PITTSBURG -- Pittsburg State University Athletics is saddened by the news of the passing of former Hall of Fame men's basketball coach Gene Iba. Iba died peacefully Monday evening, September 22. He was 84.

Coach Iba led the resurgence of the Pitt State men's basketball program during a decorated 15-year tenure as the Gorillas head coach  from 1996 to 2010. He led Pitt State to the school's first NCAA National Tournament appearance in 1997 – reaching the NCAA Sweet 16 – and five overall berths in the national tournament. Coach Iba guided the Gorillas to their first MIAA regular season title and a No. 1 national ranking in 1999, earning MIAA Coach of the Years honors.

Coach Iba compiled a 261-172 record at Pitt State and he amassed a 487-374 overall record including coaching stints at Houston Baptist (1978-85) and Baylor (1986-92). He was inducted into the PSU Athletics Hall of Fame with the Class of 2018.

There will be a small family service with a public celebration of life at a later date to be determined.