Iowa State men’s basketball: Fred Hoiberg highlights at Big 12 Media Day

Missed what Iowa State head coach Fred Hoiberg said when he was at the podium during the Big 12 Hoops Media Day in Kansas City, Missouri? Don’t worry, we have the highlights right here.

Oct 22, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Iowa State Cyclones head coach Fred Hoiberg answers questions during the Big 12 media day at Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

On the strengths of the frontcourt:

"“We’ve got two great players coming back in our front court in Georges Niang and Melvin Ejim. Both have added elements to their game, which I think will make them a difficult duo to guard, especially when you can pull other teams big players away from the basket. I think that’s a great luxury to have on the offensive end of the floor when you have two versatile players like we do in our front court.”"

What the addition of DeAndre Kane means:

"“DeAndre Kane was a very important addition for us, kind of a combo guard is what he will be for us. He’s a very versatile player again, which fits how we play. 6’4″, 210 pounds. You can use him in a lot of different ways. You can post him up against smaller defenders where he’s a very good play maker.”"

How the freshmen are coming along:

"“Matt Thomas is shooting the heck out of the ball right now, and Monte Morris has been very steady and will play for us at some back-up point. Assist-to-turnover ratio has been excellent in all the things that we have done statistically-wise early on in practice.”"

How the turnover troubles differ with Kane than with Korie Lucious:

"“DeAndre’s assist-to-turnover ratio has been very good. In fact, that’s an area I think we’re a little ahead with this year’s team than we were in the past.”"

On freshman Monte Morris being a pure point guard:

"“…Monte’s first thought is to go out and get everybody else involved. So I think he’s got that point guard mentality.”"

What he used as motivation for the team entering into the season:

"“The one guy I showed our team is the guy from USA Today that ranked us 10th. That is the one ranking I showed our guys. That is the thing that I like being picked low, and then you try to go out to prove people wrong.”"

On Niang’s physical improvement:

"“…The biggest thing you’ll notice in George is he’s a lot tighter than he was a year ago. Came in with some baby fat. Wasn’t able to play for long stretches like we would have needed him to or we’d have liked him to play. When George gets tired, that’s when he’ll commit a foul that he shouldn’t do because he gets a little mentally fatigued as well out there. He’s in much better shape right now than he was a year ago.”"

On what the Cyclones are working on to become a faster team:

"“One thing we’re trying to incorporate more is driving the ball to create some hand checks and get into the bonus faster where you can get three points at the free-throw line. Then, I think the fast teams, the teams that really get up and down, will also be able to score better.”"

Hoiberg’s full transcript can be found at Iowa State’s Scout recruiting website.