Cyclones players display support for Hoiberg in wake of move to Chicago

Chat conversations and iPhone messaging groups between members of the Iowa State men's basketball team were set up long ago. They, perhaps, were not used any more than they have been in the last several weeks.

Rumors swirled in and out of the ears of the Cyclones about Fred Hoiberg's future in Ames before he ultimately accepted the job to coach the Chicago Bulls this week. As Hoiberg recovered from his second heart surgery—conducted on April 17—he tried to stay as honest and as in contact with the Iowa State players as he could.

'From the very get-go when the rumors and stuff started to spread around I kind of stayed away from that until I heard final confirmation from Coach himself,' said Naz Long.

Hoiberg finally discussed the reality of the situation with his ISU players Sunday afternoon. Some Cyclones haven't returned for summer classes and workouts, but the former Iowa State coach spoke to those he could in person and called those that were out of town and said he would finalize a deal with the Bulls on Monday.

'He was calling and basically letting us know what was going on, but he was very good at communicating before that,' said Georges Niang, who is scheduled to return to Ames by Friday. 'Before we all left, he sat us down in his office one at a time and said, 'There's a chance I'll be back and there's a chance I wont.''

Long was the only player to speak with reporters in person on Tuesday, but sported a black Chicago Bulls billed-cap and spoke positively of Hoiberg's move. Although there might have been a sad moment initially, the mood of the team didn't stay that way for long.

'Coach Fred has left a mark on this school that will never be forgotten,' Long said. 'I'm not the only guy on this team that thinks that and I know for a fact our whole team is supportive. The Bulls just got 14 more fans and we're excited for him and can't wait to see him do great things next year. It's going to be awesome to see him on the sideline with the Bulls.'

Iowa State players across the board have taken to social media expressing their support for Hoiberg's decision:

I'm happy for this guy! What you've done for the university the last 5 years was amazing! Love you pal.

—Monte Morris

It was an honor playing for you @ISUMayor32 now it's time to take the winning culture u built here and take it to a whole other level next year

—Jameel McKay

Niang and Long, both seniors-to-be, also expressed gratitude when they were asked how much the support of ISU assistant coach T.J. Otzelberger has meant since his return from Washington. The support of coaches, teammates and the idea of being a top-10 team in the preseason have all helped in the beginning of this transition.

'Coach Hoiberg was like a dad to us and your dad is getting a raise,' Niang said. 'He's leaving, but it's never like he'll leave. I know he'll always be in contact with us whenever he can. We're all just super excited for him. We all had our moments where we're like, 'Wow I can't believe he's leaving,' but at the end of the day it's a business and we're really excited for the opportunity he has.'

In Hoiberg's introductory press conference in Chicago, he said the hardest part about leaving Iowa State was leaving his players. Although the speculation and rumor mill was exhausting at times, Hoiberg added he was proud to see how closely the team stuck together and the positivity exhibited from each.

'I'm looking forward to watching that team play next year, I really am,' Hoiberg said. 'Not only as a guy that played a part in their lives, but also as an Iowa State alum. I really am truly excited to see them hopefully compete for a national championship because they certainly have the group and the toughness to get there and have that opportunity. I'm really looking forward to that.'