Will Bob Huggins reach 1,000 wins?

As you read the headline, you’re probably having a ton of thoughts run through your head. Will Huggins retire beforehand? How many wins does he need? How many years (approximately) would he have to stay? And so on.

Let’s knock that out real quick. Coach Huggins currently sits with 845 victories which puts him 155 wins away from the magical number, 1,000.

He is, however, 64 years old and has had health issues. You question how much longer he will be able to coach. Your guess is as good as mine. He was quoted saying, “I’m not leaving this program in bad shape.” He also ripped the team earlier in the season following a loss at Iowa State saying, “they have single handedly destroyed Press Virginia.” I see that more as a motivational tactic than I do him truly believing the press had died, but who knows.

His current contract gives him the ability to step down from coaching or even continue following the 2021-22 season. If he decides to continue, there will not be any issue between the two sides to agree on future contracts.

So, let’s take a look at some possibilities for him to get to that 1,000 win milestone.

Average 19.4 wins over the next eight years

Average 22.1 wins over the next seven years

Average 25.8 wins over the next six years

Average 31 wins over the next five years

Obviously the last possibility would be an incredible run which is not going to happen, but why not include it? Over the last four years (since “Press Virginia” evolved) the Mountaineers have averaged 26.3 wins per year. This would put him at possibility scenario three, which would mean it would roughly take him six years (2024-25). Huggins will be 70 at the point.

Bob Huggins has been included with some of the best coaches to ever be around the game and is a future Hall of Famer, but this would be an incredible honor. There are only five coaches in the history of college basketball to have won 1,000 games. Pat Summitt, Mike Krzyzewski, Tara VanDerveer, Sylvia Hatchell and Geno Auriemma are the only members of the exclusive club.

There are other active head coaches that may join that list such as, Jim Boeheim and Roy Williams. But it seems as if Huggins may have the best shot if you are going off of current age.

Whether Bob Huggins reaches 1,000 wins, brings home a Big 12 Championship(s), or a national championship, he will be forever remembered as one of the greatest coaches the college game has ever seen.