Cyclone players excited to play for legend

AMES – No coaching experience, no problem, say Iowa State basketball players who watched and listened to rookie coach Fred Hoiberg's introduction Wednesday before hundreds of fans and supporters.

“The guy has played for Hall of Fame coaches and spent time learning from the best basketball minds in the world,” guard Scott Christopherson said. “There's no question in my mind he's going to know what he's doing.”

Hoiberg, 37, spent half a season as an assistant with the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves before joining their front office.

He played for coaches Larry Brown, Larry Bird, Tim Floyd and Flip Saunders. His four years at ISU were spent under Floyd and legendary coach Johnny Orr.

“We all are really, really excited,” Christopherson said. “It's an amazing opportunity for all of us to work with a guy that has been at a lot of places and had a lot of success at those places.”

Hoiberg retained T.J. Oztelberger as his associate head coach and lead recruiter. Jeff Grayer, who was hired by McDermott last week, also will stay on in some capacity.

Grayer, an eight-year NBA veteran, has no college coaching experience either.

“We've got two coaches that played in the NBA and know what they are talking about,” forward LaRon Dendy said. “I think it's going to be a big year for us.”

Senior forward Jamie Vanderbeken missed all but 10 games last season with a series of injuries. He's hoping the NCAA will award him a medical hardship waiver to be able to play under Hoiberg.

“I'm still waiting,” Vanderbeken said. “It's not official that I'm going to get it. I want to play for him and am looking forward to the possibilities.”

Hoiberg's time at ISU and as a player and executive in the NBA carries a lot of weight with players.

His lofty status in his hometown helps, too.

“His credentials speak for themselves,” Vanderbeken said. “He's ‘The Mayor' here for a reason. Everybody loves him. He'll put fans back in the stadium and they can be excited again. I'm looking forward to working with him.”

Bubu Palo got to know Hoiberg some while he was at Ames High School.

Palo, who redshirted last season, was the starting point guard on the first of Ames' back-to-back state title-winning teams of 2009 and 2010. Hoiberg was a member of the Little Cyclones' last state championship team in 1991.

“The thought of having Fred, who talked to us at the state championship last year and all the support he showed me at Ames High, to have him as our head coach is just unbelievable,” Palo said.

Incoming recruits Melvin Ejim, DeMarcus Phillips, Jordan Railey and Eric McKnight have told him they will honor their signed letters of intent.

“We are really excited about them continuing to believe in the vision and being here,” Otzelberger said.

The rest of the players aren't going anywhere either.

Since ISU's season ended last month, four players with eligibility remaining have left the program.

“Everybody said they were staying put,” Otzelberger said.