Punahou School has turned to one of its greatest former athletes to be its next boys basketball coach.

Dan Hale, 43, was hired on Monday and associate athletic director Kale Ane made the announcement yesterday after the 10 other applicants were notified.

"It's my alma mater, so I'm happy," said Hale, who was a three-time All-State center for the Buffanblu and later played at the University of Hawai'i and Chaminade. "Everything fell in line, as far as the timing of where I'm at in my life. It worked out perfectly."

Hale takes over for Greg Tacon, whose contract was not renewed after five seasons. Punahou had advanced to the state tournament in Tacon's first four years, finishing as high as third in 2004.

But despite a veteran squad, the Buffanblu failed to earn one of the Interscholastic League of Honolulu's three state berths last season.

"There's definitely high expectations, but my philosophy is not to evaluate on wins and losses, but more on improving every day," Hale said. "The ILH is going to be very tough next year, so we need to at least control what we do and focus on getting better every day."

Hale was a key factor in Punahou's state championship "three-peat" from 1979 to 1981. He also earned high school All-America honors in water polo.

"Dan understands the dynamics of what goes on here in athletics," said Ane, who added Hale was selected by a four-person committee of school officials. "He also relates well to the kids."

Hale moves over from Moanalua, where he spent two years and was named Coach of the Year in the O'ahu Interscholastic Association's Eastern Division last season.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.