Gene Iba, an American college basketball coach, passed away peacefully at 84 on Monday evening, September 22, 2025.
He was married to Sandy, and they had three beautiful daughters.
Gene went to the Navy Supply Corps School and coached its basketball team.
Later, he attended Oklahoma A&M and became a graduate assistant for the basketball team under his uncle, Henry Iba.
He became the athletic director at Cleveland High School in 1968 and the head varsity basketball coach at Roosevelt High School in 1969.
After leading Roosevelt to the city championship in 1972, he advanced to the college ranks as an assistant coach at UTEP.
Moreover, he had coached Houston Baptist in 1977, Baylor in 1985, and Pittsburg State in 1995. Unfortunately, his tragic passing saddened the whole basketball community.
Pittsburg State University Athletics is saddened to learn of the passing of former Hall of Fame men’s basketball coach Gene Iba.
Pittsburg State Athletics
Gene Iba’s Wife, Sandra, was the Supportive Force
During the basketball season, Gene Iba often shone in the spotlight. His constant support from his wife, Sandra Iba, is the strength of a family support off the court.
The married couple built a beautiful life centered around their family.
Gene and Sandra Iba were blessed with three daughters and have remained a tight-knit unit.
The head coach valued his role as a husband and father and often shared glimpses of their personal lives on social media.
Their family’s creativity and dedication are evident in their daughter, Erin Iba, who pursued education at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She forged a successful career as an Interior Designer with Iba Design Associates.
Great to see former PSU basketball coach Gene Iba, his wife Sandy, PSU booster Dick Coleman & Hall of Fame KC Chief Bobby Bell at the MIAA Awards Celebration. #GorillaNation pic.twitter.com/MjxMzRxGRH
— Pitt State Athletics 🦍 (@PittStGorillas) June 5, 2018
Furthermore, Sandra was a constant presence in Gene’s basketball world.
She was a dedicated supporter of his career, frequently attending games and events by his side. Her connection to the team went beyond that of a coach’s wife and was considered a genuine part of the athletic family.
When Central Missouri coach Kim Anderson was out of town, Sandra stepped in without hesitation. She took his wife, Melissa Anderson, to the hospital for the birth of their first child.
It demonstrated the deep trust and closeness she shared with the entire team community.
Unfortunately, Coach Iba’s passing marks the end of an era for a family that has been synonymous with the game of basketball for nearly a century.
The Iba family will soon celebrate the life of Clarence Eugene Iba and hold a visitation service for extended family and friends.
His legacy will live on through the players he coached and the coaches he mentored.
Rest in Peace, Gene Iba.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Clarence Eugene Iba, the son of Clarence and Dorothy Alice Denniston Iba, was born on November 5, 1940, in Joplin, Missouri.
- He played basketball at the University of Tulsa from 1958 to 1961 under his father, the head coach Clarence Victor Iba.
- He completed his master’s degree in business education and was named MIAA Coach of the Year in 1999.
