Basketball legend Iba visits Sterling College
On Monday, October 6, Sterling College's men's basketball team had the unique opportunity to welcome Bret Iba to their practice session in the Gleason Center. Known for his extensive coaching experience and rich family legacy in basketball, Iba's visit provided invaluable insights and inspiration to the team.
Bret Iba graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1982 where he began his career as a collegiate basketball coach by serving as a graduate assistant for the Cornhuskers from 1982-83. From 1983-1987 he was an assistant coach for Southwest Missouri. His most notable coaching career includes tenures at the University of Idaho and the University of New Orleans, where he worked under Tim Floyd. Iba later returned to Southwest Missouri in 1990, succeeding Scott Hickox. His visit to Sterling College not only highlighted his personal achievements but also underscored the distinguished legacy of the Iba family in the world of basketball.
The Iba family is well-regarded in basketball circles. Bret's father, Mo Iba, served as the head coach at Texas Christian University (TCU) and was named the Big 8 Coach of the Year in the 1980-81 season. His grandfather, Henry "Hank" Iba, is a celebrated figure in basketball history, having coached the U.S. Olympic teams to gold medals in 1964 and 1968. Hank Iba was also a trailblazer in collegiate basketball, being the first coach to win consecutive NCAA championships in 1945 and 1946. His contributions have been recognized with inductions into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1969, the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007 and the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2007.
Sterling College's basketball program expressed great appreciation for Bret's visit. His presence at the practice was described as highly beneficial, with players and staff responding positively to his coaching style and expertise. As a member of a family often referred to as "basketball royalty," Iba's engagement with the team served as both a motivational and educational experience.
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