New Iowa basketball coach Steve Alford tries to play catch-up as the Springrecruiting period heats up. The latest contact period is underway in whichcoaches can visit with recruits. Van Coleman of Future Stars says Alfordwill be in Des Moines on Friday to watch some of the state’s top juniorsplay in the Spring Shootout.Coleman says right now the Hawkeyes are in the running with about five highschool players.Coleman says the Hawkeye staff is also heavily recruiting the junior collegeranks. He says Alford would like to sign one wing player and a rebounder andit would be a bonus to get a guard.