1987 Iowa basketball roster: Who led Hawkeyes' last Elite Eight run?
Get to know a little more about the last Iowa basketball team to make the Elite Eight before the 2026 Hawkeyes.
For the first time in 39 years, the Iowa basketball program is back in the Elite Eight following an exciting 77-71 win over Nebraska on Thursday night. It was another fairytale chapter in what's been a magical NCAA Tournament for the Hawkeyes . After stumbling into the dance, losing seven of their past ten games, this team has turned things around.
A first-round win over Clemson got things started. A second-round victory over Florida showed their ceiling. And the most recent Sweet 16 win over Nebraska was another indication of just how tough this team is.
They represent everything that Iowa basketball is. Very similarly to the last Hawkeye basketball squad to make the Elite Eight: the 1987 team. Just like this year's team, the 1987 Hawks were led by a first-year head coach in Tom Davis, who went on to have a legendary coaching career at Iowa.
Here's a look at that 1987 roster and their journey in the NCAA Tournament. 1987 Iowa basketball roster Number Name Class Hometown 3 Gerry Wright Sr. San Bernardino, California 5 Bart Casey Jr.