(Chicago, IL) – When Iowa State and Virginia tip off their Sweet Sixteen game tonight at United Center, both head coaches will be building on experiences they’ve had in the Windy City.
Iowa State Head Coach Steve Prohm replaced current Chicago Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg this past off season. Prohm’s entire family is from the Chicago area despite the fact that he was born ironically in Virginia.
Most of the current Cyclones were recruited and trained under Hoiberg, so getting to play here in Chicago, had provided an opportunity for a reunion of sorts for the entire team.
Prohm says Hoiberg has been a big help this season, and it has been ‘a blessing’ to connect with the former ISU coach.
Iowa State (23-11) is led by two-time all-American forward Georges Niang.
Virginia head coach Tony Bennett had a short playing career in the National Basketball Association with the Charlotte Hornets. With his father, Dick Bennett coaching in the Wisconsin, Bennett grew up admiring what the Bulls achieved while Michael Jordan starred at the old Chicago Stadium and at the current United Center.
Bennett says he completely flubbed the chance to have a memorable keep-sake of one of the first games he played against the legendary Jordan.
The Cavaliers (28-7) are led by all-American, and ACC Player of the Year, Malcolm Brogdon.
The two teams tip at 6:10 p.m. (CT) and can be seen on CBS.
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As we near the closing of the portal window, we've reached 1900. Some of them never to play college basketball again, earn a college degree and some to play at a much lower level than they did last season.
I guess we'll be seeing this in a @RacersHoops uniform this year. Glad AJ is staying in the @ValleyHoops.
