Honoring Gene Iba: A Legacy of Family and Basketball Excellence

Late Houston Coach Gene Iba’s Wife Drove Coach Kim Anderson’s Pregnant Wife to the Hospital While He Was Away

Sandra Iba embodies the essential role of a steadfast partner supporting a distinguished basketball mentor, Gene Iba.

September 24, 2026

This piece was last revised by Alisha Shrestha on September 24, 2026

Gene Iba, a revered American college basketball coach, departed this world at 84 on Monday, September 22, 2026, peacefully.

He shared his life with Sandy, and together they raised three wonderful daughters.

Gene trained athletes at the Navy Supply Corps School and later coached there, then progressed to Oklahoma A&M where he served as a graduate assistant under his uncle Henry Iba.

Appointed athletic director at Cleveland High School in 1968, he became head varsity basketball coach at Roosevelt High School in 1969.

After guiding Roosevelt to victory in the 1972 city championship, he transitioned to collegiate coaching at UTEP.

He later led Houston Baptist (1977), Baylor (1985), and Pittsburg State (1995). His passing left the basketball world deeply affected.

Pittsburg State University Athletics mourns the loss of former Hall of Fame men’s basketball coach Gene Iba.

Gene Iba’s Spouse, Sandra, Provided Unwavering Support

Throughout Gene’s coaching journey, Sandra stood as his anchor, balancing family life with public admiration.

The Iba family cultivated a harmonious existence rooted in mutual respect and shared aspirations.

Gene and Sandra welcomed three daughters into their lives, nurturing a close bond.

Gene cherished his identity as both a leader and a loving family member, occasionally sharing moments from home life online.

Their daughter Erin Iba thrived academically at the Fashion Institute of Technology and established herself as an accomplished interior designer with Iba Design Associates.

Delighted to witness former PSU basketball icon Gene Iba alongside wife Sandy, PSU supporter Dick Coleman, and Hall of Fame KC Chief Bobby Bell during the MIAA Awards Celebration.

— Pitt State Athletics (@PittStGorillas)

Equally vital was Sandra’s presence within Gene’s professional sphere.

Her consistent encouragement and attendance at games highlighted her integral role in his journey. When Central Missouri’s Kim Anderson was unavailable, Sandra selflessly assumed responsibility, accompanying his spouse Melissa to the hospital for childbirth—a testament to the profound trust embedded within the basketball community.

Gene’s death signifies the close of a remarkable chapter for a lineage synonymous with basketball for generations.

The Iba family prepares to honor Clarence Eugene Iba’s memory with memorial services open to loved ones.

His influence persists through countless athletes shaped by his guidance and peers inspired by his mentorship.

May God grant peace to Gene Iba.

Did You Know?

Clarence Eugene Iba, son of Clarence and Dorothy Alice Denniston Iba, arrived on November 5, 1940, in Joplin, Missouri.
He starred in basketball at the University of Tulsa from 1958-1961 under his father, head coach Clarence Victor Iba.
Post-graduation, he earned a master’s in business education and received MIAA Coach of the Year honors in 1999.