NEW CASTLE, Indiana — Off the exit where a Flying J truck stop and Denny's diner unite, a couple of miles down Ind. 3, tucked between a Steak 'n Shake and the Henry County Rural Electric ...

Sam Alford coached both of his sons during a 20-year stint at New Castle, where he went 300-188. He was 452-245 with 17 sectionals, six regionals and a semistate title at the high school level.

UCLA Coach Steve Alford has roots, and rooms, back home in Indiana Kenny Cox, owner of the Steve Alford All-American Inn in New Castle, Ind., sits on the big sneaker that has become a local landmark.