Dec. 2, 2008

Current University of New Mexico head men's basketball coach Steve Alford has been inducted into the 2009 Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. If you are wondering what took so long for Alford's induction, there is a 26-year waiting period after high school graduation so he is a first ballot selection. In fact, Alford is just the eighth honoree to be selected in his first year of eligibility. Joining Alford in the 2009 class are NBA coaches Gregg Popovich (Merrillville) and Scott Skiles (Plymouth). Popovich coaches the San Antonio Spurs and Skiles the Milwaukee Bucks.

Alford is a 1983 graduate of New Castle Chrysler High School where he played for his father, Sam. Steve earned Indiana's Mr. Basketball Award as a senior when he averaged 37.7 points a game. Alford went on to become an All-American at Indiana University, leading the Hoosiers to the 1987 NCAA title.

"I'm deeply honored to be recognized by the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame," said Alford. "This is a very prestigious award considering the previous inductees."

The Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame's annual men's banquet is March 25, 2009, in Indianapolis.