As people all across the world react to the passing of former University of Tennessee women's basketball coach Pat Summitt, perhaps no one else in Murfreesboro knew her as well as Rick Insell.

The women's basketball coach at Middle Tennessee put it simply -- the basketball world won't be the same without Pat Summitt...

Insell says he and Pat formed a strong friendship, both being from rural communities, both strong on family and both sharing a passion for women's basketball...

They met early in their careers, with Insell just beginning to build a dynasty at Shelbyville High School and Summitt, just a few years into her tenure at the University of Tennessee. It was before she coached the Lady Vols to eight national championships and winning 1,098 games.

Many years into their friendship, Insell applied for the women's job at Middle Tennessee after winning numerous state titles at Shelbyville. He says Pat was one of his job references...

While the two shared a common basketball bond, Insell says more so, she was a dear family friend...

A celebration of the life of Pat Summitt will be held Thursday, July 14th at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville. The family will have a private funeral and burial here in Middle Tennessee.

You can hear Monte Hale's complete interview with Coach Insell on the Thursday edition of All Sports Talk. After the broadcast, it will also be in the "On Demand" section of WGNSRadio.com under All Sports Talk.