Iowa State’s beloved “Mayor” is gone, lured to the riches and challenges of the NBA.
Cyclone basketball coach Fred Hoiberg was in Chicago Monday to work out a deal with the Bulls to become their new head coach. An official announcement is expected Tuesday.
At least Fred Hoiberg left his alma mater stocked with talent.
The 42-year-old Hoiberg grew up in Ames, served as a ball boy for the Cyclones and later starred for legendary coach Johnny Orr. As a coach, he brought back the “Hilton Magic” to a success-starved fan base.
Rare was the day when Hoiberg could walk down the street without being stopped for autographs and his record stood for itself: Four NCAA tournament appearances in five seasons and back-to-back Big 12 tourney titles.
But now the day Iowa State fans have been dreading has come. Hoiberg is off to coach the Chicago Bulls.
