Alford Named Iowa Coach

IOWA CITY, Iowa-Steve Alford was hired as Iowa's basketball coach yesterday after guiding Southwest Missouri State to its best showing in the NCAA tournament.

The former Indiana star replaces Tom Davis, whose contract was not renewed.

With a record of 269-140, Davis had the most victories of any coach in Iowa history.

He coached the Hawkeyes to NCAA tournament wins over Alabama-Birmingham and Arkansas before a 78-68 loss to Connecticut in the NCAA West Regional semifinals last Thursday.

In Alford, Iowa is getting a coach that also took his team to the round of 16. Southwest Missouri State, a No. 12 seed, beat Wisconsin and Tennessee, but lost 78-61 to top-ranked Duke on Friday to finish the season 22-11.

"It's very exciting to be back in the Big Ten," Alford said.

"Any way you slice it, he's a winner," Iowa athletic director Bob Bowlsby said.

The 34-year-old coach built a 78-48 record in four years at Southwest Missouri State.