Larry Eustachy is coming back to Iowa as a changed man.

The Southern Mississippi coach returns to the Hawkeye State as a visitor this weekend for the first time since his humiliating dismissal from Iowa State.

“I’ve got nothing but great memories of Iowa, and I’m looking forward to it,” Eustachy said Thursday. “The biggest thing — and the only thing — is getting this team to make some progress on a court other than our own.”

The Golden Eagles’ game in Iowa City on Friday is Eustachy’s first in the state since the former Associated Press coach of the year was embarrassingly forced out as the Cyclones’ coach in April 2003.

Nearly two years later, Eustachy is still putting his life together.

He lost his job at Iowa State — and some dignity — when embarrassing photos were published showing him drinking beer and frolicking with coeds. Eustachy later admitted his alcoholism, enrolled in a 12-step rehabilitation program and says he hasn’t had a drink in 19 months.

Southern Miss gave him a second chance at coaching in March. But the move to Hattiesburg helped break up his marriage. He and his wife divorced during the summer.

“I’m not dealing with it great,” Eustachy said. “I love my two boys. Everything happens for a reason, and I am living life on life’s terms.”

His wife and the couple’s two sons stayed behind near Ames. He longs to see his son play basketball during the weekend despite a tight schedule that will prevent him from driving three hours to visit the family.

Southern Miss (3-1) plays UNC-Greensboro in the opening game of the Gazette Hawkeye Challenge on Friday afternoon.

Afterwards, Eustachy will begin preparations for Saturday’s second-round matchup against either Centenary or Iowa.

“It’s all Southern Miss basketball and trying to get better,” Eustachy said.

Even some of the little things about Eustachy have changed since his days at Iowa State. During games, he wears ties — not his famous turtlenecks.

But between the lines, he insists he’s still the same fiery motivator.

“There’s no difference,” Eustachy said. “There’s only one way to teach this game and continue to teach it the way it’s supposed to be taught.”