincinnati basketball coach Bob Huggins is living with a progressive cognitive condition that has begun to affect his memory and aspects of his daily life, his family announced Wednesday.
The 73-year-old Hall of Fame coach and his family have kept the condition private for several months. They decided to share the news ahead of Huggins' induction into Cincinnati's James P. Kelly Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday, October 23.
The family did not identify the specific condition or provide details about his treatment. The announcement described the difficulties Huggins is experiencing but did not indicate how quickly his condition has progressed.
Despite the health concerns, Huggins is looking forward to returning to Cincinnati this weekend, where he plans to spend time with former players, friends, and others who helped make his years with the Bearcats memorable.
A Cincinnati Basketball Legend
Huggins spent 16 seasons leading Cincinnati from 1989 through 2005, compiling a 399-127 record and becoming the winningest coach in program history.
Under his leadership, the Bearcats made 14 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, reached the 1992 Final Four, and won 10 regular-season conference championships and eight conference tournament titles.
Huggins helped return Cincinnati to national prominence during the 1990s. His teams became known for their physical defense, intensity, and willingness to compete with anyone, while players such as Kenyon Martin, Danny Fortson, and Steve Logan helped establish the Bearcats among college basketball's best programs.
His 1999-2000 Cincinnati team spent 12 weeks ranked No. 1 nationally before an injury to Martin disrupted its championship hopes.
Huggins also coached at Walsh, Akron, Kansas State, and West Virginia, finishing his career with 935 victories, 26 NCAA Tournament appearances, and two Final Four trips. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2022.
Family Asks for Privacy
In announcing his condition, the Huggins family emphasized the personal relationships he developed throughout his coaching career and the support he continues to receive from those closest to him.
Huggins remains surrounded by his wife, June, their daughters, Jenna and Jacqueline, and other loved ones as the family adjusts to the challenges ahead. His family also expressed appreciation for the former players, friends, and fans who have remained close to him over the years, while requesting privacy and understanding as they manage his condition.
The university's Hall of Fame ceremony will take place Friday at 7:30 p.m. inside Fifth Third Arena as part of Cincinnati's 50th anniversary Athletics Hall of Fame celebration. Huggins is expected to attend, although he is not expected to deliver remarks or participate in media interviews.
