The Alford Hokey Pokey

You put Alford in,

You take Alford out,

You put Alford in and you shake it all about.

You wonder if he'll stay or go to Bloomington,

That's what its all about!

Three months ago, most Iowa basketball fans would have pleaded with Iowa Athletic Director Bob Bowlsby to replace men's basketball coach Steve Alford with _____________ (fill in the blank with the name of any moderately successful college coach). Now, with Iowa atop the Big Ten standings, and chasing the school's first championship in more than 20 years, he doesn't look so bad.

But the fly has landed in the ointment, and is doing the Alford Hokey Pokey. Indiana University coach Mike Davis resigned today, prior to the completion of a third successive season with the Hoosiers failing to play in March Madness. This, after Davis declared on sports radio just yesterday that he WOULD NOT be quitting the Indy program. And so now the speculation rises to a fever pitch that Alford will return to the motherland and coach his alma mator back to national prominance.

Is Alford in or is he out?

My guess ... he's outta Iowa City and packing his bags for Bloomington. Why? Because he isn't loved in Iowa like he is in Indiana. The Golden Boy is going home, and will be king of the world, for as long as it takes to win.

Iowa's next coach? Rick Majerus. The current analyst has been in Iowa City this basketbal season covering the Hawks. Insiders say he wants to coach again (he guided Utah to record-setting seasons several years ago before health concerns sidelined him). Majerus will love Carver Hawkeye arena, the Big Ten, and the freedom he will have to build a program. Hawk fans will fill the arena once again, and will love Majerus (as long as he wins).

Or ..........

Alford is in. What do I know?