Altman hired to replace Heath at Arkansas

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) _ Creighton's Dana Altman has been hired to replace Arkansas' Stan Heath as head basketball coach. <br/><br/>Altman said at a news conference yesterday that the success

Tuesday, April 3rd 2007, 6:00 am

By: News On 6

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) _ Creighton's Dana Altman has been hired to replace Arkansas' Stan Heath as head basketball coach.

Altman said at a news conference yesterday that the success of the program will come down to getting young men excited about playing basketball for the university and who are successful on and off the court.

He said he would bring Creighton's pressing style to Arkansas, a style that has excited players and fans.

Altman said he felt some sadness in leaving Creighton and all the friends he and his family have made there, but he was looking forward to his new job.

Altman went 260-and-141 in 13 seasons at Creighton. The Bluejays went 22-and-11 this season for their ninth straight 20-win season -- a Missouri Valley Conference record.

The 48-year-old Altman also coached at Marshall and Kansas State before going to Creighton.

Arkansas athletic director Frank Broyles fired Heath a week ago. The Razorbacks made the NCAA tournament in 2006 and 2007, but lost in the first round both years.