When Fred Hoiberg returned home to Ames in the spring of 2010, he brought with him a renewed hope for ISU men’s basketball.

“The Mayor,” as he is affectionately known by ISU fans and around Ames, returned to his hometown and alma mater for the 2010-2011 season. Led by senior Diante Garrett, the team struggled to a 3-13 record in Big 12 play, finished 16-16 overall and got bounced in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament.

A disappointing season, sure, but nonetheless, excitement is high heading into Hoiberg’s second season as the Cyclones’ head man.

The team will add four transfer players — Chris Allen, Chris Babb, Anthony Booker and Royce White, all of whom sat out last season due to NCAA rules — as well as freshman Tavon Sledge, one of the nation’s top basketball prospects. Returning are Scott Christopherson — one of the country’s top 3-point shooters — and Melvin Ejim, who was one of the Big 12’s best freshmen last season.

Replacing Garrett — the school’s all-time leader in games played and holder of the school’s second-best career assist total — will be a challenge for Hoiberg, as will integrating the four transfer players. The team will take a trip to Europe this summer to practice together and try to come together as a team.

The 2011-2012 season will likely open the first week of November with exhibition games, although no schedule has been announced. Tickets will be available through cyclones.com.