The Des Moines Dragons, a new member of the International Basketall Association (IBA), announced the hiring of former Iowa State basketball player Mike Born as the team’s assistant coach for the 1997-98 inaugural season.

Head Coach Glenn Duhon said, “Mike has strong Des Moines ties, along with a competitive spirit and love for the game of basketball. That helped to make Mike Born an easy choice for the position.”

Born’s coaching duties will include extensively working with the Dragons’ backcourt along with assisting Duhan in anything else it takes to make the Dragons successful. Off the court, Born will help with publicity and recruiting.

“I hope to bring my coaching ability along with my connections with Pella Window basketball teams and numerous other in- and out-of-state connections to help with recruiting,” Born said.

Since graduating from ISU, Born has remained involved in basketball. After helping the Cyclones to a 20-13 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance his senior year, he went overseas and played professionally in Europe.

When he returned to the states, he began his coaching career at Grand View College in Des Moines as an assistant coach in 1993. Most recently, he served as head coach of the Pella Windows basketball team, a USA/ABA Exhibition team that competes against NCAA Division I and II schools.

Presently, Born resides in the Des Moines area. He and Duhon are preparing for the upcoming season by putting the team together.

He said the coaches are anticipating a successful first season.

“I am very excited about opportunity here and Iowans’ support of their pro basketball team,” Born said.