Steve Alford has a chance to make history at Iowa. Just don't remind him, because he would prefer to leave history alone. Alford is at risk of joining Maury Kent, the only Iowa men's basketball coach to have five straight losing records in the Big Ten. Kent established his dubious record from 1914-18.

Iowa has enjoyed brief periods of success under Alford, including winning the 2001 Big Ten tournament. However, Alford's biggest problem has been a lack of success in the Big Ten -- evidenced by his 25-39 record. And for that reason, the pressure has started to build. "That might be out there, but I can't worry about it," Alford said.

The good news is that Iowa could have enough firepower to finally make Alford a winner in the Big Ten. Four starters return from a squad that surprised many last season by finishing above .500 overall. The Hawkeyes defeated Big Ten powers Illinois and Michigan State at home and also won two games in the NIT.

And while the expectations are not as high as they were two years ago, when Iowa struggled to a 5-11 record in the Big Ten after being nationally ranked, there is a feeling of guarded optimism.

"I don't feel like there's a lot of pressure on us," said senior guard Brody Boyd. "There's a lot of expectations with the players that we have. But we've got to look past that stuff. We've been there before and not handled it real well."

FRONTCOURT

There is plenty of size, depth and experience to build around. Senior center Jared Reiner finally started to reach his vast potential last season, when he led the Big Ten in rebounding with an 8.3 average. He also averaged 9.7 points and shot 54.1 percent from the field.

Sean Sonderleiter, a 6-foot-9 forward/center, was arguably the most improved player on the team last season, while senior forward Glen Worley might be the Hawkeyes' most talented frontline player. Worley has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, including a 29-point performance in a victory over Michigan State last season. Worley's biggest problem has been staying out of foul trouble. He fouled out of 12 games last season.

Erek Hansen, a 6-11 sophomore, returns to Iowa after academic problems forced him to transfer to a junior college last season. Hansen averaged 5.3 blocks per game against junior college competition, and his defensive prowess could lead to some playing time.

Sophomore forward Greg Brunner, who started 23 games a year ago, is a tremendous leaper who doesn't back down from anybody. Fellow sophomore Nick DeWitz joins the mix after playing one year in junior college. DeWitz is versatile enough to play near the basket or on the perimeter.

BACKCOURT

The return of 6-4 sophomore Pierre Pierce will help compensate for the loss of third-team All-Big Ten guard Chauncey Leslie.

Pierce, who started 32 of 35 games as a freshman two years ago, sat out last season after pleading guilty to assaulting a UI female athlete.

"It's been an unfortunate situation, but I think I have matured a lot through all of this," Pierce said. "I've only gotten stronger through all of this."

Pierce gives Iowa the kind of size and athleticism that was missing last season. He has switched to shooting guard after playing mostly point guard as a freshman.

Sophomore Jeff Horner proved to be one of the best passers in the Big Ten while starting all 31 games at point guard last season. His 140 assists were the most by a freshman in school history. Horner and Pierce are the only freshmen at Iowa to record 200 points, 100 rebounds and 100 assists in a single season.

Boyd returns after leading Iowa with 55 3-point baskets last season. Freshmen Mike Henderson and Ben Rand will provide depth at both guard positions.

"I like the versatility this group provides," Alford said of his backcourt.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Iowa has proved the prognosticators wrong in each of the past two seasons. Last year's squad overachieved, while the 2001-02 team did just the opposite, despite the presence of All-Big Ten performers Luke Recker and Reggie Evans.

If this year's team plays with the same passion and unselfishness as last year's squad, the Hawkeyes could finish in the top half of the league and make a run at a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

"I think we're going to surprise a lot of people," said DeWitz. "I don't know where we're going to finish in the conference, but I definitely think we're going to finish close to the top."

• Click here for complete index of 2003-04 team previews

To purchase the 2003 College Basketball Preview from Athlon Sports, click here.