With his Iowa State Cyclones set to play UConn in the Sweet 16 on Friday, Fred Hoiberg's coaching future is likely on the back-burner at the moment, but that doesn't mean his name isn't generating buzz in NBA circles.
With Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Rick Adelman expected to step down at season's end, ESPN's Mark Stein is reporting that Hoiberg, who has connections to the organization as a former player and executive, has peaked the interest of his former employer.
"Widely regarded as the most NBA-ready college coach in the game, Hoiberg was a Wolves executive for four years before leaving the pros to coach the Cyclones. It should be noted that Saunders is close with Michigan State's Tom Izzo, as well, but the rumbles out of Sota are getting louder that the Wolves are going to court Hoiberg hard if they, as expected, have an opening."
Taking over a Cyclones team that hadn't sported a winning record within their conference in five seasons, Hoiberg has managed a 66% winning percentage and appeared in three-consecutive NCAA tournaments in four years coaching his alma mater.
He won just three Big 12 games in his first year, but seemingly provided the program legitimacy overnight, amassing 34 wins against conference foes over the next three seasons combined.
