Tate awaits word on Alfords future

With the news that Steve Alford is planning to interview for the Missouri job, shockwaves could be felt around the recruiting world if Alford were to end up moving from Iowa City. One of the most closely watched prospects would be three-star Northeast Nebraska Community College forward Cyrus Tate.

"I just saw that a little bit ago," said Northeast coach Dan Anderson. "I saw Cyrus from a distance about half an hour ago. I would say Cyrus probably doesn't even know that Alford is interviewing, but he does know it's been rumored all year long that coach Alford may leave for Indiana or do something. That's kind of been a news story all year long."

Anderson said he and Tate will let the process play out before moving forward.

"I think he's committed to going to Iowa," the coach said. "I think that if there's a new coach that comes in, I think he would kind of like to see what that coach is going to be about and make sure that he feels comfortable there. Sometimes coaches don't want players, but I can't believe any coach wouldn't want to have Cyrus."

Tate has already signed a letter of intent with the Hawkeyes. So even if he were to ask out, it's not guaranteed the request would be granted.

"I think Cyrus always kind of wants to know if coach Alford leaves, will he be allowed to get out of his commitment to go to Iowa," Anderson said. "I don't know. We hear that he would be allowed to get out of it."

Tate averaged 19.7 points and 10.6 rebounds this year at Northeast Nebraska. He was being heavily recruited by schools like Marquette, DePaul, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and others prior to hs signing at Iowa.

"You hear little bits and pieces people would love to have him if he was still open," Anderson said. "There'd be people that would really like to have him, but it's all signed. Some of those people know that Alford is interview, I'm sure, but we'll just see what happens."

Tate also has another option in his arsenal. He has played just one year of junior college ball. He is on track to graduate, but would have the option to return and play another season in Norfolk.

"I would think that he's hoping it will all work out," Anderson said. "Because he would like to go to Iowa."