Nearly six years ago a former NBA Assistant GM came to Ames to coach his alma mater. His opening press conference spoke of the mentors he had over the years and how he had every NBA GM on speed dial. Early on in his tenure, he spoke of establishing his culture and how his biggest mentor, Johnny Orr, had told him to establish what he wanted his program to be from day one.
From the onset it was apparent that Fred Hoiberg was going to coach the up-tempo, exciting brand of basketball that Orr was known for in Ames and that he was going to be a safe haven for transfers who needed a new place to play.