The fans in Ames, Iowa, can relax now. The Cyclones have found their replacement for The Mayor, Fred Hoiberg. Steve Prohm comes over from Murray State, where he led the Racers to great success over his four years as head coach.
Murray State played at a good, up-tempo pace on offense under Prohm, creating a lot of fan interest. I had one of my favorite moments in recent years calling a Murray State home game. It was back in 2012, and Saint Mary's and Murray State were both ranked. Matthew Dellavedova, who has been a major factor in this year's NBA Finals, played for the Gaels.
Murray State pulled away and won easily. The enthusiasm and energy was really special, and it was so much fun to be part of the hysteria there.
Prohm had some outstanding players in his Ohio Valley Conference days, like Isaiah Canaan and Cameron Payne. Now he inherits an Iowa State team that has loads of talent, led by Georges Niang. Iowa State has the ability to be a top 10 team and challenge Kansas in the Big 12.
They have great personnel coming back with Monte Morris, Jameel McKay, Naz Long and Niang, plus transfers Deonte Burton and Hallice Cooke becoming eligible.
Iowa State's players will enjoy playing that style of basketball. Murray State averaged just under 80 PPG last season, so the scheme should be similar to Hoiberg's time in Ames.
For Prohm, let's face it, there will be pressure. The paycheck will be a lot bigger. As a coach, he wants to succeed. He is a fierce competitor.
He tried to get the job at his alma mater, Alabama, but that didn't work out. Now he is in good shape at a marquee program with four straight NCAA berths and a fifth likely this season.
Ames has Hilton Magic, and I know that place will be rocking and rolling, baby!
Iowa State fans expect success, success, success. It will be interesting to see what transpires with Prohm taking over the Cyclones.