Fife returns as part of staff

Former IU basketball player Dane Fife will be coming home to Bloomington as the graduate assistant coach for the men's basketball team this season. \nPrior to his decision, Fife spent the 2002-03 season in the Continental Basketball Association with the Gary Steelheads, and is scheduled to begin his tenure as assistant coach July 1.\nHead coach Mike Davis said he is excited to have Fife back in the Hoosiers' program and believes that Fife's hard-nosed style on the floor will translate into good coaching on the sidelines.\n"You always knew what you were going to get out of Dane Fife in a game," Davis said in a news release. "He went out every game and fought, and it was a habit for him to do that. His toughness as a player was a big part of our success, and I think he has a bright future as a coach. We're very happy to have him back in our program."\nDuring his senior season at IU, Fife averaged 8.7 points per game and was ranked second on the team in three pointers with 66. Fife's successes were not limited to his senior season, as he ranks in the all-time top 20 in assists (307) and sent 99 three pointers through the net during his career as a Hoosier. Other than his offensive skills, Fife was known especially for his defensive prowess, as he broke the Hoosier record for career steals (180) and was named as the co-Defensive Player of the Year in his senior season. \nAfter such a productive career as a player, Fife said he is excited to come back and work with young players at his alma mater.\n"I really appreciate the opportunity Coach Davis has offered me to work with him and his staff," Fife said in a news release. "I love to work with young players, I love to teach, and I love to win. I feel fortunate to begin my coaching career at my alma mater, working with a lot of guys who are former teammates." \nAfter his senior season at IU, Fife was the first-round draft pick of the Gary Steelheads. In the CBA, Fife appeared in 34 total games and started in five. Fife averaged 3.4 points and 1 rebound per game.