Once questioned, ISU's hire of Fred Hoiberg now looking genius

STILLWATER — Upon first glance, Fred Hoiberg's return to Iowa State looked like some sentimental reach at reclaiming lost glory.

A native son who went from Cyclones ball boy to Ames prep star to ISU and local legend – so popular he was dubbed “The Mayor” – Hoiberg had exactly zero job experience when he was announced as the school's 19th head coach last April.

Now the move sniffs of genius.

The Cyclones, picked for last place in a preseason polling of Big 12 coaches, enter Wednesday night's game at Oklahoma State at 14-4 overall and 1-2 in the conference, with close losses at Nebraska and home against No. 2 Kansas preceding Saturday's 72-57 home romp past Baylor. Tip time is 8 p.m. at Gallagher-Iba Arena.

After the tough losses to open league play, ISU broke through for its first league win on Saturday, running away from Baylor 72-57.

“I want to make (athletic director) Jamie Pollard look like he made a great hire,” Hoiberg said recently. “I want to make the people in the community proud of this basketball program.”

It's working.

The Cyclones haven't won more than 16 games since their last NCAA Tournament appearance in 2005, finishing with losing seasons each of the past four seasons. And when Greg McDermott left for Creighton after four losing seasons, ISU needed a jolt.

Enter Hoiberg, who played 10 years in the NBA and spent four years in the front office of the Minnesota Timberwolves, yet never coached.

Experience, at least in Hoiberg's case, is apparently overrated, although he was smart enough to surround himself with veteran help, including former Cyclone great Jeff Grayer and the program's lead recruiter of the past several years, J.T. Otzelberger. Hoiberg also brought in Bobby Lutz, the former head coach at North Carolina-Charlotte, to guide him through the day-to-day planning.

Despite losing stars Craig Brackins and Marquis Gilstrap and dealing with a thin roster, Hoiberg has the Cyclones among the season's surprises, both in the Big 12 and nationally.

“Unbelievable job,” said OSU coach Travis Ford. “Great job.”

All five Cyclones starters average at least 10 points per game, led by veteran point guard Diante Garrett's 17.6 average. That's partly the product of an up-tempo offense that features frequent 3-pointers. The Cyclones lead the Big 12 in 3-pointers attempted and 3-point percentage (39.0).

The lack of depth could become a problem. The starters are playing major minutes and an injury of any sort could cripple the club, although Hoiberg is doing his best to take precautions.

“It's very rare that we go over an hour in practice,” Hoiberg said.

Help is on the way for next season, with five Division I transfers sitting out and waiting in the wings.

Not that there's anything wrong with the present.

“They beat Baylor pretty good the other night,” said Cowboys guard Keiton Page. “They're just as strong as any other team in the Big 12 right now, so we are going to have to come to play.”