Iowa State men’s basketball: Will Craig Robinson firing affect Hallice Cooke transfer?

Over the week, former Oregon State guard Hallice Cooke visited Iowa State as he continues to search for the next school to play at. But will his school dismissing head coach Craig Robinson affect his potential transfer?

Mar 12, 2014; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Oregon State Beavers head coach Craig Robinson instructs against the Oregon Ducks during the second half in the first round of the Pac-12 Conference Tournament at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The Ducks defeated the Beavers 88-74. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

News broke out that Oregon State fired Robinson late on Sunday. Various outlets, including Sports Illustrated, reported the firing early today and considered the move shocking.

"The biggest surprise of the firing of Robinson, the brother-in-law of President Barack Obama, comes with the timing. Oregon State’s season ended six weeks ago with a loss to Radford in the CBI and Robinson had reportedly received support from Oregon State’s administration. Robinson has three more years remaining on this contract and the university is expected to owe him more than $4 million."

Robinson finished with a 95-104 record after six seasons. The team didn’t didn’t make the NCAA tournament under his tenure, and they didn’t under after six seasons under former head coach Jay John, who went 72-97 after five and a half seasons.

There’s no word yet on whether the firing will affect Cooke’s transfer, but him making the move out could be one of the many reasons why Robinson is out to begin with. I wouldn’t expect any change on Cooke’s part as he seems pretty set to join a team that can get to the NCAA tournament. It’s doubtful that Oregon State will make it anytime soon having to now replace a head coach along with all five of their top scorers from last season.

According to Cyclone Fanatic, Cooke didn’t commit to Iowa State but came away with “a good experience” after meeting Iowa State head coach Fred Hoiberg. St. Joseph’s, Dayton, Rutgers, and Creighton are other schools of interest on his list.