Knight Could Return to Bench Soon

ST. LOUIS (AP) â€” Bob Knight thinks he could return to coaching â€” in college or the pros â€” as soon as next month. <br><br>``It isn't for sure I'm not going to be coaching by Oct. 15,''

Monday, September 18th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

ST. LOUIS (AP) â€” Bob Knight thinks he could return to coaching â€” in college or the pros â€” as soon as next month.

``It isn't for sure I'm not going to be coaching by Oct. 15,'' Knight said, referring to the start of college practice. ``I've got some things I can do. I've got to see what commitment I can make.''

Knight, fired as Indiana's basketball coach, spoke Saturday in St. Louis, where he was attending the Cardinals' game against the Chicago Cubs. He is close friends with St. Louis manager Tony La Russa and trainer Barry Weinberg.

Ever the coach, Knight helped out injured Cardinals pitcher Andy Benes in a simulated game, stepping to the plate for an at-bat. Knight struck out.

``I was hoping he'd be a little more upbeat,'' La Russa said. ``That's a lot of trauma. Twenty-nine years.''

Knight said he has offers from college and professional teams, including the Indiana Pacers. Isiah Thomas, a former Indiana star, is replacing Larry Bird as the Pacers' coach this season.