Steve Alford, born on November 23, 1964, in Franklin, Indiana, is a prominent figure in American college basketball, both as a player and coach. Raised in Indiana, basketball’s heartland, Alford’s journey into the sport began early, eventually blossoming into a storied career.
Alford’s prowess on the court was evident from his high school days at Chrysler High in New Castle, where he was recognized as Indiana Mr. Basketball. This paved the way for his collegiate career at Indiana University Bloomington under the legendary coach Bobby Knight. Alford’s time with the Hoosiers was highlighted by leading the team to a national championship in 1987, solidifying his status as an Indiana basketball icon.
Following his college success, Alford embarked on a professional playing career, donning the jerseys of the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors in the NBA. However, it was in coaching that Alford truly found his calling. Over three decades, he has helmed various college teams, including Manchester University, Southwest Missouri State University, the University of Iowa, the University of New Mexico, UCLA, and currently, the Nevada Wolf Pack.
Alford’s coaching tenure has been marked by numerous achievements, including conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Notably, his leadership at Nevada led the team to the NCAA Tournament in 2023, cementing his status as one of the few coaches to achieve such a feat with five different programs.
Off the court, Alford is a devoted family man, with three children, including Kory, who followed in his footsteps both as a player and coach. Kory played under his father’s guidance at New Mexico and UCLA before becoming head coach at Huntington University. Steve Alford’s legacy in basketball, both as a player and coach, continues to inspire generations of athletes.
