Fred Hoiberg is nicknamed The Mayor. The nickname is one I used for my guy Kappy back in the day. It signals a guy that knows everyone somehow, someway. During his time at Iowa State, Hoiberg made a name for himself by creating a transfer pipeline through Wisconsin. The names are long with Korie Lucious, Deonte Burton, Scottie Christopherson. He also had himself a high school pipeline with guys like Diante Garrett and Matt Thomas. He landed his first big fish from Wisconsin with Kobe King. The Badgers forward announced that he will be transferring to the Cornhuskers for the final two years.

Source: Wisconsin transfer Kobe King just verbally committed to Nebraska. Has two years of eligibility remaining.

— Evan Daniels (@EvanDaniels) February 26, 2020

Some might think this is a step down for King. That is true with how Nebraska hasn’t been successful as a hoops program. But it is inaccurate when you look at Hoiberg’s success with getting players to the NBA. Currently, Hoiberg has six players that he coached in college for some time. Additionally, Hoiberg coached and played in the NBA, therefore, he provides some real-life experience for the now-Cornhuskers forward. There has to be some appeal there for King.

It is interesting to see what will occur when it comes to King’s transfer request. He will apply to play immediately. That doesn’t shock me. Why wouldn’t you do that if the NCAA makes it available to you? Hell, Joey Hauser tried to do it at Michigan State, and there was absolutely no reason to submit it. We’ll see what the NCAA because as we all know, they can be utterly unpredictable.

King’s return to Madison will be a must-see whenever it happens. Not sure how the Big Ten schedule process works with 20 games now, but they’ll meet next year yet who knows when he’ll come back to the Kohl Center.

Charlie.