Day 2

Winnipeg, Manitoba - They say that clothing makes the man. Well, that hasn't always been the case with me. That said, however, very often clothing makes the character. When trying to create a vivid screen portrayal, it frequently becomes easier when you slip into the right wardrobe.

This was never more the case than when I put on the emblematic red sweater today as I became Bobby Knight for a second day. We shot a couple of key scenes in the Indiana University locker room. While I also wore a blue and black sweater today, it was pulling on that red V-neck with the "Indiana Basketball" logo embroidered on it that got the strongest reaction from the crew and cast.

The first scene was a teaching scene - a pep talk - that takes place early in the season (and film), about a week before a key Notre Dame game. The players gathered around a chalkboard, and I pushed them to understand the importance that practice would play in the success of this squad.

This team, the '85-'86 Hoosiers, didn't have any superstars on it, so learning to play smart, to play within the Knight system, was of paramount importance. There was no Isaiah Thomas or Quinn Buckner on that squad, whom Knight had coached on earlier IU teams.

It was when these players didn't pay heed to this message that led to Bobby's frustration in that memorable "season on the brink." One of those moments of great exasperation and rage was what we reenacted at the end of the day. It was my first opportunity to portray Bobby's legendary, explosive temper.

That was when I wore the red sweater...

More tomorrow.

Past Diaries

Day 1