I am thinking there are only two names on the list of Iowa State basketball legends that are worthy of the highest recognition. I am talking about having a court or coliseum named after you, or worthy of a statue that stands forever. There are only two people that pop to mind and that is Gary Thompson and Johnny Orr. Johnny already has a sports bar named after him and a statue that was unveiled at that same time, so his inclusion is not debatable. The only other person I could think of was Gary Thompson. Gary was a 1st team All-American, but Gary has continued to support the program and attend games throughout his entire life. Gary has been recognized as Cy's Favorite Alum and maybe that is good enough. The fact he was only a player for Iowa State may not be enough to warrant a statue or naming something after him.
Fred Hoiberg was well on his way to surpassing Johnny Orr as the biggest legend in Iowa State history. Fred could be our Norm Stewart if he stuck around. Norm spent most of his life playing or coaching at Missouri and he now has the court named in his honor. Fred could be that guy for Iowa State, but if he leaves he will be giving that up. I wonder if Fred even thinks about these things. If Fred lives to be 90, and he looks back on his life, would it mean more to have been in the NBA and won a championship, or to have become the greatest legend in Iowa State history along with whatever great recognition will come from that. It seems like an easy choice to me.
Fred Hoiberg was well on his way to surpassing Johnny Orr as the biggest legend in Iowa State history. Fred could be our Norm Stewart if he stuck around. Norm spent most of his life playing or coaching at Missouri and he now has the court named in his honor. Fred could be that guy for Iowa State, but if he leaves he will be giving that up. I wonder if Fred even thinks about these things. If Fred lives to be 90, and he looks back on his life, would it mean more to have been in the NBA and won a championship, or to have become the greatest legend in Iowa State history along with whatever great recognition will come from that. It seems like an easy choice to me.
