Steve Alford

Other than Knight, Alford is the most important cog in the Season on the Brink story. His relationship with The General can be described as tempestuous at best. By far Knight's best player, Alford spends four years alternating between being praised and ripped by the coach. He is hardest on Alford, so much more than anyone else, which is saying something. Knight's so brutal to Alford because he's convinced that's the best way to bring out the best in him and maybe most of all, Knight knows he can take it.

Most of the time, Alford just grits his teeth and plays harder. Unlike when Knight harangues players like Daryl Thomas, Alford gets tougher and plays better. It's amazing the amount of verbal abuse Steve Alford took in his time at IU, while still excelling as one of the best players in college basketball.

Today, Alford is the head coach of the high profile Iowa Hawkeyes.