Hank Iba: Oklahoma State's Legendary Coach

Born on August 6, 1904, Henry P. "Hank" Iba, known as the "Iron Duke of Defense," left an indelible mark on college basketball through his strategic brilliance and unwavering discipline. His career spanned over four decades, including 36 years at Oklahoma State University (formerly Oklahoma A&M), where he forged a legacy that remains influential in the sport today.

Early Life and Athletic Beginnings

Iba's athletic prowess was evident from a young age. Although he excelled in multiple sports including basketball, baseball, football and track, his passion for basketball ultimately guided his career. Despite being offered a professional baseball contract by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1925, Iba chose to pursue basketball, a decision that would shape the future of the sport.

Coaching Career and Success at Oklahoma State

Hank Iba began his coaching career at Classen High School in Oklahoma City, leading his team to a state championship in 1929. After a successful stint at Maryville Teachers College, he took over the head basketball coach position Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University) in 1935. During his tenure at OSU, he was not only the basketball coach, but also the athletic director and he even coached the baseball team for several years. Under his leadership, the basketball program rose to national prominence, capturing back-to-back NCAA championships in 1945 and 1946 which was a first in the world of collegiate basketball.

Under Iba's leadership, the team became known for its methodical style of play, characterized by a strong emphasis on defense and ball control. His innovative "swinging gate" defense helped
his teams lead the nation in scoring defense 16 times during his first 23 seasons at Stillwater. Iba's ability to develop players, particularly big men like Bob Kurland, was unparalleled, and his coaching techniques laid the groundwork for future basketball strategies.

Bob Kurland, a standout center under Iba, is credited with executing the first known dunk in collegiate basketball. This groundbreaking moment occurred in the 1944 NCAA tournament when Kurland, standing at 7 feet tall, threw down a powerful dunk that left spectators and opponents in awe. This marked a turning point in basketball, demonstrating the potential of big men in the game and paving the way for future centers to make a similar impact.
 

Iba's teams were known for their fierce competitiveness and relentless defense. During his tenure, Gallagher Hall, later renamed Gallagher-Iba Arena, became one of the most formidable venues in college basketball, known for its passionate fans and intimidating atmosphere. Iba's influence extended beyond the court, as he helped build a culture of excellence at Oklahoma State that remains to this day.

Impact on the Game and Coaching Legacy

Iba's influence extended beyond Oklahoma State. He was a mentor to numerous coaches who would go on to achieve great success, including legends like Bobby Knight and Don Haskins. Bobby Knight, long-time head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers, ended up naming his former mentor an honorary coach for the 1984 U.S.A. Olympic basketball team and was quoted as saying that Iba cast the longest shadow in the game of collegiate basketball. His contributions to the game earned him induction into multiple Halls of Fame, and the United States Basketball Writers Association honors his legacy with the Henry Iba Award for Coach of the Year.  

One of Iba's most enduring legacies is his role in developing the motion offense and his influence on the four-corners offense, which was studied and adopted by other coaching greats such as Dean Smith. His disciplined approach and emphasis on teamwork continue to resonate in coaching circles today.

Olympic Success and International Influence

In addition to his collegiate success, Hank Iba made a significant impact on the international stage as the head coach of three USA Olympic basketball teams – the only head coach ever selected to coach three Olympic teams. He guided the team to gold medals in 1964 and 1968, becoming the first coach to achieve this feat in consecutive Olympics. Iba's commitment to defense and team play helped the United States maintain its dominance in the sport.

Iba's coaching style was particularly effective in international play, where the game was more physical and demanded greater strategic discipline. His teams were known for their unselfish play, suffocating defense, and ability to execute under pressure. Iba's leadership helped solidify the United States' reputation as a basketball powerhouse.

However, the controversial loss to the Soviet Union in the 1972 Olympic final was a challenging moment in Iba's career. The game ended in a massive controversy, with the Soviets being awarded an additional three seconds to play and the clock being reset multiple times after the United States had initially been declared the winner. Multiple languages being spoken by timekeepers, referees and other officials hampered communication in the chaotic final seconds as Iba advocated for his team and officials ruled that the Soviets won by one point after a third attempt at inbounding and sinking a basket. His team voted not to participate in the medal ceremony and accept the silver medal in protest. Even though this was a low point late in his career, Iba maintained his belief in the values of fair play and integrity that he had been ingraining in his players for decades.
 

Iba's contributions to international basketball extended beyond the Olympics. He was instrumental in promoting the sport globally, serving as a consultant for various international teams and sharing his knowledge with coaches and players worldwide. His influence helped elevate the quality of basketball played on the international stage and fostered greater appreciation for the game's strategic intricacies.

Personal Life and Legacy

Off the court, Iba was known for his integrity and humility. Former players and colleagues remember him as a kind and gentle person who demanded excellence but also cared deeply for those around him. His dedication to the sport and his players was evident in every aspect of his career.

Even after retiring as head coach in 1970, Iba continued to influence Oklahoma State's athletic program as athletic director. His vision helped shape the future of sports at the university, emphasizing excellence across various disciplines.

Today, a chair remains reserved in Gallagher-Iba Arena in honor of Coach Iba, a testament to his enduring legacy at Oklahoma State. His contributions to the game of basketball and his impact on those who had the privilege of playing for or working with him ensure that Hank Iba's legacy will be remembered for generations to come. Head to Stillwater and pay a visit to Heritage Hall Museum in the arena to browse exhibits and learn more about Henry "Hank" Iba's stellar coaching career.

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